Clinical Research Associate Jobs in Wisconsin
Clinical Research Associate jobs in Wisconsin are concentrated in Madison and Milwaukee, where major research institutions and health systems like UW Health, Froedtert Health, and Exact Sciences drive steady demand for monitoring and site management professionals. The most active hiring areas include oncology trials, cardiovascular studies, and early-phase research supported by the state's robust academic medical infrastructure. Openings range from entry-level CRA I roles through senior and lead monitor positions. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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- JR10014361
- Hybrid
- Madison, Wisconsin
- Research
- Closing at: Sep 8 2026 - 11:00pm CDT
Job Category:
Academic StaffEmployment Type:
RegularJob Profile:
Clinical Research ManagerJob Summary:
The School Mental Health Collaborative (SMHC), a research center within the University of Wisconsin – Madison’s School of Education, is seeking a Clinical Research Manager. SMHC focuses on conducting research to inform policy and practice related to the promotion of social-emotional and behavioral success of children and families in school and community settings. The CRM works with faculty and staff to plan, develop, and direct clinical research within SMHC working under PI (Principal Investigator) supervision. Additionally, the CRM solicits clinical research opportunities, develops policies and procedures, and supervises clinical research staff.
This position is primarily onsite and requires a regular in-person presence at 1025 West Johnson Street, Madison, WI. Limited remote work flexibility may be available; however, the specific onsite/remote schedule will be determined during the interview process and based on operational requirements.
Responsibilities
The following responsibilities are carried out under the direction and supervision of a point of contact study investigator (e.g., Principal Investigator).
Research Program Direction: Direct the planning and implementation of clinical research protocols within K-12 settings, ensuring high-quality execution of programs focused on student social-emotional and behavioral success.
Strategic Growth & Advocacy: Identify and solicit new internal and external research opportunities to expand SMHC’s impact on policy and practice; promote center capabilities and recommend strategic program enhancements to leadership.
Policy & Compliance Management: Develop and maintain internal policies and procedures to ensure all research activities and data documentation comply with University standards and federal regulations (e.g., IRB and FERPA).
Collaborative Proposal Development: Compose, assemble, and submit grant proposals and research protocols that align with SMHC’s mission and secure sustainable funding.
Supervisory Leadership: Provide comprehensive supervision for clinical research staff (minimum 2.0 FTE), including hiring, performance management, and professional development, to foster a highly effective and mission-driven team.
Financial & Operational Oversight: Manage the overall functioning and fiscal health of clinical research programs by developing budgets, monitoring expenditures, and ensuring resources are optimized to meet research goals.
Key Job Responsibilities:
- Develops, implements, and maintains clinical research policies, standard operating procedures, and operational guidelines
- Compiles audits and documents research data to ensure necessary compliance with institutional policies and procedures
- Analyzes research portfolios and accounts, solicits internal and external research opportunities, promotes unit capabilities, and makes recommendations to leadership for strategic program enhancements
- Exercises supervisory authority, including hiring, transferring, suspending, promoting, managing conduct and performance, discharging, assigning, rewarding, disciplining, and/or approving hours worked of at least 2.0 full-time equivalent (FTE) employees
- Composes, assembles, and submits grant proposals and protocols according to applicable rules and regulations
- Plans staff implementation of protocols and on-going quality review of one or multiple, basic or moderately complex clinical research trials or programs
- Develops and monitors the program budget; and reviews and approves expenditures
Department:
School of Education / Wisconsin Center for Education Research / School Mental Health Collaborative
Compensation:
Minimum: $95,000.00
Commensurate with qualifications and experience. This position offers a comprehensive benefits package, including generous paid time off, competitively priced health/dental/vision/life insurance, tax-advantaged savings accounts, and participation in the nationally recognized Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS) pension fund.
Required Qualifications:
Demonstrated experience in the coordination and management of clinical research trials or programs involving human subjects.
Experience exercising supervisory authority, including hiring, performance management, and professional development of staff.
Proven ability to compose, assemble, and submit grant proposals and research protocols in accordance with federal, state, and institutional regulations.
Knowledge of institutional policies and procedures related to clinical research, including Institutional Review Board (IRB) standards and data privacy (e.g., HIPAA or FERPA).
Experience developing and monitoring program budgets, including reviewing and approving expenditures to ensure fiscal responsibility.
Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate complex research data into clear documentation for audits and strategic recommendations.
Preferred Qualifications:
Experience managing research within school and community settings or focused on student social-emotional and behavioral health.
Experience working with families and youth within a community or medical context focused on mental and behavioral health.
Experience working within a multidisciplinary team (e.g., faculty, project staff, and school administrators) to implement complex research protocols.
Proficiency in high-level data auditing and the use of research management software to ensure data integrity and compliance.
Familiarity with the University of Wisconsin–Madison’s administrative systems or similar large-scale research university environments.
Education:
Master's degree required, doctoral degree preferred
Preferred degree in education, psychology, social services, or a -related field such as Education, School Psychology, and Social Work.
How to Apply:
Please go to the “Apply Now” area and select your current UW Employment Status.
Upload a copy of:
Current Resume/CV including names and contact information for three professional references
Cover Letter detailing your interest in the position and experience relative to the job responsibilities and qualifications.
Note:
There is one upload area in Workday, but you can upload multiple documents to your application. Incomplete application packages that do not include all of the requested documentation will not be considered.
Please note that successful applicants are responsible for ensuring their eligibility to work in the United States (i.e., a citizen or national of the United States, a lawful permanent resident, a foreign national authorized to work in the United States without need of employer sponsorship) on or before the effective date of appointment. UW-Madison is not an E-Verify employer, and therefore, is not eligible to employ F1 STEM OPT Extension participants.
Contact Information:
Becky Ohan
HR Manager
hr@education.wisc.edu
Institutional Statement on Diversity:
Diversity is a source of strength, creativity, and innovation for UW-Madison. We value the contributions of each person and respect the profound ways their identity, culture, background, experience, status, abilities, and opinion enrich the university community. We commit ourselves to the pursuit of excellence in teaching, research, outreach, and diversity as inextricably linked goals.
The University of Wisconsin-Madison fulfills its public mission by creating a welcoming and inclusive community for people from every background - people who as students, faculty, and staff serve Wisconsin and the world.
The University of Wisconsin-Madison is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to, including but not limited to, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, or status as a protected veteran and other bases as defined by federal regulations and UW System policies. We promote excellence by acknowledging skills and expertise from all backgrounds and encourage all qualified individuals to apply.
To request a disability or pregnancy-related accommodation for any step in the hiring process (e.g., application, interview, pre-employment testing, etc.), please contact the Divisional Disability Representative (DDR) in the division you are applying to. Please make your request as soon as possible to help the university respond most effectively to you.
Employment may require a criminal background check. It may also require your references to answer questions regarding misconduct, including sexual violence and sexual harassment.
The University of Wisconsin System will not reveal the identities of applicants who request confidentiality in writing, except that the identity of the successful candidate will be released. See Wis. Stat. sec. 19.36(7).
The Annual Security and Fire Safety Report contains current campus safety and disciplinary policies, crime statistics for the previous 3 calendar years, and on-campus student housing fire safety policies and fire statistics for the previous 3 calendar years. UW-Madison will provide a paper copy upon request; please contact the University of Wisconsin Police Department.
See All 42 Clinical Research Associate Jobs in Wisconsin
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Find JobsClinical Research Associate Jobs by City in Wisconsin
Where Wisconsin roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Clinical Research Associate Job Market in Wisconsin
A snapshot from current Wisconsin openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- Medical College of Wisconsin19

- University of Wisconsin–Madison5

- Fortrea4

- UW Health2

- Science 372

Top Industries Hiring
- Education
- Healthcare & Medical Services
- Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals
- Consulting & Professional Services
What Wisconsin Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in clinical research associate jobs across Wisconsin.
- Bachelor's degree in life sciences, nursing, or a related clinical field required
- Two or more years of clinical trial monitoring or site coordination experience preferred
- Familiarity with ICH-GCP guidelines and FDA regulatory requirements for clinical studies
- Experience with electronic data capture systems such as Medidata Rave or Veeva Vault
- ACRP or SOCRA certification (CCRC, CCRP, or CCRA) strongly preferred by Wisconsin employers
- Ability to travel to investigative sites across Wisconsin and the broader Midwest region
Clinical Research Associate Jobs in Wisconsin: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a clinical research associate in Wisconsin?
The most direct path is earning a bachelor's degree in a life science, nursing, or health-related field, then gaining hands-on experience through clinical trial coordination or a research assistant role at a Wisconsin academic medical center or health system. Wisconsin does not require a state-issued license specific to clinical research associates, but employers consistently expect GCP certification through ACRP or SOCRA. Starting as a clinical research coordinator at a site affiliated with UW-Madison or the Medical College of Wisconsin is the most common local entry point.
Which companies hire clinical research associates in Wisconsin?
Employers hiring clinical research associates in Wisconsin right now include Medical College of Wisconsin, University of Wisconsin–Madison, and Fortrea, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. Wisconsin's concentration of academic health systems and contract research organizations supporting pharmaceutical sponsors makes it one of the more active Midwest markets for monitoring roles.
Which Wisconsin cities have the most clinical research associate jobs?
Milwaukee, Madison, and Green Bay account for the most clinical research associate openings in Wisconsin. Madison leads because of the University of Wisconsin's research enterprise and affiliated health network, while Milwaukee's hiring is driven by Froedtert Health, the Medical College of Wisconsin, and the contract research organizations that partner with those institutions.
Are there remote clinical research associate jobs in Wisconsin?
Yes, and more than many clinical roles, because experienced CRAs who handle remote source data verification and sponsor oversight work can perform a meaningful portion of their duties off-site. About 16% of clinical research associate openings tied to Wisconsin are remote or hybrid as of August 2026, reflecting the industry shift toward risk-based monitoring. Site initiation visits and routine monitoring of high-complexity protocols still require in-person presence.
How can I get hired as a clinical research associate in Wisconsin with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is starting as a clinical research coordinator at a Wisconsin academic medical center or community research site, where you gain direct protocol experience before transitioning into a monitoring role. UW Health and Froedtert Health both run research programs that regularly bring on coordinators without prior CRA experience. Completing a GCP training course and earning a CCRP or CCRC credential through SOCRA or ACRP before applying gives candidates a measurable edge over those without certification.
Where can I find and apply to clinical research associate jobs in Wisconsin?
You can find and apply to clinical research associate jobs in Wisconsin on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from employers hiring in the state right now. Search the listings for roles that match your experience level and therapeutic area, then apply directly to the ones that fit.
See All 42 Clinical Research Associate Jobs in Wisconsin
Find roles in Wisconsin that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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