18 months
Structured program
Full-Time
Paid role from day 1
Structured career
Pathway to CRA role
Coaching & Mentoring
throughout the program
Built for early careers, designed for lasting impact
Novotech's CRA Graduate Program is a structured 18-month pathway into clinical research — combining rigorous foundational training with real-world experience across some of the world's most important biotech trials. This program gives you the skills, knowledge, and professional network to enter that role with confidence completing an 8-week foundational training program, then stepping into real trials supported by a dedicated mentor and coach for your full 18 months.
Clinical Research Associates are the backbone of successful clinical trials. They are the vital link between Novotech, our clinical sites, and the patients participating in the studies that bring new therapies to life.
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Australia
Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth
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China
Shanghai, Beijing and Guangzhou
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Europe
Multiple countries across Europe
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United States
Multiple locations across the US
Your first 18 months at Novotech
A structured progression from foundational learning to independent practice with support at every stage.
This program gives you the skills, knowledge, and professional network to enter that role with confidence completing an 8-week foundational training program, then stepping into real trials supported by a dedicated mentor and coach for your full 18 months.
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PHASE 1 - WEEKS 1-8
Foundational Training
A structured 8-week training program covering all the core knowledge and skills you need to step into a CRA role. You will learn in a cohort alongside peers from your intake, with instruction from experienced Novotech CRAs and clinical operations leaders.
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PHASE 1 - WEEKS 1-8
Activities include:
- ICH-GCP Principles
- Clinical Trial Fundamentals
- Site Monitoring Basics
- Ethics & Regulatory Frameworks
- Novotech Systems & Processes
- Cohort Learning Community
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PHASE 2 - MONTHS 3-6
On-the-Job Integration
You are placed directly onto Novotech clinical trial projects, alongside a Senior CRA to learn in a real-life setting. You will be supported by a Program Mentor providing weekly check-ins, and direct Manager to support your professional development and goal setting.
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PHASE 2 - MONTHS 3-6
Activities include:
- Site Initiation Visits
- Monitoring Visits (with Senior CRA)
- Weekly Mentor Check-ins
- Development Goal Setting
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PHASE 3 - MONTHS 7-15
Growing Independence
With a solid foundation in place, you take on increasing responsibility across your assigned studies. You begin conducting independent monitoring visits, managing site relationships, and contributing to clinical operations outcomes with targeted coaching support.
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PHASE 3 - MONTHS 7-15
Activities include:
- Independent Monitoring Visits
- Site Relationship Management
- Protocol Compliance
- Ongoing Coaching
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PHASE 4 - MONTHS 16-18
CRA Readiness & Completion
In your final six months you operate as a fully contributing CRA, managing your portfolio of sites with confidence. A formal competency review at Month 18 confirms your readiness to transition to a permanent CRA role at Novotech.
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PHASE 4 - MONTHS 16-18
Activities include:
- Full CRA Responsibilities
- Multi-Site Portfolio
- Competency Review
- CRA Placement Confirmation
Preparing you for your future career
From the completion of the training block, you are a working member of the Novotech team: learning and contributing at the same time.
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Site Monitoring & Management
Conduct and document Pre-Study, Site Initiation, and Monitoring visits to ensure clinical sites operate in compliance with protocol, GCP, and applicable regulatory requirements.
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Investigator Site Relationships
Build and maintain effective working relationships with principal investigators, site coordinators, and site staff — acting as the primary Novotech contact throughout the trial.
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Data Integrity & Query Resolution
Review source documents, case report forms, and electronic data capture systems. Identify and follow up on data queries to ensure trial data quality and completeness.
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Regulatory & Ethics Compliance
Maintain and track essential trial documents, support regulatory submissions, and ensure sites adhere to local ethics committee and regulatory authority requirements.
Is this program right for you?
- Completed or completing a Bachelor's degree or higher in a life sciences discipline — including nursing, pharmacy, biology, biochemistry, biomedicine, or related fields.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills in English; additional language skills relevant to your chosen region are advantageous.
- Willingness and ability to travel to clinical sites within your assigned region as required by the role.
- 0–3 years of professional experience — designed for recent graduates and early-career professionals, not experienced CRAs.
- Eligible to work in your chosen program location without visa sponsorship requirements.
- High attention to detail, strong organisational skills, and a genuine interest in how clinical trials bring new medicines to patients.
Our recruitment process
A straightforward, respectful process designed to find the right people — not to trip you up.
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Step 1
Apply Online
Submit your CV and a short cover note via the Novotech careers site.
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Step 2
Application Review
Our talent team reviews all applications within 2 weeks of closing.
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Step 3
Video Interview
A short structured video interview with our talent acquisition team.
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Step 4
Panel Interview
An interview with a Novotech CRA leader and program coordinator.
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Step 5
Offer & Onboarding
Successful candidates receive an offer and begin onboarding for their intake cohort.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need prior clinical research experience to apply?
No. This program is designed for people new to clinical research. A life sciences degree is required, but prior CRA, CTA, or clinical trial experience is not needed. Relevant internships, placements, or research projects are helpful but not essential.
Is this a full-time paid role?
Yes. You join as a full-time Novotech employee on an 18-month fixed-term graduate program contract. You receive a competitive salary and full employee benefits. After successful completion, you may be offered a permanent CRA position.
When does the 2026 intake begin?
The 2026 intake start dates will be confirmed in regional job postings. Applications are expected to open in early 2026, with cohorts starting mid-2026. Follow Novotech or join the talent community for updates.
How much travel is involved?
CRA roles involve regular travel to clinical sites within your region. During the first 8 weeks, travel is minimal. From Month 3 onward, travel aligns with standard CRA responsibilities and varies by region and study requirements.
Can I apply to more than one location?
You may apply to any location where you have the right to work. However, we recommend applying only to your intended base location, as roles are regional and relocation support is not included by default.
What happens at the end of the 18 months?
Graduates who successfully complete the program and pass the Month 18 competency review are offered a permanent Clinical Research Associate II position with Novotech.