Clinical Research Associate Jobs in Minnesota
Clinical Research Associate jobs in Minnesota are concentrated in the Twin Cities metro, with additional opportunities in Rochester and Duluth, where organizations like Mayo Clinic, UnitedHealth Group, and Allina Health maintain active research operations. Demand is strongest in oncology trials, cardiovascular studies, and device research, reflecting the state's deep roots in medical technology and academic medicine. Openings exist for both entry-level coordinators and seasoned CRAs with multi-site monitoring experience. Scan the live roles below and apply to whichever ones fit.
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Job Title: Research Assistant I
Location: Minneapolis VA Medical Center
Job Code: CRAI, Full Time, Benefit Eligible, Non-Exempt
PI: Diane Mortimer/Casey Gilmore
Project: THIA/ReStart
Summary:
The Center for Veterans Research and Education (CVRE), whose mission is to help support
innovative research and education initiatives that improve the health and well-being of Veterans, is
seeking a Research Assistant.
Position Description:
The Research Assistant is responsible for assisting study investigators and coordinators with the conduct of interventional and observational research studies. Research involves the use of technology including transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), electroencephalography (EEG), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). This position will require working directly with clinical patients in a research capacity. Clinical populations include traumatic brain injury, substance use, chronic pain, and mood disorders.
Responsibilities:
Major duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Assist with the execution of all aspects of research projects within the PI’s portfolio.
- Assist with recruitment, screening, and medical chart reviews.
- Conduct research study assessments in-person or over the telephone, in accordance with research protocols and standard operating procedures.
- Facilitate follow-up assessment reminders, scheduling, and participant payments.
- Perform data entry for research projects and maintain databases.
- Maintain testing supplies, files, and equipment in an organized manner.
- Maintain awareness of and compliance with research regulatory issues.
- Assist in the preparation of technical reports, summaries, and manuscripts (i.e., literature reviews, table preparation).
- Communicate regularly with study team, under the direction of project leaders, via email and conferencing.
- Maintain professional clearances/human studies training to be fully qualified to work with sensitive data as promulgated by the IRB, HIPAA, VHA, and other regulatory agencies.
- Assist with other research studies or lab duties, as directed by supervisor and as time allows.
Applicant must include a cover letter
Minimum Qualifications:
Education: Bachelor’s (BA/BS) or above from an accredited college or university in
public health, sociology, psychology, or related allied health field
Experience: 0-2 years of experience required for CRA I
2-4 years of experience required for CRA II
Licensure/Registration/Certification: None
Preferred Qualifications:
- Research Assistant experience dealing with data collection and data storage, human subject studies, and institutional review board processes.
- Knowledge of Good Clinical Practices, human subjects’ protections, and federal regulations related to clinical research.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Basic experience with trouble-shooting devices and software settings.
- Experience in coordinating multiple task and project elements with differing timelines and completion deadlines.
- Demonstrated ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills.
- Exceptional attention to detail and organizational skills.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office products including Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.
Conditions of Employment:
- Subject to a criminal and educational background check.
- Designated and/or random drug testing may be required.
- Regular and predictable attendance is required.
- Typical hours fall within standard business hours, work may be required during hours beyond standard business hours, including weekends.
- Must be a US citizen
Physical Requirements: The employee must be able to navigate the medical center, use a keyboard, and lift 25 lbs. Reasonable accommodation may be considered in determining an applicant’s ability to perform the duties/functions of the position.
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Find JobsClinical Research Associate Jobs by City in Minnesota
Where Minnesota roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Clinical Research Associate Job Market in Minnesota
A snapshot from current Minnesota openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Education
- Medical Devices
What Minnesota Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in clinical research associate jobs across Minnesota.
- Bachelor's degree in life sciences, nursing, or a related clinical field required
- ACRP or SOCRA certification preferred or required by most Minnesota employers
- Two or more years of clinical trial monitoring or coordination experience expected
- Familiarity with FDA regulations, ICH-GCP guidelines, and IRB submission processes
- Proficiency with electronic data capture systems such as Medidata Rave or Veeva Vault
- Ability to travel regionally to sponsor and investigative sites as needed
Clinical Research Associate Jobs in Minnesota: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a clinical research associate in Minnesota?
Most Minnesota employers expect a bachelor's degree in a life science, nursing, or health-related field followed by experience in clinical trial coordination or a clinical setting. Minnesota does not issue a state-specific CRA license, but the Association of Clinical Research Professionals and the Society of Clinical Research Associates both offer nationally recognized credentials that Minnesota hiring managers treat as a baseline qualifier. Starting as a clinical research coordinator at a Minnesota health system or academic medical center is the most common pathway.
Which companies hire clinical research associates in Minnesota?
Minnesota clinical research associate roles are posted by Mayo Clinic, Headlands Research, and University of Minnesota and others right now, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of October 2026. Minnesota's concentration of major health systems, contract research organizations, and medical device manufacturers means demand appears across a wide range of employer types throughout the state.
Which Minnesota cities have the most clinical research associate jobs?
Minneapolis, Rochester, and Saint Paul account for the largest share of clinical research associate openings in Minnesota. The Twin Cities anchor the market given the density of academic medical centers, contract research organizations, and corporate headquarters there, while Rochester's concentration around Mayo Clinic drives consistent demand in that region, and Duluth's regional health systems create a smaller but steady cluster of openings.
Are there remote clinical research associate jobs in Minnesota?
Yes, and more than many clinical roles, since a meaningful portion of CRA work involves remote monitoring, document review, and data entry rather than hands-on patient contact. About 65% of clinical research associate openings tied to Minnesota are remote or hybrid as of October 2026, reflecting the industry's broader shift toward risk-based monitoring approaches. Site-facing or monitoring-intensive positions still require local or regional travel.
How can I get hired as a clinical research associate in Minnesota with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is a clinical research coordinator role at a Minnesota hospital or academic medical center, where many candidates begin before moving into CRA-level monitoring work. Mayo Clinic, Allina Health, and M Health Fairview regularly post coordinator and research assistant openings that welcome candidates with a relevant degree and limited field experience. Completing a GCP training course and pursuing ACRP's entry-level CCRP credential strengthens an application considerably when site experience is thin.
Where can I find and apply to clinical research associate jobs in Minnesota?
You can find and apply to clinical research associate jobs in Minnesota on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings across the state. Search the available roles, identify the ones that match your experience and preferred location, and apply directly to the positions that fit.
See All 43 Clinical Research Associate Jobs in Minnesota
Find roles in Minnesota that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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