Clinical Research Associate Jobs in Tennessee
Clinical Research Associate jobs in Tennessee are actively hiring, with consistent demand concentrated in pharmaceutical research, academic medical centers, and contract research organizations serving entry-level coordinators through senior CRAs managing multi-site trials. Nashville, Memphis, and Knoxville anchor most of the hiring, where employers such as Vanderbilt University Medical Center, HCA Healthcare, and PPD have established research operations across the state. The most in-demand specialties include oncology trials, cardiovascular studies, and regulatory compliance monitoring. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Showing 5 of 40+ Clinical Research Associate jobs
Job Description
The CRU Laboratory supports more than 100 research protocols and performs protocol-specific specimen processing and management, including Ficoll separation when required, specimen deidentification, data entry and specimen tracking in the Laboratory Data Management System (LDMS), preparation of specimen collection kits, temporary specimen storage, and the packaging, shipping, and tracking of research specimens.
The Lead Clinical Laboratory Technician provides hands-on laboratory support while helping coordinate daily workflow, promote consistent processes, and serve as a resource for the CRU Laboratory team. The position will also collaborate closely with Pathology’s Laboratory Support and Biorepository teams to support coordinated specimen management and research operations across the department.
Job Responsibilities:
- Collaborate with internal/external teams to perform and oversee laboratory support operations.
- Independently perform and oversees complex lab tasks within own area (e.g., pipette calibration and water quality; accurate collection, processing, storage, tracking and shipping of tests; specimen accessioning, evaluation, processing, and distribution).
- Troubleshoot complex problems related to lab support within area and assist in preventive maintenance procedures.
- Oversee and monitor inventory maintenance including receipt and storage of supplies.
- Perform and guide quality control and compliance activities within lab (e.g., documentation, lab maintenance, calibration).
- Train and guide team members around complex lab services activities and address any escalations/deviations.
- Perform other duties as assigned to meet the goals and objectives of the department and institution.
- Maintain regular and predictable attendance.
- Consistently meet job expectations, adhere to policies, and deliver quality work while applying. St. Jude values and principles. Managers evaluate employee performance throughout the year—specifically through the spring and fall Check In milestones and the Annual Performance Review. All employees are encouraged to actively participate in these performance management processes.
Minimum Education and/or Training:
- High School Diploma required.
- Associate's degree preferred.
Minimum Experience:
- 8+ years of experience in a clinical lab required.
- Experience Exception: Associate's degree with 6+ years of experience.
- Substantial experience in relevant complex laboratory procedures and principles preferred (e.g. equipment maintenance, calibration, and troubleshooting; materials prep and planning; specimen processing and management).
- Significant experience working with laboratory personnel, understanding and supporting complex lab needs preferred.
- Experience in assessing and addressing crisis/emergency lab situations through appropriate assistance preferred.
- Experience in training team members around lab procedures, safety, and compliance preferred.
- Proven performance in earlier role/ comparable role.
Licensure, Registration and/or Certification Required by Law:
- Tennessee licensure as Medical Laboratory Technician-General preferred
Licensure, Registration and/or Certification Required by SJCRH Only:
- Current Hazardous Goods Shipping (HAZGOODS) required within 3 months of joining.
Compensation
In recognition of certain U.S. state and municipal pay transparency laws, St. Jude is including a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role. This is an estimate offered in good faith and a specific salary offer takes into account factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to skill sets, experience and training, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the salary range and compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case. A reasonable estimate of the current salary range is $24.00 - $42.00 per hour for the role of Lead-Clinical Lab Technician-Pathology Clinical Research Unit Lab.Explore our exceptional benefits!
We are committed to a human-centered hiring experience. Technology may support portions of our process, but recruiting decisions involve human review and engagement. Learn more about our approach to AI.
St. Jude is an Equal Opportunity Employer
No Search Firms
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital does not accept unsolicited assistance from search firms for employment opportunities. Please do not call or email. All resumes submitted by search firms to any employee or other representative at St. Jude via email, the internet or in any form and/or method without a valid written search agreement in place and approved by HR will result in no fee being paid in the event the candidate is hired by St. Jude.
Job Description
The CRU Laboratory supports more than 100 research protocols and performs protocol-specific specimen processing and management, including Ficoll separation when required, specimen deidentification, data entry and specimen tracking in the Laboratory Data Management System (LDMS), preparation of specimen collection kits, temporary specimen storage, and the packaging, shipping, and tracking of research specimens.
The Lead Clinical Laboratory Technician provides hands-on laboratory support while helping coordinate daily workflow, promote consistent processes, and serve as a resource for the CRU Laboratory team. The position will also collaborate closely with Pathology’s Laboratory Support and Biorepository teams to support coordinated specimen management and research operations across the department.
Job Responsibilities:
- Collaborate with internal/external teams to perform and oversee laboratory support operations.
- Independently perform and oversees complex lab tasks within own area (e.g., pipette calibration and water quality; accurate collection, processing, storage, tracking and shipping of tests; specimen accessioning, evaluation, processing, and distribution).
- Troubleshoot complex problems related to lab support within area and assist in preventive maintenance procedures.
- Oversee and monitor inventory maintenance including receipt and storage of supplies.
- Perform and guide quality control and compliance activities within lab (e.g., documentation, lab maintenance, calibration).
- Train and guide team members around complex lab services activities and address any escalations/deviations.
- Perform other duties as assigned to meet the goals and objectives of the department and institution.
- Maintain regular and predictable attendance.
- Consistently meet job expectations, adhere to policies, and deliver quality work while applying. St. Jude values and principles. Managers evaluate employee performance throughout the year—specifically through the spring and fall Check In milestones and the Annual Performance Review. All employees are encouraged to actively participate in these performance management processes.
Minimum Education and/or Training:
- High School Diploma required.
- Associate's degree preferred.
Minimum Experience:
- 8+ years of experience in a clinical lab required.
- Experience Exception: Associate's degree with 6+ years of experience.
- Substantial experience in relevant complex laboratory procedures and principles preferred (e.g. equipment maintenance, calibration, and troubleshooting; materials prep and planning; specimen processing and management).
- Significant experience working with laboratory personnel, understanding and supporting complex lab needs preferred.
- Experience in assessing and addressing crisis/emergency lab situations through appropriate assistance preferred.
- Experience in training team members around lab procedures, safety, and compliance preferred.
- Proven performance in earlier role/ comparable role.
Licensure, Registration and/or Certification Required by Law:
- Tennessee licensure as Medical Laboratory Technician-General preferred
Licensure, Registration and/or Certification Required by SJCRH Only:
- Current Hazardous Goods Shipping (HAZGOODS) required within 3 months of joining.
Compensation
In recognition of certain U.S. state and municipal pay transparency laws, St. Jude is including a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role. This is an estimate offered in good faith and a specific salary offer takes into account factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to skill sets, experience and training, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the salary range and compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case. A reasonable estimate of the current salary range is $24.00 - $42.00 per hour for the role of Lead-Clinical Lab Technician-Pathology Clinical Research Unit Lab.Explore our exceptional benefits!
We are committed to a human-centered hiring experience. Technology may support portions of our process, but recruiting decisions involve human review and engagement. Learn more about our approach to AI.
St. Jude is an Equal Opportunity Employer
No Search Firms
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital does not accept unsolicited assistance from search firms for employment opportunities. Please do not call or email. All resumes submitted by search firms to any employee or other representative at St. Jude via email, the internet or in any form and/or method without a valid written search agreement in place and approved by HR will result in no fee being paid in the event the candidate is hired by St. Jude.
See All 40 Clinical Research Associate Jobs in Tennessee
Find roles in Tennessee that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find JobsClinical Research Associate Jobs by City in Tennessee
Where Tennessee roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Clinical Research Associate Job Market in Tennessee
A snapshot from current Tennessee openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Education
- Healthcare & Medical Services
What Tennessee Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in clinical research associate jobs across Tennessee.
- Bachelor's degree in life sciences, nursing, or a related health field required
- ACRP or SOCRA clinical research certification preferred or required by most employers
- Minimum one to two years of clinical trial monitoring or coordination experience
- Working knowledge of ICH-GCP guidelines, FDA regulations, and IRB submission processes
- Proficiency with electronic data capture systems such as Medidata Rave or Veeva Vault
- Ability to travel to investigative sites across Tennessee and occasionally out of state
Clinical Research Associate Jobs in Tennessee: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a clinical research associate in Tennessee?
Most Tennessee employers require a bachelor's degree in a life science, nursing, or health-related field as the foundation for a CRA role. Tennessee does not issue a state-specific license for clinical research associates, so candidates advance through professional certification: the Association of Clinical Research Professionals offers the CCRA credential, and SOCRA offers the CCRP, both widely recognized by Tennessee research sites and contract research organizations.
Which companies hire clinical research associates in Tennessee?
Employers hiring clinical research associates in Tennessee right now include St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, EmVenio Research, and Vanderbilt Health, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of October 2026. Tennessee's concentration of academic medical centers and contract research organizations means openings appear consistently at both large health systems and specialized CRO regional offices.
Which Tennessee cities have the most clinical research associate jobs?
Nashville, Memphis, and Jackson have the most clinical research associate openings in Tennessee. Nashville drives the largest share of demand, anchored by Vanderbilt University Medical Center, HCA Healthcare's corporate headquarters, and a dense corridor of CROs, while Memphis and Knoxville contribute openings through their own academic health systems and pharmaceutical research partnerships.
Are there remote clinical research associate jobs in Tennessee?
Yes, and more than many clinical roles, since a significant portion of CRA work involves remote source data verification, protocol review, and sponsor communication rather than on-site visits. About 46% of clinical research associate openings tied to Tennessee are remote or hybrid as of October 2026, reflecting how post-pandemic monitoring practices have evolved. Fully remote positions tend to cover data review and regulatory documentation, while hybrid roles still require periodic travel to investigative sites.
How can I get hired as a clinical research associate in Tennessee with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is starting as a clinical research coordinator at a Tennessee academic medical center or hospital research department, where you gain direct protocol and regulatory experience before stepping into a monitoring role. Vanderbilt University Medical Center and UT Medical Center run active research programs that routinely hire coordinators without prior CRA experience. Candidates with a nursing background, pharmacy technician history, or IRB administration experience transition into these roles with an edge, and earning the ACRP entry-level CCRP certificate signals seriousness to hiring managers.
Where can I find and apply to clinical research associate jobs in Tennessee?
You can find and apply to clinical research associate jobs in Tennessee on Migrate Mate, which lists current Tennessee openings across Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville, and other markets. Find roles that fit your experience and specialty and apply directly.
See All 40 Clinical Research Associate Jobs in Tennessee
Find roles in Tennessee that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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