Clinical Research Assistant Jobs in Kentucky
Clinical Research Assistant jobs in Kentucky concentrate in academic medical research, pharmaceutical development, and hospital-based clinical trials, with demand at every level from entry-level coordinators to experienced study monitors. Louisville, Lexington, and the Bowling Green corridor are the most active hiring markets, anchored by institutions and organizations such as the University of Kentucky HealthCare, Norton Healthcare, and Humana. The most in-demand specialties are oncology trials, cardiovascular studies, and regulatory affairs support. Scan the live roles below and apply to whichever ones fit.
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Job Summary
We are seeking a dependable, detail-oriented Clinical Research Assistant / Urine Specimen Collector to support clinical research studies by coordinating participant visits, collecting urine specimens, maintaining accurate documentation, and ensuring compliance with research protocols and regulatory requirements. This role requires professionalism, excellent customer service, and the ability to maintain participant confidentiality while working in a fast-paced clinical environment.
Responsibilities
- Greet and register research participants in a professional and courteous manner.
- Collect observed and unobserved urine specimens according to study protocols and chain-of-custody procedures.
- Verify participant identity and maintain accurate specimen labeling and documentation.
- Prepare, package, store, and ship biological specimens as required.
- Assist with participant screening, scheduling, and follow-up appointments.
- Obtain vital signs, medical history, and other study-related information as directed.
- Enter study data into electronic databases and maintain accurate research records.
- Ensure compliance with Good Clinical Practice (GCP), HIPAA, FDA regulations, and study protocols.
- Maintain cleanliness and organization of specimen collection and research areas.
- Monitor inventory of collection supplies and notify management when replenishment is needed.
- Communicate effectively with investigators, study coordinators, sponsors, and participants.
- Report protocol deviations, adverse events, and participant concerns promptly.
- Perform other clinical and administrative duties as assigned.
Qualifications
- High school diploma or GED required; Associate's or Bachelor's degree in a healthcare or science-related field preferred.
- Previous experience in clinical research, healthcare, laboratory, medical assisting, or specimen collection preferred.
- Comfortable performing observed urine collections in accordance with protocol requirements.
- Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
- Basic computer proficiency, including Microsoft Office and electronic medical records.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and professionalism.
- Ability to stand, walk, and lift up to 25 pounds.
- CPR certification and phlebotomy experience are a plus but not required.
Preferred Skills
- Knowledge of Good Clinical Practice (GCP) guidelines.
- Experience with clinical trial documentation.
- Familiarity with specimen handling and chain-of-custody procedures.
- Bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply.
Benefits
- Competitive pay
- Paid training
- Health, dental, and vision insurance (if eligible)
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
- Opportunities for advancement and professional development
Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate is compassionate, dependable, highly organized, and committed to providing excellent participant care while ensuring the integrity of clinical research data and specimen collection procedures. They thrive in a team environment, follow detailed protocols, and maintain the highest ethical and professional standards.
Pay: $18.00 - $20.00 per hour
Work Location: In person
See All 7 Clinical Research Assistant Jobs in Kentucky
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Find JobsClinical Research Assistant Jobs by City in Kentucky
Where Kentucky roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Clinical Research Assistant Job Market in Kentucky
A snapshot from current Kentucky openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring



Top Industries Hiring
- Healthcare & Medical Services
What Kentucky Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in clinical research assistant jobs across Kentucky.
- Bachelor's degree in life sciences, healthcare, or a closely related field required
- Experience with clinical trial protocols and Good Clinical Practice guidelines preferred
- Proficiency in electronic data capture systems such as REDCap or Medidata Rave
- Strong attention to detail for accurate patient data collection and regulatory documentation
- Ability to obtain or maintain IATA or CITI Program research certification upon hire
- Effective communication skills for coordinating with investigators, sponsors, and participants
Clinical Research Assistant Jobs in Kentucky: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a clinical research assistant in Kentucky?
The most direct path is completing a bachelor's degree in a life science, nursing, or health-related field, then pursuing CITI Program certification in human subjects research, which most Kentucky academic medical centers and hospital systems require before you can work on active trials. Kentucky does not issue a state license specifically for clinical research assistants, so employers at institutions like UK HealthCare or Norton Healthcare rely on CITI credentials, GCP training, and relevant coursework to screen candidates.
Which companies hire clinical research assistants in Kentucky?
Employers hiring clinical research assistants in Kentucky right now include Baptist Health System KY & IN, ORA, and Science 37, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of July 2026. Kentucky's concentration of academic medical centers, regional hospital systems, and pharmaceutical services firms means openings appear consistently across both large institutions and contract research organizations operating in the state.
Which Kentucky cities have the most clinical research assistant jobs?
Louisville, Lexington, and Edgewood account for the largest share of clinical research assistant openings in Kentucky. Louisville leads because of its dense cluster of major hospital systems, pharmaceutical headquarters, and contract research organizations, while Lexington's openings are driven primarily by the University of Kentucky's academic research enterprise and UK HealthCare's active trials portfolio.
Are there remote clinical research assistant jobs in Kentucky?
Yes, but they're limited, because the role frequently involves on-site patient contact, specimen handling, and direct trial oversight that cannot be done remotely. About 0% of clinical research assistant openings tied to Kentucky are remote or hybrid as of July 2026, and those positions tend to involve regulatory document review, data entry, or sponsor monitoring tasks that do not require physical presence at the study site.
How can I get hired as a clinical research assistant in Kentucky with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry point is applying to research coordinator or clinical trials assistant roles posted by Kentucky's academic medical centers, particularly UK HealthCare and the University of Louisville's research programs, which periodically hire candidates who have completed a relevant degree and CITI Program certification even without prior trial experience. Moving laterally from a medical assistant, phlebotomist, or healthcare data entry role is another common path, as those positions build the patient-contact and documentation skills Kentucky employers look for in new research staff.
Where can I find and apply to clinical research assistant jobs in Kentucky?
You can find and apply to clinical research assistant jobs in Kentucky on Migrate Mate, which lists current Kentucky openings updated in real time. Search the listings, find the roles that match your experience and location, and apply directly through each posting.
See All 7 Clinical Research Assistant Jobs in Kentucky
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