CRA Consultant

Over the years we have represented an extremely large number of CRA Consultants. Because of this experience, we have gained significant insight into the pros and cons of being an independent CRA consultant.  After all, choosing between independent consulting and being an employee is an important decision, as moving into consulting isn’t for everyone.  

Since the decision to move into a CRA consultant role shouldn’t be made lightly, we have pulled together some thoughts for you to consider. Our goal is to arm you with enough information so that you can make the decision that will be best for you and your loved ones.  

Work/Life Balance  

Assumption: Becoming a CRA consultant will enable me to maintain a better work/life balance.  

Reality: Like to be off on Fridays?  Want to be able to select which Sponsor and/or Project to work on?  Want to explore a different therapeutic or indication? Prefer to be part time in order to catch the kiddo’s soccer matches?

While being an independent consultant does offer flexibility in terms of schedule and assignments, the reality is that for many independent clinical research consultants, maintaining a work-life balance can become blurred.  

Solution:  Ensure you have established some level of structure such as a defined, but ‘loose’, work schedule.  Having such an established ‘loose’ work schedule will make you feel like you have permission to take time off and enable you to set boundaries in order to protect yourself from overcommitting.  

You will also want to set aside time to actually run your business. Don’t underestimate how much time the administrative, financial and marketing tasks take.  Even if you hire someone to take care of the books and administration, it is still important to have set times where you are networking for new contract CRA positions and performing other tasks required to grow your business. 

Job Security

Assumption: Permanent employment means higher job security

Reality:  Absolutely.Not.True.  While you may not have a ‘set end date’ like CRA consultants do, permanent employment doesn’t translate to job security.

Today’s market is volatile, with large quantities of companies being acquired, undergoing a merger or business model change…or unfortunately, completely shutting down. 

Being laid off, having your hours reduced or having to face that your benefits have been dropped, is the new reality. The bottom line is that you are not in control when you are employed by someone else. 

Solution: Explore. Often an independent clinical research consultant will earn more and we can help you do the math so you can decide if becoming a contract CRA is best for you. What do you have to lose by having a discussion with one of our Clinical Recruiters?  

Benefits 

Assumption: But what about benefits? Don’t I lose my benefits as a CRA consultant?

Reality: Benefits aren’t a problem. In today’s market, we are seeing companies dropping or reducing benefits, so being a permanent employee doesn’t guarantee you will receive them. Additionally, we have found that permanent positions don’t always offer the best benefits; the reality is that employees often don’t have great choices when considering what benefits their employer is providing.  

Solution: You can still get the benefits you want, and the ones that best fit you and your family’s needs.  Often the third-party company you are contracting with will offer benefit packages; but even as an independent clinical research consultant it is extremely easy to cover yourself and your family through your own company.  Your contract CRA hourly rate should reflect the cost of your benefits and the value-add is that you will be able to customize your benefits program to better fit your personal situation.  

Financial Stability

Assumption: Independent clinical research consultants have an irregular pay schedule, meaning less financial stability.

Reality: Irregular pay schedules should only happen if you have engaged with the wrong recruitment agency.  

Solution: Check the reputation of the recruitment agency you have chosen to work with. Ask for references if you are unfamiliar with the agency’s brand.  Ensure you enter into a clinical research consultant agreement which a) defines the payment timeline and process and b) has ‘teeth’ in the agreement for non-payment.  

Also be sure to select an agency that always has contract CRA positions available so that you can work at your desired utilization level.  

Retirement   

Assumption: Independent CRAs must invest in their own retirement as well as withhold their own federal, state, and local taxes.  

Reality: This is a true assumption, but it isn’t a bad thing.  

Solution: Robert Kiyosaki quotes ‘It’s not how much money you make, but how much money you keep…’  As an independent consultant, you can write off everything considered to be a business expense. This can include non-reimbursed travel expenses, home office equipment and supplies, home office space, internet and telephone services, health insurance for your family, etc.  

So yes, you do have to withhold your own taxes, but this doesn’t mean you pay more taxes. Actually, due to your new business deductions, you should expect to pay less.  

Along those same lines, it is extremely easy to set up your own retirement plans. Establishing a 401k or Defined Benefit program will not only prepare you for the future, but will also further reduce your current tax burden.  

The Real Answer

Assumption: I can earn more money as a CRA consultant.

Reality: Absolutely true.  

Solution: Typically, independent consultants can earn higher hourly rates because the company engaging the consultant will incur less overhead and burden costs than if they hired a perm. 

The other earnings benefit: you are paid for every hour you work. This can be a draw back too, as you no longer have paid time off.  However, if you are organized and have a strong relationship with a reputable recruitment agency, you will be able to stay at your desired utilization level while likely earning more money than you did as a perm. 

Imagine, making it to the kiddo’s soccer matches while earning more…hmmm. 

In a Nutshell

As you can see, there are plenty of benefits as well as drawbacks to being an independent clinical research professional.  In order to make the right decision, evaluate what’s most important to you in terms of both your professional and personal lives. And, if you have questions?  Ask the team here, and we will be happy to help.