Clinical Research Associate Jobs in Pennsylvania
Clinical Research Associate jobs in Pennsylvania are in steady demand, concentrated in pharmaceutical research, academic medical centers, and contract research organizations, with openings from entry-level coordinators through senior and principal CRAs. Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and the Greater Delaware Valley corridor are the heaviest hiring zones, anchored by institutions and employers such as Penn Medicine, GSK, and ICON plc. Oncology trials, cardiovascular studies, and Phase II-III drug development monitoring are the most sought-after specialties across Pennsylvania sites. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Showing 5 of 97+ Clinical Research Associate jobs
Education
Bachelor's Degree Required or
Combination of relevant education and experience may be considered in lieu of degree experience in related clinical research role Required
Experience
2 years experience in related clinical research role Required
See All 97 Clinical Research Associate Jobs in Pennsylvania
Find roles in Pennsylvania that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find JobsClinical Research Associate Jobs by City in Pennsylvania
Where Pennsylvania roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Clinical Research Associate Job Market in Pennsylvania
A snapshot from current Pennsylvania openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- University of Pennsylvania17
- University of Pittsburgh14
- Thomas Jefferson University & Jefferson Health14
- Penn State Health5
- Temple Health4T
Top Industries Hiring
- Healthcare & Medical Services11
- Education4
- Agriculture & Farming1
- Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals1
What Pennsylvania Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in clinical research associate jobs across Pennsylvania.
- Bachelor's degree in life sciences, nursing, or a related clinical field required
- ACRP or SOCRA certification (CCRC or CCRP) strongly preferred by Pennsylvania employers
- Minimum one to two years of clinical trial monitoring or site coordination experience
- Proficiency with electronic data capture systems such as Medidata Rave or Veeva Vault
- Knowledge of ICH-GCP guidelines and FDA regulations governing clinical research conduct
- Willingness to travel to Pennsylvania investigator sites, often up to fifty percent of the time
Clinical Research Associate Jobs in Pennsylvania: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a clinical research associate in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania does not issue a state-specific license for clinical research associates, so the standard path is a bachelor's degree in a life science, nursing, or health-related field followed by hands-on experience in clinical trial coordination or data management. Most Pennsylvania employers then expect or require professional certification through ACRP (the CCRC or CRA credential) or SOCRA (the CCRP). Starting as a clinical research coordinator at a Philadelphia academic medical center or a contract research organization in the Delaware Valley region is the most common entry route.
Which companies hire clinical research associates in Pennsylvania?
Employers hiring clinical research associates in Pennsylvania right now include University of Pennsylvania, University of Pittsburgh, and Thomas Jefferson University & Jefferson Health, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of October 2026. Pennsylvania's dense concentration of pharmaceutical headquarters, academic health systems, and large CROs means openings appear consistently throughout the year rather than in seasonal bursts.
Which Pennsylvania cities have the most clinical research associate jobs?
Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and Hershey have the most clinical research associate openings in Pennsylvania. Philadelphia dominates because of its cluster of major health systems, Ivy League research institutions, and pharmaceutical and biotech firms in the Greater Delaware Valley, while Pittsburgh draws postings through its university medical centers and growing life sciences corridor, and suburban markets like King of Prussia and Wayne benefit from nearby biopharma campuses.
Are there remote clinical research associate jobs in Pennsylvania?
Yes, and more than many clinical roles, because a portion of CRA work involves remote source document review, protocol training, and regulatory document management rather than on-site monitoring visits. About 59% of clinical research associate openings tied to Pennsylvania are remote or hybrid as of October 2026, reflecting the growing adoption of risk-based and remote monitoring models across the industry. Site-facing monitoring duties still require in-person visits to Pennsylvania investigator sites.
How can I get hired as a clinical research associate in Pennsylvania with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is a clinical research coordinator role at a Philadelphia or Pittsburgh academic medical center, where you gain direct protocol and site experience before stepping into a field CRA position. Penn Medicine, UPMC, and Jefferson Health all run new-graduate research coordinator pipelines. Candidates who hold a CCRC credential from ACRP, even without full monitoring experience, stand out. Lateral moves from clinical data management, regulatory affairs, or quality assurance roles at Pennsylvania-based CROs are another common bridge into the CRA track.
Where can I find and apply to clinical research associate jobs in Pennsylvania?
You can find and apply to clinical research associate jobs in Pennsylvania on Migrate Mate, which lists current Pennsylvania openings across Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and surrounding areas. Find the roles that fit your experience level and specialty focus, then apply directly to the employers posting them.
See All 97 Clinical Research Associate Jobs in Pennsylvania
Find roles in Pennsylvania that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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