Contract Research Organisations

There are some tasks that many pharmaceutical, agrochemical, food or chemical companies no longer choose to undertake and others that they lack the in-house resources or expertise to perform. These tasks are usually sub-contracted to specialist organisations which may be independent companies or university departments. As many of the tasks involve a significant pathology element, veterinary pathologists are routinely employed in these contract research organisations (CRO).

Oncogenicity studies

Large studies to investigate the potential of a compound to induce tumours are now mainly conducted in CRO. This work requires care, patience and experience to perform efficiently and thoroughly. The range of pathology findings is much greater than in short term studies and many pathologists find this kind of work the most interesting and challenging. As these studies occur at the end of the development process, the results are usually required in a short time frame and they are often pivotal to the continuation of a project that has already consumed many millions of pounds.

Special study types

Intravenous infusion, inhalation, and studies with non-human primates or pigs (as well as oncogenicity studies in rodents) are just a few of the specialities that are often beyond the scope of even the larger pharmaceutical companies.

High workload

The workload is characterised by high throughput with a wide variety of compounds from all sectors of industry. Although there may be less opportunity to specialise in the investigation of a particular class of compound, the range of experience gained is very wide. Pathologists who have spent part of their career in a CRO often gain experience that would take ten times longer in a specialised sector of the industry. The benefits of developing consistency, speed and accuracy in the basic diagnostic skills should not be underestimated.

Career development

The general progression is from junior pathologist, staff pathologist, senior pathologist to head of department. Beyond that it is possible to follow a more administrative role as Director of Pathology or Director of Pathology and Toxicology at Board level.

The content of this site is intended as a guide to interested parties and is accurate to the best of our belief at the time of compilation.

No liability can be accepted for information that may subsequently prove to be inaccurate.

You are advised that you connect to linked sites referenced here at your own risk and we cannot be held responsible for the content of other sites.

Each menu item may contain important information.

You can also click on the sub-menu items for more detail.