Recruiter's Glossary

Examples: Double-Blind • Phase IV • CTMS

Study Timeline

Term from Clinical Trials industry explained for recruiters

A Study Timeline is a detailed planning tool used in clinical trials to map out when different activities happen during a medical research study. It helps teams track everything from when they'll start recruiting patients to when they'll analyze the final results. Think of it like a roadmap that shows everyone involved - doctors, nurses, coordinators - what needs to happen and when. People working in clinical trials often call this a "Clinical Trial Timeline" or "Protocol Timeline" too. It's a crucial document that helps keep studies on schedule and within budget.

Examples in Resumes

Created and managed Study Timeline for Phase III diabetes drug trial involving 500 patients

Improved efficiency by restructuring Study Timeline and Clinical Trial Timeline tracking methods

Supervised multiple projects using Protocol Timeline management techniques

Developed Study Timeline templates that reduced planning time by 40%

Typical job title: "Clinical Trial Managers"

Also try searching for:

Clinical Research Coordinator Clinical Project Manager Clinical Trial Leader Study Manager Clinical Operations Manager Research Project Manager Clinical Research Manager

Where to Find Clinical Trial Managers

Professional Organizations

Online Communities

Job Boards

Example Interview Questions

Senior Level Questions

Q: How would you handle a significant delay in patient recruitment that threatens the study timeline?

Expected Answer: A senior manager should discuss strategies like reviewing recruitment methods, adding study sites, adjusting inclusion criteria if possible, and implementing corrective action plans while maintaining communication with sponsors and stakeholders.

Q: How do you create realistic timelines for complex multi-site studies?

Expected Answer: Should explain considering factors like site activation times, seasonal enrollment patterns, regulatory approval timeframes, and building in buffer time for unexpected delays.

Mid Level Questions

Q: What key milestones would you include in a study timeline?

Expected Answer: Should mention protocol approval, site selection, patient recruitment start and end dates, treatment periods, follow-up visits, database lock, and final report completion.

Q: How do you track progress against the study timeline?

Expected Answer: Should discuss using project management tools, regular team meetings, milestone tracking, and methods for identifying and addressing potential delays early.

Junior Level Questions

Q: What tools do you use to create and manage study timelines?

Expected Answer: Should be familiar with basic project management software like Microsoft Project, Excel, or similar tools used for timeline creation and tracking.

Q: How do you communicate timeline updates to team members?

Expected Answer: Should discuss regular status meetings, written updates, and using visual timeline tools to keep all team members informed of progress and changes.