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 Rush University Medical Center, The IMA, and University of Chicago. See the openings below and apply to the ones that match your experience.
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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 Chicago
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Find JobsClinical Research Associate Job Market in Chicago
Who's Hiring
- Rush University Medical Center26
- The IMA9
- University of Chicago9
- INSIGHT7
- Northwestern Medicine5
Top Industries Hiring
- Education19
- Healthcare & Medical Services17
- Manufacturing2
- Staffing & Recruiting2
- Distribution & Wholesale2
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 Rush University Medical Center, The IMA, and University of Chicago, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 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 25% of clinical research associate openings tied to Chicago are remote or hybrid as of August 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 Education, Healthcare & Medical Services, and Manufacturing, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 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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