Clinical Research Associate Jobs in Illinois
Clinical Research Associate jobs in Illinois are consistently active, concentrated in pharmaceutical research, academic medical centers, and contract research organizations, with demand at every level from entry-level coordinators through senior and principal CRAs. Chicago anchors the market, while Deerfield and North Chicago form a dense corridor of pharmaceutical headquarters where Abbott, AbbVie, and Baxter International sustain ongoing demand. The most in-demand specialties include oncology, cardiology, and site management for Phase II through Phase IV trials. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Showing 5 of 78+ Clinical Research Associate jobs
Location: Chicago, Illinois
Business Unit: Rush Medical Center
Hospital: Rush University Medical Center
Department: Int Med Cardiology-Res Adm
Work Type: Full Time (Total FTE between 0.9 and 1.0)
Shift: Shift 1
Work Schedule: 8 Hr (8:00:00 AM - 5:00:00 PM)
Rush offers exceptional rewards and benefits learn more at our Rush benefits page (https://www.rush.edu/rush-careers/employee-benefits).
Pay Range: $27.47 - $38.81 per hour
Rush salaries are determined by many factors including, but not limited to, education, job-related experience and skills, as well as internal equity and industry specific market data. The pay range for each role reflects Rush’s anticipated wage or salary reasonably expected to be offered for the position. Offers may vary depending on the circumstances of each case.
Summary:
Job Summary:
The Clinical Research Coordinator II (CRC II) independently coordinates assigned aspects of clinical research studies across a range of disciplines. Responsibilities include participant recruitment and retention, study data management, regulatory documentation submission and maintenance, communication with sponsors and institutional stakeholders, and monitoring of study compliance. The CRC II executes study protocols with increasing independence, identifies and resolves routine operational issues, contributes to process improvements, and may assist in mentoring less experienced staff.
Exemplifies the Rush mission, vision and values and acts in accordance with Rush policies and procedures.
Required Job Qualifications:
Education:
- Bachelor’s degree
- 2+ years of experience coordinating clinical trials
- Independent site management experience
Experience (in lieu of a degree)
- 3 years total experience in coordinating clinical trials with increasing complexity
Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:
- Regulatory Knowledge – Understands Good Clinical Practices (GCP) and proper research documentation.
- Regulatory Compliance – Knows the basic rules and guidelines from NIH and FDA that apply to research.
- Project & Time Management – Can manage timelines, keep track of tasks, and handle several study activities at once.
- Problem-Solving & Judgment – Can figure out solutions when challenges come up and make thoughtful decisions.
- Detail & Organization – Pays close attention to detail and keeps study data and records well organized.
- Participant & Vendor Interaction – Builds trust with participants and communicates respectfully with sponsors and outside partners.
- Communication Skills – Speaks and writes clearly when sharing information with research teams, participants, or external groups.
- Teamwork – Works well with other staff and helps solve problems as part of the team.
- Flexibility – Willing to work evenings or weekends if the study requires it.
- Travel Readiness – Able to travel locally or nearby for study visits, participant support, or training.
Preferred Job Qualifications:
Experience:
- 2-5 years’ experience in clinical research conduct, regulatory management, or research administration
Certifications:
- Relevant certification strongly preferred (Certified Clinical Research Professionals (CCRP),
- Certified Clinical Research Associate (CCRA),
- Certified Clinical Research Coordinator (CCRC), OR
- Certified IRB Professional (CIP)
Physical Demands:
Competencies:
Disclaimer: The above is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements.
Responsibilities:
Job Responsibilities:
1. Coordinates all aspects of the study including recruitment, consent, screening, scheduling, tracking, and provides study updates to study participants throughout the conduct of the study.
2. May collect and enter data into study case report forms and/or electronic data capture system and respond to queries in a timely manner.
3. Independently submits or partners with a regulatory coordinator to submit study related documents, study protocols, and study protocol amendments to the IRB per policy and procedure, with increasing autonomy over time to prepare for independent regulatory management responsibilities.
4. Ensures procedural documentation is accurate, complete, and in compliance with institutional, local, state, and federal guidelines and regulations related to clinical research.
5. Verifies and ensures that data is consistent with 100% of source documentation before entry into case report forms and electronic data capture systems to support accuracy, timeliness, and audit readiness.
6. May collect, process, and ship potentially biohazardous specimens.
7. May administer more complex structured tests and questionnaires according to research study protocols, including providing protocol-specific education to participants regarding procedures and expectations. May utilize study-related technology and equipment as part of assessment procedures.
8. Provides ongoing study status updates, responds to questions, and may create summary report(s) for distribution to the PI, Administrator, department stakeholders, Sponsor, and Compliance throughout the conduct of the study.
9. Organizes and participates in auditing and monitoring visits.
10. Monitors participant interactions for protocol deviations, adverse events (AEs), and serious adverse events (SAEs), and reports findings per institutional and regulatory guidelines.
11. Partners with PI(s), sponsor, compliance, clinical staff, and manager to identify and improve more complex processes as it relates to the conduct of the research study.
12. May provide oversight, training, and coaching to less experienced staff.
13. Other duties as assigned.
Rush is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics.
Location: Chicago, Illinois
Business Unit: Rush Medical Center
Hospital: Rush University Medical Center
Department: Int Med Cardiology-Res Adm
Work Type: Full Time (Total FTE between 0.9 and 1.0)
Shift: Shift 1
Work Schedule: 8 Hr (8:00:00 AM - 5:00:00 PM)
Rush offers exceptional rewards and benefits learn more at our Rush benefits page (https://www.rush.edu/rush-careers/employee-benefits).
Pay Range: $27.47 - $38.81 per hour
Rush salaries are determined by many factors including, but not limited to, education, job-related experience and skills, as well as internal equity and industry specific market data. The pay range for each role reflects Rush’s anticipated wage or salary reasonably expected to be offered for the position. Offers may vary depending on the circumstances of each case.
Summary:
Job Summary:
The Clinical Research Coordinator II (CRC II) independently coordinates assigned aspects of clinical research studies across a range of disciplines. Responsibilities include participant recruitment and retention, study data management, regulatory documentation submission and maintenance, communication with sponsors and institutional stakeholders, and monitoring of study compliance. The CRC II executes study protocols with increasing independence, identifies and resolves routine operational issues, contributes to process improvements, and may assist in mentoring less experienced staff.
Exemplifies the Rush mission, vision and values and acts in accordance with Rush policies and procedures.
Required Job Qualifications:
Education:
- Bachelor’s degree
- 2+ years of experience coordinating clinical trials
- Independent site management experience
Experience (in lieu of a degree)
- 3 years total experience in coordinating clinical trials with increasing complexity
Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:
- Regulatory Knowledge – Understands Good Clinical Practices (GCP) and proper research documentation.
- Regulatory Compliance – Knows the basic rules and guidelines from NIH and FDA that apply to research.
- Project & Time Management – Can manage timelines, keep track of tasks, and handle several study activities at once.
- Problem-Solving & Judgment – Can figure out solutions when challenges come up and make thoughtful decisions.
- Detail & Organization – Pays close attention to detail and keeps study data and records well organized.
- Participant & Vendor Interaction – Builds trust with participants and communicates respectfully with sponsors and outside partners.
- Communication Skills – Speaks and writes clearly when sharing information with research teams, participants, or external groups.
- Teamwork – Works well with other staff and helps solve problems as part of the team.
- Flexibility – Willing to work evenings or weekends if the study requires it.
- Travel Readiness – Able to travel locally or nearby for study visits, participant support, or training.
Preferred Job Qualifications:
Experience:
- 2-5 years’ experience in clinical research conduct, regulatory management, or research administration
Certifications:
- Relevant certification strongly preferred (Certified Clinical Research Professionals (CCRP),
- Certified Clinical Research Associate (CCRA),
- Certified Clinical Research Coordinator (CCRC), OR
- Certified IRB Professional (CIP)
Physical Demands:
Competencies:
Disclaimer: The above is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements.
Responsibilities:
Job Responsibilities:
1. Coordinates all aspects of the study including recruitment, consent, screening, scheduling, tracking, and provides study updates to study participants throughout the conduct of the study.
2. May collect and enter data into study case report forms and/or electronic data capture system and respond to queries in a timely manner.
3. Independently submits or partners with a regulatory coordinator to submit study related documents, study protocols, and study protocol amendments to the IRB per policy and procedure, with increasing autonomy over time to prepare for independent regulatory management responsibilities.
4. Ensures procedural documentation is accurate, complete, and in compliance with institutional, local, state, and federal guidelines and regulations related to clinical research.
5. Verifies and ensures that data is consistent with 100% of source documentation before entry into case report forms and electronic data capture systems to support accuracy, timeliness, and audit readiness.
6. May collect, process, and ship potentially biohazardous specimens.
7. May administer more complex structured tests and questionnaires according to research study protocols, including providing protocol-specific education to participants regarding procedures and expectations. May utilize study-related technology and equipment as part of assessment procedures.
8. Provides ongoing study status updates, responds to questions, and may create summary report(s) for distribution to the PI, Administrator, department stakeholders, Sponsor, and Compliance throughout the conduct of the study.
9. Organizes and participates in auditing and monitoring visits.
10. Monitors participant interactions for protocol deviations, adverse events (AEs), and serious adverse events (SAEs), and reports findings per institutional and regulatory guidelines.
11. Partners with PI(s), sponsor, compliance, clinical staff, and manager to identify and improve more complex processes as it relates to the conduct of the research study.
12. May provide oversight, training, and coaching to less experienced staff.
13. Other duties as assigned.
Rush is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics.
See All 78 Clinical Research Associate Jobs in Illinois
Find roles in Illinois that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find JobsClinical Research Associate Jobs by City in Illinois
Where Illinois roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Clinical Research Associate Job Market in Illinois
A snapshot from current Illinois openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- Rush University Medical Center15
- Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago8
- The IMA5
- University of Chicago5
- INSIGHT4
Top Industries Hiring
- Healthcare & Medical Services19
- Education14
- Consulting & Professional Services2
- Manufacturing1
- Staffing & Recruiting1
What Illinois Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in clinical research associate jobs across Illinois.
- Bachelor's degree in life sciences, nursing, or a related health field required
- ACRP or SOCRA certification (CCRC, CCRP, or CCRA) strongly preferred by Illinois employers
- Demonstrated experience monitoring clinical trial sites and reviewing source documentation
- Working knowledge of ICH-GCP guidelines, FDA regulations, and 21 CFR Parts 11 and 312
- Ability to travel to investigator sites across Illinois and the greater Midwest region
- Proficiency with electronic data capture systems such as Medidata Rave or Veeva Vault
Clinical Research Associate Jobs in Illinois: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a clinical research associate in Illinois?
Becoming a clinical research associate in Illinois typically starts with a bachelor's degree in biology, nursing, pharmacy, or a closely related life science. Illinois does not issue a state-specific license for CRAs, but employers consistently expect certification through ACRP or SOCRA, specifically the CCRA, CCRC, or CCRP credential. Candidates who gain hands-on exposure as clinical trial coordinators at Illinois academic medical centers or CROs build the site-monitoring background most Illinois employers require before hiring at the CRA level.
Which companies hire clinical research associates in Illinois?
Employers hiring clinical research associates in Illinois right now include Rush University Medical Center, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, and The IMA, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. Illinois's concentration of large pharmaceutical headquarters in the northern suburbs, alongside major CROs and academic health systems in Chicago, makes it one of the more consistent markets in the Midwest for this role.
Which Illinois cities have the most clinical research associate jobs?
Chicago, Streeterville, and Peoria hold the most clinical research associate openings in Illinois. Chicago drives demand through its major academic medical centers and CRO offices, while the North Shore corridor cities of Deerfield and North Chicago benefit from the dense cluster of pharmaceutical headquarters there, including AbbVie and Baxter, which run large global clinical operations from that area.
Are there remote clinical research associate jobs in Illinois?
Yes, and more than most clinical roles, because a meaningful portion of CRA work such as remote source data verification, protocol review, and sponsor communications can be done off-site. About 33% of clinical research associate openings tied to Illinois are remote or hybrid as of August 2026, reflecting industry movement toward decentralized trial oversight. Site initiation visits, monitoring visits, and closeouts typically still require in-person presence at investigator sites.
How can I get hired as a clinical research associate in Illinois with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is securing a clinical trial coordinator or research coordinator role first, then transitioning into CRA work once you have site-facing experience. Large Illinois academic health systems and hospitals with active research programs regularly post coordinator and assistant CRA openings that do not require prior monitoring experience. Earning your CCRC through SOCRA before applying strengthens a junior candidate's profile considerably and signals readiness for sponsor-facing responsibilities that Illinois CRO employers screen for closely.
Where can I find and apply to clinical research associate jobs in Illinois?
You can find and apply to clinical research associate jobs in Illinois on Migrate Mate, which lists current Illinois openings across pharmaceutical companies, CROs, and academic medical centers. Search the listings, find the roles that fit your experience and preferred location, and apply directly to the employers posting them.
See All 78 Clinical Research Associate Jobs in Illinois
Find roles in Illinois that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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