Clinical Research Assistant Jobs in District of Columbia
Clinical Research Assistant jobs in District of Columbia concentrate in federally funded biomedical research, government health agencies, and academic medical centers, with demand at every level from entry-level research coordinators to experienced clinical study specialists. The greatest volume of hiring is in Washington DC proper, where anchor institutions like the National Institutes of Health, Georgetown University Medical Center, and George Washington University Hospital maintain ongoing research programs. The most sought-after specialties in the District are oncology trials, infectious disease studies, and regulatory affairs support. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Showing 4 of 9+ Clinical Research Assistant jobs
Work Schedule
Standard (Mon-Fri)Environmental Conditions
OfficeJob Description
Join us as a Clinical Research Associate II/Sr. Clinical Research Associate I- Make an impact at the Forefront of Innovation. We have successfully supported the top 50 pharmaceutical companies and more than 750 biotechs, spanning 2,700 clinical trials across 100+ countries in the last 5 years.
As part of the global team you'll have the opportunity to perform and coordinate all aspects of the clinical monitoring and site management process. As a Clinical Research Associate II/Sr. Clinical Research Associate I you'll conduct remote or onsite monitoring visits to assess regulatory compliance and manage required documentation. You'll manage procedures and guidelines from different sponsors and monitoring environments (i.e. FSO, FSP, Government, etc). Acting as a site process specialist, you will ensure that the trial is conducted in accordance with the approved protocol, ICH GCP guidelines, applicable regulations and SOPs to guarantee subjects' rights, well-being, and data reliability. You will ensure audit readiness and develop collaborative relationships with investigator sites. Detailed tasks and responsibilities assigned to your role are outlined in the task matrix
What You'll Do:
Monitors investigator sites with a risk-based monitoring approach: applies root Functions cause analysis (RCA), critical thinking and problem-solving skills to identify site processes failure and corrective/preventive actions to bring the site into compliance and decrease risks. Ensures data accuracy through SDR, SDV and CRF review as applicable through on-site and remote monitoring activities. Assess investigational product through physical inventory and records review. Documents observations in reports and letters in a timely manner using approved business writing standards. Escalates observed deficiencies and issues to clinical management expeditiously and follow all issues through to resolution. May need to maintain regular contact between monitoring visits with investigative sites to confirm that the protocol is being followed, that previously identified issues are being resolved and that the data is being recorded in a timely manner. Conducts monitoring tasks in accordance with the approved monitoring plan. Participates in the investigator payment process. Ensures a shared responsibility with other project team members on issues/findings resolution. Investigates and follows-up on findings as applicable.
Provides trial status tracking and progress update reports to the Clinical Team Manager (CTM) as required. Ensures study systems are updated per agreed study conventions (e.g. Clinical Trial Management System, CTMS). Performs QC check of reports generated from CTMS system where required.
Participates in investigator meetings as necessary. Identifies potential investigators in collaboration with the client company to ensure the acceptability of qualified investigative sites. Initiates clinical trial sites according to the relevant procedures to ensure compliance with the protocol and regulatory and ICH GCP obligations, making recommendations where warranted. Ensures trial close out and retrieval of trial materials.
Ensures that required essential documents are complete and in place, according to ICH-GCP and applicable regulations. Conducts on-site file reviews as per project specifications.
Contributes to the project team by assisting in preparation of project publications/tools, and sharing ideas/suggestions with team members. Performs additional study tasks as assigned by CTM (e.g. trip report review, newsletter creation, lead CRA team calls etc).
Facilitates effective communication between investigative sites, the client company and the PPD project team through written, oral and/or electronic contacts.
Responds to company, client and applicable regulatory requirements/audits/inspections. Maintains & completes administrative tasks such as expense reports and timesheets in a timely manner.
Contributes to other project work and initiatives for process improvement, as required.
Education and Experience Requirements:
Bachelor's a life sciences related field or a Registered Nurse Certification or equivalent and relevant formal academic/vocational qualification
- Required: Minimum of 1 year of oncology monitoring experience, OR minimum of 2 years of standard monitoring experience with relevant prior clinical experience (e.g., MD, RN, Study Coordinator).
- Preferred: Ideally candidates will have up to 2 years of monitoring experience, though more experienced candidates can be considered if needed
Therapeutic areas preferred-> Oncology - Respiratory (COPD, asthma, nasal polyps, etc.) & Cardiovascular.
Valid driver's license where applicable.
Candidates must live within 60 miles of the nearest major airport. 60- 80% travel is expected.
Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship.
Must be able to pass a comprehensive background check, including a drug screening.
Progressive and/or more extensive job duties and responsibilities may be expected with increasing CRA leveling.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
- Effective clinical monitoring skills
- Demonstrated understanding of medical/therapeutic area knowledge and medical terminology
- Excellent understanding and demonstrated application of ICH GCPs, applicable regulations and procedural documents
- Well-developed critical thinking skills, including but not limited to critical mindset, in-depth investigation for appropriate root cause analysis and problem solving
- Ability to manages Risk Based Monitoring concepts and processes
- Effective oral and written communication skills, with the ability to communicate effectively with medical personnel
- Ability to maintain customer focus through the utilization of good listening skills, attention to detail and the ability to perceive customers’ underlying issues
- Effective interpersonal skills
- Strong attention to detail
- Effective organizational and time management skills
- Ability to remain flexible and adaptable in a wide range of scenarios
- Ability to work in a team or independently as required
- Good computer skills: proficient knowledge of Microsoft Office and the ability to learn appropriate software
- Good English language and grammar skills
- Good presentation skills
Working Conditions and Environment:
- Work is performed in an office/ laboratory/clinical/and/or home office environment with exposure to electrical office equipment.
- Frequent drives to site locations. Frequent travel, generally 60-80% but more for some individuals.
- May also include extended overnight stays.
- Exposure to biological fluids with potential exposure to infectious organisms.
- Personal protective equipment required such as protective eyewear, garments and gloves.
- Exposure to fluctuating and/or extreme temperatures on rare occasions.
- Must be able to comply with specific sponsor/client/site requirements, even if not required by Thermo Fisher Scientific (e.g., disclosure of vaccination status, or other personal information). On some occasions, this information may be required to be provided directly to sponsor/client/site.
Compensation and Benefits
The salary range estimated for this position based in Oregon is $72,000.00–$120,000.00.This position may also be eligible to receive a variable annual bonus based on company, team, and/or individual performance results in accordance with company policy. We offer a comprehensive Total Rewards package that our U.S. colleagues and their families can count on, which includes:
A choice of national medical and dental plans, and a national vision plan, including health incentive programs
Employee assistance and family support programs, including commuter benefits and tuition reimbursement
At least 120 hours paid time off (PTO), 10 paid holidays annually, paid parental leave (3 weeks for bonding and 8 weeks for caregiver leave), accident and life insurance, and short- and long-term disability in accordance with company policy
Retirement and savings programs, such as our competitive 401(k) U.S. retirement savings plan
Employees’ Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP) offers eligible colleagues the opportunity to purchase company stock at a discount
For more information on our benefits, please visit: https://jobs.thermofisher.com/global/en/total-rewards
Work Schedule
Standard (Mon-Fri)Environmental Conditions
OfficeJob Description
Join us as a Clinical Research Associate II/Sr. Clinical Research Associate I- Make an impact at the Forefront of Innovation. We have successfully supported the top 50 pharmaceutical companies and more than 750 biotechs, spanning 2,700 clinical trials across 100+ countries in the last 5 years.
As part of the global team you'll have the opportunity to perform and coordinate all aspects of the clinical monitoring and site management process. As a Clinical Research Associate II/Sr. Clinical Research Associate I you'll conduct remote or onsite monitoring visits to assess regulatory compliance and manage required documentation. You'll manage procedures and guidelines from different sponsors and monitoring environments (i.e. FSO, FSP, Government, etc). Acting as a site process specialist, you will ensure that the trial is conducted in accordance with the approved protocol, ICH GCP guidelines, applicable regulations and SOPs to guarantee subjects' rights, well-being, and data reliability. You will ensure audit readiness and develop collaborative relationships with investigator sites. Detailed tasks and responsibilities assigned to your role are outlined in the task matrix
What You'll Do:
Monitors investigator sites with a risk-based monitoring approach: applies root Functions cause analysis (RCA), critical thinking and problem-solving skills to identify site processes failure and corrective/preventive actions to bring the site into compliance and decrease risks. Ensures data accuracy through SDR, SDV and CRF review as applicable through on-site and remote monitoring activities. Assess investigational product through physical inventory and records review. Documents observations in reports and letters in a timely manner using approved business writing standards. Escalates observed deficiencies and issues to clinical management expeditiously and follow all issues through to resolution. May need to maintain regular contact between monitoring visits with investigative sites to confirm that the protocol is being followed, that previously identified issues are being resolved and that the data is being recorded in a timely manner. Conducts monitoring tasks in accordance with the approved monitoring plan. Participates in the investigator payment process. Ensures a shared responsibility with other project team members on issues/findings resolution. Investigates and follows-up on findings as applicable.
Provides trial status tracking and progress update reports to the Clinical Team Manager (CTM) as required. Ensures study systems are updated per agreed study conventions (e.g. Clinical Trial Management System, CTMS). Performs QC check of reports generated from CTMS system where required.
Participates in investigator meetings as necessary. Identifies potential investigators in collaboration with the client company to ensure the acceptability of qualified investigative sites. Initiates clinical trial sites according to the relevant procedures to ensure compliance with the protocol and regulatory and ICH GCP obligations, making recommendations where warranted. Ensures trial close out and retrieval of trial materials.
Ensures that required essential documents are complete and in place, according to ICH-GCP and applicable regulations. Conducts on-site file reviews as per project specifications.
Contributes to the project team by assisting in preparation of project publications/tools, and sharing ideas/suggestions with team members. Performs additional study tasks as assigned by CTM (e.g. trip report review, newsletter creation, lead CRA team calls etc).
Facilitates effective communication between investigative sites, the client company and the PPD project team through written, oral and/or electronic contacts.
Responds to company, client and applicable regulatory requirements/audits/inspections. Maintains & completes administrative tasks such as expense reports and timesheets in a timely manner.
Contributes to other project work and initiatives for process improvement, as required.
Education and Experience Requirements:
Bachelor's a life sciences related field or a Registered Nurse Certification or equivalent and relevant formal academic/vocational qualification
- Required: Minimum of 1 year of oncology monitoring experience, OR minimum of 2 years of standard monitoring experience with relevant prior clinical experience (e.g., MD, RN, Study Coordinator).
- Preferred: Ideally candidates will have up to 2 years of monitoring experience, though more experienced candidates can be considered if needed
Therapeutic areas preferred-> Oncology - Respiratory (COPD, asthma, nasal polyps, etc.) & Cardiovascular.
Valid driver's license where applicable.
Candidates must live within 60 miles of the nearest major airport. 60- 80% travel is expected.
Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship.
Must be able to pass a comprehensive background check, including a drug screening.
Progressive and/or more extensive job duties and responsibilities may be expected with increasing CRA leveling.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
- Effective clinical monitoring skills
- Demonstrated understanding of medical/therapeutic area knowledge and medical terminology
- Excellent understanding and demonstrated application of ICH GCPs, applicable regulations and procedural documents
- Well-developed critical thinking skills, including but not limited to critical mindset, in-depth investigation for appropriate root cause analysis and problem solving
- Ability to manages Risk Based Monitoring concepts and processes
- Effective oral and written communication skills, with the ability to communicate effectively with medical personnel
- Ability to maintain customer focus through the utilization of good listening skills, attention to detail and the ability to perceive customers’ underlying issues
- Effective interpersonal skills
- Strong attention to detail
- Effective organizational and time management skills
- Ability to remain flexible and adaptable in a wide range of scenarios
- Ability to work in a team or independently as required
- Good computer skills: proficient knowledge of Microsoft Office and the ability to learn appropriate software
- Good English language and grammar skills
- Good presentation skills
Working Conditions and Environment:
- Work is performed in an office/ laboratory/clinical/and/or home office environment with exposure to electrical office equipment.
- Frequent drives to site locations. Frequent travel, generally 60-80% but more for some individuals.
- May also include extended overnight stays.
- Exposure to biological fluids with potential exposure to infectious organisms.
- Personal protective equipment required such as protective eyewear, garments and gloves.
- Exposure to fluctuating and/or extreme temperatures on rare occasions.
- Must be able to comply with specific sponsor/client/site requirements, even if not required by Thermo Fisher Scientific (e.g., disclosure of vaccination status, or other personal information). On some occasions, this information may be required to be provided directly to sponsor/client/site.
Compensation and Benefits
The salary range estimated for this position based in Oregon is $72,000.00–$120,000.00.This position may also be eligible to receive a variable annual bonus based on company, team, and/or individual performance results in accordance with company policy. We offer a comprehensive Total Rewards package that our U.S. colleagues and their families can count on, which includes:
A choice of national medical and dental plans, and a national vision plan, including health incentive programs
Employee assistance and family support programs, including commuter benefits and tuition reimbursement
At least 120 hours paid time off (PTO), 10 paid holidays annually, paid parental leave (3 weeks for bonding and 8 weeks for caregiver leave), accident and life insurance, and short- and long-term disability in accordance with company policy
Retirement and savings programs, such as our competitive 401(k) U.S. retirement savings plan
Employees’ Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP) offers eligible colleagues the opportunity to purchase company stock at a discount
For more information on our benefits, please visit: https://jobs.thermofisher.com/global/en/total-rewards
See All 9 Clinical Research Assistant Jobs in District of Columbia
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Find JobsClinical Research Assistant Jobs by City in District of Columbia
Where District of Columbia roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Clinical Research Assistant Job Market in District of Columbia
A snapshot from current District of Columbia openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
What District of Columbia Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in clinical research assistant jobs across District of Columbia.
- Bachelor's degree in life sciences, public health, or a related field required
- Experience with Good Clinical Practice guidelines and IRB submission processes
- Proficiency in electronic data capture systems such as REDCap or Medidata
- Ability to obtain or maintain relevant human subjects research certification such as CITI
- Strong attention to detail for maintaining accurate case report forms and study documentation
- Familiarity with FDA regulations and federal clinical trial compliance standards preferred
Clinical Research Assistant Jobs in District of Columbia: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a clinical research assistant in District of Columbia?
Most clinical research assistant positions in the District require a bachelor's degree in a life science, public health, or nursing field. While the District of Columbia does not issue a specific state license for this role, most employers and federally affiliated research institutions require completion of the CITI Program certification in human subjects research before you begin working on studies. Gaining lab or hospital volunteer experience and applying directly to research-focused institutions strengthens your candidacy considerably.
Which companies hire clinical research assistants in District of Columbia?
Employers hiring clinical research assistants in District of Columbia right now include Georgetown University, MedStar Health, and IQVIA, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. The District's concentration of federal health agencies and academic medical centers means research roles are consistently available across a wide range of therapeutic areas and study phases.
Which District of Columbia cities have the most clinical research assistant jobs?
The cities with the most clinical research assistant openings in District of Columbia are Washington. Washington DC drives the majority of openings because it is home to federal health agencies such as the NIH and FDA regional offices, alongside major academic medical centers at Georgetown, George Washington, and Howard University, all of which run active clinical research programs year-round.
Are there remote clinical research assistant jobs in District of Columbia?
Yes, but they are limited. About 50% of clinical research assistant openings tied to District of Columbia are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, reflecting the hands-on nature of most study coordination work. The tasks most commonly performed remotely include regulatory document preparation, data entry and query resolution, and sponsor communication rather than direct patient or specimen contact.
How can I get hired as a clinical research assistant in District of Columbia with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is applying for a research coordinator associate or clinical trials assistant role at one of the District's academic medical centers, such as MedStar Health or Children's National Hospital, which regularly post entry-level openings for candidates with a relevant bachelor's degree and CITI certification. Volunteering or interning in a hospital research department or an IRB office builds practical exposure. Candidates with phlebotomy certification or prior patient-facing roles like medical assistant gain a measurable advantage in applicant screening.
Where can I find and apply to clinical research assistant jobs in District of Columbia?
You can find and apply to clinical research assistant jobs in District of Columbia on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings across the District. Find the roles that fit your experience and specialty interest and apply directly through each listing.
See All 9 Clinical Research Assistant Jobs in District of Columbia
Find roles in District of Columbia that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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