Senior Researcher
Scientific · Academia
Leads pharmacovigilance research within an academic setting.
Also known as: Senior Research Specialist, Research Associate
This competency standard is a working draft prepared for reviewand is not yet an official GPPC standard. Content is derived from the role’s job description and established pharmacovigilance practice, and is subject to change.
Job description
- Plan and implement operations to achieve the highest quality and scientific level within the responsible research department.
- Review and author academic publications, study protocols, and reports.
- Consult medical and regulatory affairs.
- Mentor safety advisers regarding time management and quality performance.
- Participate at internal and public meetings, seminars, and university-level courses.
- Serve as a safety representative in communications with the regulatory authorities
- Develop and deliver relevant training.
Overall required level: Intermediate.Draft competency standard for the Senior Researcher role. As a scientific role, intermediate-to-expert command of the relevant scientific domain and its regulatory context is expected. Levels are an initial proposal derived from the role's job description and typical pharmacovigilance practice, pending expert review.
Prerequisites
Mandatory prerequisites
- →University degree in medicine, pharmacy, life sciences or a related discipline
- →Relevant pharmacovigilance experience appropriate to the role
Recommendations
- →Working proficiency in English
- →Familiarity with the applicable GVP modules
Concept of levels
Knowledge for each topic is assessed on a four-level scale.
| Level | Expected knowledge |
|---|---|
| N/A | No knowledge required. |
| Basic | Elementary knowledge of the specific regulation; fundamental understanding of the terms and definitions used, a basic understanding of the concept of the regulation, a general overview of what it covers and where it can be found; passive/delegated usage of the regulation. |
| Intermediate | Very good knowledge of the specific regulation; comprehensive understanding of the terms and definitions and of the concept and context of who/when/where/why/how it applies; active usage of the regulation when required. |
| Expert | Excellent knowledge of the specific regulation; in-depth understanding of the concept and of how and why its sections should be implemented and followed, including outcomes and responsibilities for all relevant stakeholders; active usage of the regulation on a daily basis. |
Knowledge
General Knowledge
| Topic | Level |
|---|---|
| Pharmacovigilance principles and Good Pharmacovigilance Practices (GVP) overviewRef: EMA GVP Module I — Pharmacovigilance systems and their quality systems; EU Reg (EC) 726/2004 & Dir 2001/83/EC | Intermediate |
| The pharmacovigilance system and Pharmacovigilance System Master File (PSMF)Ref: EMA GVP Module II — Pharmacovigilance system master file (Rev 2) | Intermediate |
| Individual case safety report (ICSR) management and regulatory reporting timelinesRef: EMA GVP Module VI (Rev 2); ICH E2D(R1); ICH E2B(R3) | Intermediate |
Role-Specific Knowledge
Includes topics derived from this role's job description.
| Topic | Level |
|---|---|
| PV curriculum and educational methodsRef: WHO Pharmacovigilance Core Curriculum for University Teaching | Expert |
| Pharmacovigilance science and research methodology | Intermediate |
| Regulatory framework and GVP overviewRef: EMA GVP Module I — Pharmacovigilance systems and their quality systems | Intermediate |
| Scientific writing and publication | Intermediate |
| Training, education and capacity buildingRef: WHO Pharmacovigilance Core Curriculum for University Teaching | Basic |
Knowledge · Skills · Attitude
A summary of the competency elements expected for this role.
| Element | Knowledge | Skills | Attitude |
|---|---|---|---|
| Teaching |
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| Research |
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| Dissemination |
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Get certified for this role
Certification validates prerequisites via CV screening and assesses knowledge through an online, AI-proctored examination based on the competency standard. The latest terms and requirements for every role and region are maintained by the Institute of Pharmacovigilance.
