Clinical Research Associate Jobs in Chicago, IL
Clinical Research Associate jobs in Chicago are concentrated in the Illinois Medical District, the Near North Side, and the Loop, across biopharma, academic medical centers, and contract research organizations. Employers hiring right now include TransUnion, SentiLink, and PwC. See the openings below and apply to the ones that match your experience.
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INTRODUCTION
Chicago Trading Company (CTC) is a premier proprietary trading firm specializing in options market making. Our collaborative culture fuels innovation in quantitative research, systematic trading strategies, and cutting-edge trading technology. For over three decades CTC has provided critical liquidity across derivatives exchanges worldwide - making them fairer, more transparent, and more efficient. We strive to be the most innovative firm in the industry today, tomorrow, and long into the future while upholding ethical excellence. We believe that CTC makes a positive impact on the markets, the lives of our employees, and all the communities to which we belong. Started in 1995 by a team of forward-thinking Traders, we are proud to call ourselves an industry leader that keeps making markets and each other better. Quantitative research is a key driver of innovation at CTC and one of the pillars upon which our firm is built. We are seeking a Principal Quantitative Researcher to partner with Trading and Technology to drive new revenue, scale, and evolve the firm's trading capabilities. In this role, you will lead research areas, influencing the direction of the team in a dynamic environment. This includes partnership with other researcher managers, traders and engineers on quantitative problem solving, trading strategy generation, back-testing, statistical analysis, and system design. Take advantage of this opportunity to apply the scientific method to business problems as part of the Quant team at CTC!
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Define and articulate a long-term vision that will lead to new sources of revenue, evolving with business needs and market structure
Conduct commercially focused revenue generating research, while supporting others with their research
Develop a structured roadmap and ensure quant functions remain focused, aligned, and accountable
Direct development of innovative infrastructure across pricing models and research platforms
Foster coordination across risk management, development, and quantitative research to drive measurable business impact
Provide thought leadership while applying academic rigor to practical trading applications
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
PhD in Science or Engineering fields (e.g. Statistics, Mathematics, Physics, Operations Research, Electrical Engineering) strongly preferred
Experience in a top systematic trading team of which at least 10 years as a quantitative researcher
Proven ability to conduct independent, high-quality research
Demonstrable track record of generating positive PnL
Exceptional ability to communicate complex ideas and research results, both in writing and verbally
Experience with the software development lifecycle with advanced programming skills
Unique combination of analytical prowess, programming skills, and acute understanding of business
Unwavering commitment to quality, coupled with a drive for delivering commercial outcomes
* Strong Python skills including Numpy and Pandas libraries
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Management experience leading a healthy and empowered team, driving accountability
Experience with a wide variety of market and alternative data
Expertise in US options markets, options pricing models, volatility surfaces, and risk management techniques
Strong Python skills including Numpy and Pandas libraries
* Strong track record of publications in an industry setting
COMPENSATION
The salary range for this role is listed below. This role is also eligible for an annual discretionary bonus. The discretionary bonus will be dependent upon the individual’s skills, experience, qualifications, and firm performance.
Salary Range: $250,000—$300,000 USD
Most teams at CTC, with the exception of Trading, follow a hybrid workplace model, subject to change based on business need.
OUR BENEFITS
We strongly believe in the well-being of our employees and their families so we offer outstanding benefits to support you both professionally and personally. These benefits include generous time off, insurance coverage, paid parental leave, free breakfast and lunch (plus healthy snacks, of course), wellness reimbursement, and a variety of other benefits focused on providing the best employee experience.
(Disclaimer: interns and contractors are not eligible for benefits at CTC)
OUR COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION
At CTC, we aim to cultivate a workplace that celebrates diversity and each person feels included, engaged and empowered. Where each of us feels we belong. We are committed to having a diverse workforce and are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. CTC does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform crucial job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. If you have a disability and believe you need a reasonable accommodation in order to search for a job opening or to apply for a position, please contact us at info@chicagotrading.com. Note that emails sent to this email account for non-disability related issues, such as following up on an application, will not receive a response.
USE OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)
Information submitted by job applicants may be subject to review and analysis by automated systems, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), as part of the recruitment process. Such systems are utilized to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of our hiring procedures. Applicants are advised that any information provided may be evaluated by AI tools to ensure an equitable and thorough assessment.
COMPENSATION
The salary range for this role is listed below. This role is also eligible for an annual discretionary bonus. The discretionary bonus will be dependent upon the individual’s skills, experience, qualifications, and firm performance.
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Find JobsClinical Research Associate Job Market in Chicago
Who's Hiring
- TransUnion5

- SentiLink4

- PwC3

- 84.51˚3

- 84.51°2

Top Industries Hiring
- Consulting & Professional Services13
- Banking & Financial Services11
- Technology & Software8
- Fintech7
- Investment & Asset Management7
Clinical Research Associate Jobs in Chicago: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a clinical research associate job in Chicago?
The strongest path into Chicago's clinical research associate market is through its dense concentration of contract research organizations and academic medical centers on the Near North Side and in the Illinois Medical District. Candidates who come in with GCP certification, hands-on trial coordination experience, and familiarity with electronic data capture systems stand out. Targeting mid-size CROs or hospital-affiliated research programs is a reliable entry point in this market.
Which companies hire clinical research associates in Chicago?
Employers hiring clinical research associates in Chicago right now include TransUnion, SentiLink, and PwC, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of June 2026. Chicago's hiring mix skews toward large CROs with regional offices downtown, academic health systems on the Near North Side, and biopharma firms with Midwest operations.
Are there remote clinical research associate jobs in Chicago?
Yes, though remote availability depends heavily on the role. Site-facing and monitoring positions require on-site presence, while data review, regulatory coordination, and sponsor-side oversight roles are more remote-friendly. About 46% of clinical research associate openings tied to Chicago are remote or hybrid as of June 2026, with the most flexibility concentrated in CRO and sponsor-side analytical roles rather than site-based monitoring.
How can I get a clinical research associate job in Chicago with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry point in Chicago is a clinical research coordinator role at one of the major academic medical centers in the Illinois Medical District or on the Near North Side, where coordinator-to-CRA progression is common. Community hospitals and smaller site management organizations in the broader metro area also hire coordinators who move into associate monitoring roles within one to two years. A GCP certification and any hands-on protocol or IRB experience will separate you from other applicants in this market.
Which industries hire the most clinical research associates in Chicago?
Chicago clinical research associate roles concentrate in Consulting & Professional Services, Banking & Financial Services, and Technology & Software, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of June 2026. Chicago's position as a major academic medicine hub and a regional headquarters city for global CROs and specialty pharma companies drives consistent demand across those sectors.
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