Clinical Research Assistant Jobs in Iowa
Clinical Research Assistant jobs in Iowa are concentrated in Iowa City, Des Moines, and Ames, where major research institutions and health systems drive consistent demand for coordinators supporting oncology, cardiovascular, and Phase I through III clinical trials. University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, UnityPoint Health, and Hy-Vee Health are among the established Iowa employers that regularly bring on clinical research assistants at entry and mid-level. Iowa City's academic medical center makes it one of the most active markets in the Midwest for trial-related roles. See the openings below and apply to the ones that match your experience.
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The Hematology/Hemostasis Research Team in the UI Stead Family Department of Pediatrics and Division of Hematology/Oncology is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Research Assistant to support a variety of clinical research studies focused on bleeding and clotting disorders. This position involves coordinating all aspects of clinical research protocols, including regulatory and administrative requirements, participant recruitment and enrollment, study visit coordination, data collection and entry, and data quality assurance. The successful candidate will serve as the primary coordinator for research studies while collaborating closely with investigators, research staff, patients, and families to ensure protocol compliance and successful study completion. Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, reliability, and excellent interpersonal and communication abilities are essential for managing multiple responsibilities and maintaining high standards of research integrity and participant engagement. This position is a Specified Term role.
Position Responsibilities:
Consult with researchers to develop data management plans and coordinate clinical and data management activities for research studies.
Design, implement, and field test data collection forms and systems for tracking study participants, study drugs, biological specimens, study procedures, and research data.
Read, interpret, and discuss complex research protocols with potential study participants and other stakeholders.
Educate patients and families regarding study objectives, procedures, risks, benefits, alternatives, and participant responsibilities.
Screen, recruit, enroll, and obtain informed consent from participants for clinical trials and research studies.
Schedule participant visits, study procedures, and follow-up activities in accordance with protocol requirements.
Meet with participants during study visits and provide ongoing study support and coordination.
Perform or assist with patient assessments, review medical histories, and support protocol-required study procedures.
Obtain, process, track, and manage clinical trial specimens and other study materials.
Collect, enter, verify, maintain, and process clinical research data in a timely and accurate manner.
Assess data quality, determine validity and completeness of data, and identify and resolve data discrepancies.
Generate and resolve data queries, manage data validation activities, and prepare required data reports.
Coordinate data collection and processing activities across multiple sites, centers, and studies.
Conduct quality assurance activities, including data audits and on-site audits, and develop audit procedures as needed.
Summarize audit findings, prepare reports, and implement follow-up actions to support data quality and protocol compliance.
Collect, maintain, and prepare regulatory documents, study records, and required protocol-related forms and documentation.
Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, study protocols, institutional policies, and documentation standards.
Assist with the resolution of monitoring visit findings, report adverse events and other reportable events, and support regulatory communications.
Serve as a liaison among study participants, healthcare providers, research teams, sponsors, regulatory agencies, and other stakeholders.
Assist with study budget development and monitoring and provide functional supervision, training, and mentorship to new staff as assigned.
About the Stead Family Department of Pediatrics and UI Stead Family Children’s Hospital
The Stead Family Department of Pediatrics is a national leader in pediatric medicine. The Department's mission is to provide outstanding care to the children of Iowa and beyond by being a leader in state-of-the-art clinical care to children, performing cutting-edge research to find new treatments and cures for childhood illnesses, and educating the next generation of pediatric health care providers. The Department comprises the medical and research staff of UI Stead Family Children’s Hospital. UI Stead Family Children’s Hospital is one of the nation’s top-ranked pediatric care and research institutions, and Iowa’s only comprehensive children’s hospital.
Education Requirement:
Bachelor’s degree in a health science related field
Experience Requirements:
Proven ability to utilize medical terminology
Excellent organizational and time-management skills, and attention to detail
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Proficient in computer software applications including spreadsheet and database experience
Experience in coordinating multiple projects and multiple functions independently
Knowledge of regulations that apply to human research
Desired Qualifications:
Interest in pursuing clinical trials research in the area of Hematology/Oncology
Prior experience with Institutional Review Board application materials and processing
Experience in study design, database design, and/or data analysis
Position and Application details:
In order to be considered for an interview, applicants must upload the following documents and mark them as a “Relevant File” to the submission:
- Resume
- Cover Letter
Job openings are posted for a minimum of 7 calendar days and may be removed from posting and filled any time after the original posting period has ended.
Successful candidates will be required to self-disclose any conviction history and will be subject to a criminal background check and credential/education verification. Up to 5 professional references will be requested at a later step in the recruitment process.
For additional questions, please contact pedsuichildrenshr@healthcare.uiowa.edu
This position is not eligible for University sponsorship for employment authorization.
- Classification Title: Clin Trials Rsrch Asst/Data Mg
- Appointment Type: Professional and Scientific
- Schedule: Full-time
- Work Modality Options: On Campus
- Pay Level: 3a
- Organization: Healthcare
- Contact Name: Bradley Phillips
- Contact Email: pedsuichildrenshr@healthcare.uiowa.edu
The Hematology/Hemostasis Research Team in the UI Stead Family Department of Pediatrics and Division of Hematology/Oncology is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Research Assistant to support a variety of clinical research studies focused on bleeding and clotting disorders. This position involves coordinating all aspects of clinical research protocols, including regulatory and administrative requirements, participant recruitment and enrollment, study visit coordination, data collection and entry, and data quality assurance. The successful candidate will serve as the primary coordinator for research studies while collaborating closely with investigators, research staff, patients, and families to ensure protocol compliance and successful study completion. Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, reliability, and excellent interpersonal and communication abilities are essential for managing multiple responsibilities and maintaining high standards of research integrity and participant engagement. This position is a Specified Term role.
Position Responsibilities:
Consult with researchers to develop data management plans and coordinate clinical and data management activities for research studies.
Design, implement, and field test data collection forms and systems for tracking study participants, study drugs, biological specimens, study procedures, and research data.
Read, interpret, and discuss complex research protocols with potential study participants and other stakeholders.
Educate patients and families regarding study objectives, procedures, risks, benefits, alternatives, and participant responsibilities.
Screen, recruit, enroll, and obtain informed consent from participants for clinical trials and research studies.
Schedule participant visits, study procedures, and follow-up activities in accordance with protocol requirements.
Meet with participants during study visits and provide ongoing study support and coordination.
Perform or assist with patient assessments, review medical histories, and support protocol-required study procedures.
Obtain, process, track, and manage clinical trial specimens and other study materials.
Collect, enter, verify, maintain, and process clinical research data in a timely and accurate manner.
Assess data quality, determine validity and completeness of data, and identify and resolve data discrepancies.
Generate and resolve data queries, manage data validation activities, and prepare required data reports.
Coordinate data collection and processing activities across multiple sites, centers, and studies.
Conduct quality assurance activities, including data audits and on-site audits, and develop audit procedures as needed.
Summarize audit findings, prepare reports, and implement follow-up actions to support data quality and protocol compliance.
Collect, maintain, and prepare regulatory documents, study records, and required protocol-related forms and documentation.
Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, study protocols, institutional policies, and documentation standards.
Assist with the resolution of monitoring visit findings, report adverse events and other reportable events, and support regulatory communications.
Serve as a liaison among study participants, healthcare providers, research teams, sponsors, regulatory agencies, and other stakeholders.
Assist with study budget development and monitoring and provide functional supervision, training, and mentorship to new staff as assigned.
About the Stead Family Department of Pediatrics and UI Stead Family Children’s Hospital
The Stead Family Department of Pediatrics is a national leader in pediatric medicine. The Department's mission is to provide outstanding care to the children of Iowa and beyond by being a leader in state-of-the-art clinical care to children, performing cutting-edge research to find new treatments and cures for childhood illnesses, and educating the next generation of pediatric health care providers. The Department comprises the medical and research staff of UI Stead Family Children’s Hospital. UI Stead Family Children’s Hospital is one of the nation’s top-ranked pediatric care and research institutions, and Iowa’s only comprehensive children’s hospital.
Education Requirement:
Bachelor’s degree in a health science related field
Experience Requirements:
Proven ability to utilize medical terminology
Excellent organizational and time-management skills, and attention to detail
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Proficient in computer software applications including spreadsheet and database experience
Experience in coordinating multiple projects and multiple functions independently
Knowledge of regulations that apply to human research
Desired Qualifications:
Interest in pursuing clinical trials research in the area of Hematology/Oncology
Prior experience with Institutional Review Board application materials and processing
Experience in study design, database design, and/or data analysis
Position and Application details:
In order to be considered for an interview, applicants must upload the following documents and mark them as a “Relevant File” to the submission:
- Resume
- Cover Letter
Job openings are posted for a minimum of 7 calendar days and may be removed from posting and filled any time after the original posting period has ended.
Successful candidates will be required to self-disclose any conviction history and will be subject to a criminal background check and credential/education verification. Up to 5 professional references will be requested at a later step in the recruitment process.
For additional questions, please contact pedsuichildrenshr@healthcare.uiowa.edu
This position is not eligible for University sponsorship for employment authorization.
- Classification Title: Clin Trials Rsrch Asst/Data Mg
- Appointment Type: Professional and Scientific
- Schedule: Full-time
- Work Modality Options: On Campus
- Pay Level: 3a
- Organization: Healthcare
- Contact Name: Bradley Phillips
- Contact Email: pedsuichildrenshr@healthcare.uiowa.edu
See All 9 Clinical Research Assistant Jobs in Iowa
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Find JobsClinical Research Assistant Jobs by City in Iowa
Where Iowa roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Clinical Research Assistant Job Market in Iowa
A snapshot from current Iowa openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Science & Research
- Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals
What Iowa Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in clinical research assistant jobs across Iowa.
- Bachelor's degree in life sciences, health sciences, or a related field required
- Experience with clinical trial protocols, informed consent, and regulatory documentation
- Familiarity with FDA regulations and Good Clinical Practice guidelines
- Proficiency in electronic data capture systems such as REDCap or Medidata Rave
- Strong attention to detail for managing source documents and case report forms
- Ability to coordinate with principal investigators, sponsors, and IRB committees
Clinical Research Assistant Jobs in Iowa: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a clinical research assistant in Iowa?
Most clinical research assistant positions in Iowa require a bachelor's degree in biology, public health, nursing, or a closely related field. Iowa does not have a state-issued license for clinical research assistants, but employers strongly prefer candidates who hold or are working toward the Society of Clinical Research Associates certification. Positions at Iowa City's academic medical center often expect familiarity with IRB submission processes and Good Clinical Practice training completed through an accredited program.
Which companies hire clinical research assistants in Iowa?
Companies currently hiring clinical research assistants in Iowa include The University of Iowa, Elanco, and Iowa Diabetes, per current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 2026. Iowa City's concentration of federally funded research through University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics makes it the anchor market for trial coordination roles.
Which Iowa cities have the most clinical research assistant jobs?
Iowa City, Fort Dodge, and West Des Moines have the most clinical research assistant openings in Iowa. Iowa City leads because of the University of Iowa's large academic medical center and its active portfolio of NIH-funded and industry-sponsored trials, while Des Moines draws openings from regional health systems and contract research organizations, and Ames benefits from Iowa State University's research partnerships and nearby biomedical employers.
Are there remote clinical research assistant jobs in Iowa?
Yes, but they're rare. About 14% of clinical research assistant openings tied to Iowa are remote or hybrid as of September 2026, reflecting the hands-on nature of most trial coordination work. The parts of the role most amenable to remote work are regulatory document management, data entry into electronic systems, and sponsor communications that do not require on-site patient contact.
How can I get hired as a clinical research assistant in Iowa with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is applying for a research coordinator or clinical trials assistant role at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, which regularly posts entry-level positions supporting established research teams. Candidates coming from adjacent roles such as medical assistant, phlebotomist, or clinical data associate have a clear advantage, as do those who completed a clinical research internship during their degree. Completing a Good Clinical Practice certification before applying and volunteering with an IRB office strengthens a resume significantly for Iowa employers.
Where can I find and apply to clinical research assistant jobs in Iowa?
You can find and apply to clinical research assistant jobs in Iowa on Migrate Mate, which lists current Iowa openings. Search the listings to find roles that match your background and apply directly to the ones that fit your experience and location.
See All 9 Clinical Research Assistant Jobs in Iowa
Find roles in Iowa that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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