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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Discover Vanderbilt Health : With eight hospitals and over 180 clinics, we are the region’s largest comprehensive academic health system. Vanderbilt Health has a long tradition of providing world-class care to the people of the Mid-South, living out our mission of moving medicine forward through preeminent programs in patient care, education and research. Here you’ll find a spirit of collaboration and a supportive community where your expertise is valued, your knowledge expanded and your uniqueness celebrated. We are committed to fostering an environment where talented, compassionate people are united in bringing the most advanced care to our neighbors throughout the region.
Organization:
Neurology Admin 20Job Summary:
Responsible for coordinating the approval processes and conduct of research protocols, such that the integrity and quality of the clinical/translational research is maintained and the research is conducted in accordance within all policies, under occasional guidance..
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Proficiently prepares and processes new IRB research proposals, amendments, continuing review applications and adverse event reports according to institutional and departmental policies and procedures and federal regulations
- Accurately and compliantly prepares and maintains documents required to be maintained internally and available for regulatory authorities and/or the sponsor prior to, during and after the conduct of a clinical/translational trial. Participates in periodic site visits from sponsor, regulatory authorities and others to review research, source documentation and research procedures
- Identifies and procures equipment and supplies needed to fulfill project requirements (locally and across multiple sites, if required)
- Participates in the determination of eligible candidates for study participation, assuring participants fulfill eligibility requirements. Strives to ensure studies are completed in a timely manner through implementing effective screening and recruitment strategies and completing required documentation. Assesses and evaluates potential participants pertinent medical and historical information to ensure only appropriate subjects are enrolled in clinical/translational trials and remain eligible for continued participation
- Records data from source documentation and/or participant interaction onto case report forms (either paper or electronic) with awareness and attention to the requirements for accuracy, completeness and timeliness. Attends to query resolution in a timely manner. Assures research information is collected and stored in a manner that is compliant with regulations/policies and good clinical practice. Participates in site visits from sponsor, regulatory authorities and others to review research, source documentation, critical documents and research procedures
- Performs packaging and ships study specimens (blood, urine, etc.) to the sponsor or laboratory in accordance with sponsor and shipping guidelines and regulations, maintaining appropriate documentation
- With direction, develops and manages study budgets, monitoring efficient invoicing and taking appropriate action to maintain clinical trial billing compliance, providing reports investigators, department administration and funding agencies
- Serves as an advocate for human subjects by establishing and maintaining communication with Investigators, research staff, Sponsors, participants and representatives of professional organizations, participant advocates, and the public responsible for, or concerned about, protections for human participants of research and through ongoing monitoring of trial processes and participants
- Participates in the ongoing informed consent process, ensuring that human subjects, their families, and other health care providers clearly understand what is expected of and from them in the course of participating in a clinical/translational trial
- Participates in research related programs, such as the Clinical/translational Research Staff Council and its activities by submitting issues or suggesting solutions, and reviewing Council information, by attending meetings open to research staff and by sharing information with other research personnel The responsibilities listed are a general overview of the position and additional duties may be assigned.
TECHNICAL CAPABILITIES
- Clinical Research (Novice): Can research problems that span several areas of the department. Develops and writes basic trial protocols. Knows what information is available in the company. Designs data collection forms. Has developed networking skills which assist in researching issues.
- Study Design & Conduct (Novice): Applies qualitative and quantitative research methods to perform preparatory, regulatory, and analytic tasking within the life cycle of a study.
- Project Coordination (Novice): Reviews specific project related documents for completeness and accuracy and ensures project status reports are received, when due, from project managers for all approved projects. Provides administrative and logistics support for various project meetings, training, workshops and facilitated sessions. Coordinates and tracks all work requests to ensure on time project delivery. Keeps project plans updated and ensures key milestones and dependencies are understood. Responsible for record keeping for project meetings such as issues logs, gap analysis sheets, meeting minutes, making copies, team event planning and execution, team travel, on-boarding activities for contractors or consultants, set up and maintenance of project repositories.
- Communication (Novice): Clearly, effectively and respectfully communicates to employees or customers.
Our Academic Enterprise is one of the nation’s longest serving and most prestigious academic medical centers. Through its historic bond with Vanderbilt University and integral role in the School of Medicine, Vanderbilt Health cultivates distinguished research and educational programs to advance a clinical enterprise that provides compassionate and personalized care and support for millions of patients and family members each year.
World-leading academic departments and comprehensive centers of excellence pursue scientific discoveries and transformational educational and clinical advances across the entire spectrum of health and disease.
Aligning with Vanderbilt Health’s Strategic Directions , the Office of Research provides shared research resources, administrative expertise and professional guidance to enable the trans-disciplinary environment and highly collaborative culture that advances discovery and training for all the research faculty, trainees, students and staff.
Core Accountabilities:
Organizational Impact: Executes job responsibilities with the understanding of how output would affect and impact other areas related to own job area/team with occasional guidance. Problem Solving/ Complexity of work: Analyzes moderately complex problems using technical experience and judgment. Breadth of Knowledge: Has expanded knowledge gained through experience within a professional area. Team Interaction: Provides informal guidance and support to team members.Core Capabilities :
Supporting Colleagues:- Develops Self and Others: Invests time, energy, and enthusiasm in developing self/others to help improve performance e and gain knowledge in new areas.- Builds and Maintains Relationships: Maintains regular contact with key colleagues and stakeholders using formal and informal opportunities to expand and strengthen relationships.- Communicates Effectively: Recognizes group interactions and modifies one's own communication style to suit different situations and audiences. Delivering Excellent Services:- Serves Others with Compassion: Seeks to understand current and future needs of relevant stakeholders and customizes services to better address them.- Solves Complex Problems: Approaches problems from different angles; Identifies new possibilities to interpret opportunities and develop concrete solutions.- Offers Meaningful Advice and Support: Provides ongoing support and coaching in a constructive manner to increase employees' effectiveness. Ensuring High Quality: - Performs Excellent Work: Engages regularly in formal and informal dialogue about quality; directly addresses quality issues promptly.- Ensures Continuous Improvement: Applies various learning experiences by looking beyond symptoms to uncover underlying causes of problems and identifies ways to resolve them. - Fulfills Safety and Regulatory Requirements: Understands all aspects of providing a safe environment and performs routine safety checks to prevent safety hazards from occurring. Managing Resources Effectively: - Demonstrates Accountability: Demonstrates a sense of ownership, focusing on and driving critical issues to closure.- Stewards Organizational Resources: Applies understanding of the departmental work to effectively manage resources for a department/area.- Makes Data Driven Decisions: Demonstrates strong understanding of the information or data to identify and elevate opportunities. Fostering Innovation:- Generates New Ideas: Proactively identifies new ideas/opportunities from multiple sources or methods to improve processes beyond conventional approaches.- Applies Technology: Demonstrates an enthusiasm for learning new technologies, tools, and procedures to address short-term challenges.- Adapts to Change: Views difficult situations and/or problems as opportunities for improvement; actively embraces change instead of emphasizing negative elements.Position Qualifications:
Responsibilities:
Certifications :
Work Experience :
Relevant Work ExperienceExperience Level :
1 yearEducation :
Bachelor'sThis role offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact within Vanderbilt Health, supported by a comprehensive benefits package which may include health, disability, retirement and/or wellness offerings to enhance your well-being and professional growth.
Vanderbilt Health is committed to fostering an environment where everyone has the chance to thrive and is committed to the principles of equal opportunity. EOE/Vets/Disabled.
See All 27 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
- 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, Science 37, and GI ALLIANCE, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 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 Hendersonville 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 10% of clinical research associate openings tied to Tennessee are remote or hybrid as of August 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 27 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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