Clinical Research Assistant Jobs in Pittsburgh, PA
Clinical Research Assistant jobs in Pittsburgh are concentrated in Oakland, Shadyside, and the South Side Flats, where academic medical centers, health systems, and biotech firms drive consistent demand. Employers hiring right now include University of Pittsburgh, Allegheny Health Network, and UPMC. See the openings below and apply to the ones that match your experience.
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fNIRS Clinical Research Assistant
This position supports research on behavioral and biological risk factors for cardiovascular disease and brain health. The goal of the study is to better understand how stress and physical activity influence brain and heart health across the lifespan. Responsibilities include recruiting and screening participants, administering functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) and psychophysiological assessment protocols, and managing, reducing, and analyzing study data. The position would require some work-schedule flexibility to accommodate working adults who participate in the research study (e.g., occasional evening and weekend availability may be necessary). Excellent attention to detail, organizational and time management skills, interpersonal and relationship-building skills, and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of individuals and the constituencies in support of a diverse community are all required for this position.
- Experience with participant testing in fNIRS, EEG, fMRI, or psychophysiological research.
- Some familiarity with basic coding, data management, or statistical analysis (e.g., Matlab, R, Python, SPSS, etc.).
- Strong organizational skills and ability to handle confidential information.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree.
- One year of relevant experience in participant testing and data handling.
Conducts research assessments and procedures independently. Oversees operations when leadership is unavailable. Recruits and screens participants, reviews records and surveys, and maintains databases. Performs routine data analysis and prepares reports, data visualizations, and models.
- Quickly learn and accurately administer fNIRS, psychophysiological, and other data collection procedures using specialized laboratory equipment and software, in accordance with a strict research protocol.
- Interact professionally with adults of diverse backgrounds and life circumstances.
- Utilize scientific software programs to collect, reduce, and analyze research data.
- Maintain attention to detail for proper data collection, entry, and analysis.
The position is primarily sedentary, although walking to lab spaces across campus will be required for participant assessments. No heavy lifting or extended standing is involved.
The University of Pittsburgh is an equal opportunity employer / disability / veteran.
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Find JobsClinical Research Assistant Job Market in Pittsburgh
Who's Hiring
- University of Pittsburgh48

- Allegheny Health Network24

- UPMC8

- Castle Biosciences8

- The START Center for Cancer Research8

Top Industries Hiring
- Healthcare & Medical Services
- Education
Clinical Research Assistant Jobs in Pittsburgh: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a clinical research assistant job in Pittsburgh?
Target Pittsburgh's dense cluster of academic medical centers and health systems in Oakland and Shadyside, which hire clinical research assistants more consistently than most U.S. markets. Candidates with hands-on patient contact experience, familiarity with IRB protocols, and exposure to oncology or cardiology research stand out locally. Connecting with research coordinators at Pittsburgh's university-affiliated hospitals is one of the most direct paths in.
Which companies hire clinical research assistants in Pittsburgh?
Companies currently hiring clinical research assistants in Pittsburgh include University of Pittsburgh, Allegheny Health Network, and UPMC, per current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. Pittsburgh's hiring is driven primarily by large academic health systems, contract research organizations with local offices, and a growing biotech corridor centered near the university district.
Are there remote clinical research assistant jobs in Pittsburgh?
Yes, but remote work is limited for this role since most clinical research assistant duties involve on-site patient interaction, specimen handling, and protocol oversight. About 0% of clinical research assistant openings tied to Pittsburgh are remote or hybrid as of August 2026, reflecting that availability. Data entry, regulatory documentation, and feasibility screening tasks are the functions most likely to be performed remotely in Pittsburgh.
How can I get a clinical research assistant job in Pittsburgh with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path in Pittsburgh is applying for research volunteer or study coordinator assistant roles at Oakland-based academic medical centers, where institutions regularly bring in candidates from local universities. Entry-level titles like clinical trials assistant or research data associate often require only a bachelor's degree in a health or science field. Completing a Good Clinical Practice certification before applying gives you a concrete credential that Pittsburgh hospital research departments recognize.
Which industries hire the most clinical research assistants in Pittsburgh?
Most clinical research assistant openings in Pittsburgh sit in Healthcare & Medical Services and Education, per current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. Pittsburgh's concentration of nationally ranked medical research institutions, combined with a growing life sciences and pharmaceutical presence, makes those sectors the dominant sources of local hiring.
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