General role description

Principal Investigators (PIs) are senior clinicians responsible for leading clinical trials at a specific hospital, clinic, or research site. They make sure the trial is carried out safely, ethically, and according to the approved trial protocol.

PIs oversee the study team, which might include other doctors, research nurses, and coordinators, and ensure that participants receive the right care.

Although PIs usually work for a health service, they often run trials in partnership with pharmaceutical companies, medical device companies, or contract research organisations (CROs) who sponsor the research.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the clinical trial at the site and make sure it follows all ethical and regulatory approvals
• Supervise the trial team, including research nurses and other investigators
• Support participants throughout the trial and provide care for any trial-related side effects
• Make sure consent is obtained properly and kept up to date
• Report any serious side effects, changes to the study, or safety issues
• Work closely with sponsors, CROs, and the local research office
• Keep clear and accurate records of all study activities
• Support good research practices and mentor others involved in the trial.