Clinical Research Jobs in Illinois
Clinical Research jobs in Illinois are in strong and consistent demand, concentrated in pharmaceutical development, academic medical research, and biotech, with openings at every level from entry-level research coordinator through senior principal investigator. Chicago leads hiring volume, with significant activity in the North Shore suburbs and the research corridor around Evanston and Lake County, where employers like Abbott Laboratories, AbbVie, and Northwestern Medicine maintain long-standing clinical operations. The most sought-after specialties include oncology trials, cardiovascular studies, and regulatory affairs-adjacent roles requiring GCP certification and protocol management experience. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
Find Clinical Research JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 78+ Clinical Research jobs
Location: Chicago, Illinois
Business Unit: Rush Medical Center
Hospital: Rush University Medical Center
Department: Int Med Cardiology-Res Adm
Work Type: Full Time (Total FTE between 0.9 and 1.0)
Shift: Shift 1
Work Schedule: 8 Hr (8:00:00 AM - 5:00:00 PM)
Rush offers exceptional rewards and benefits learn more at our Rush benefits page (https://www.rush.edu/rush-careers/employee-benefits).
Pay Range: $27.47 - $38.81 per hour
Rush salaries are determined by many factors including, but not limited to, education, job-related experience and skills, as well as internal equity and industry specific market data. The pay range for each role reflects Rush’s anticipated wage or salary reasonably expected to be offered for the position. Offers may vary depending on the circumstances of each case.
Summary:
Job Summary:
The Clinical Research Coordinator II (CRC II) independently coordinates assigned aspects of clinical research studies across a range of disciplines. Responsibilities include participant recruitment and retention, study data management, regulatory documentation submission and maintenance, communication with sponsors and institutional stakeholders, and monitoring of study compliance. The CRC II executes study protocols with increasing independence, identifies and resolves routine operational issues, contributes to process improvements, and may assist in mentoring less experienced staff.
Exemplifies the Rush mission, vision and values and acts in accordance with Rush policies and procedures.
Required Job Qualifications:
Education:
- Bachelor’s degree
- 2+ years of experience coordinating clinical trials
- Independent site management experience
Experience (in lieu of a degree)
- 3 years total experience in coordinating clinical trials with increasing complexity
Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:
- Regulatory Knowledge – Understands Good Clinical Practices (GCP) and proper research documentation.
- Regulatory Compliance – Knows the basic rules and guidelines from NIH and FDA that apply to research.
- Project & Time Management – Can manage timelines, keep track of tasks, and handle several study activities at once.
- Problem-Solving & Judgment – Can figure out solutions when challenges come up and make thoughtful decisions.
- Detail & Organization – Pays close attention to detail and keeps study data and records well organized.
- Participant & Vendor Interaction – Builds trust with participants and communicates respectfully with sponsors and outside partners.
- Communication Skills – Speaks and writes clearly when sharing information with research teams, participants, or external groups.
- Teamwork – Works well with other staff and helps solve problems as part of the team.
- Flexibility – Willing to work evenings or weekends if the study requires it.
- Travel Readiness – Able to travel locally or nearby for study visits, participant support, or training.
Preferred Job Qualifications:
Experience:
- 2-5 years’ experience in clinical research conduct, regulatory management, or research administration
Certifications:
- Relevant certification strongly preferred (Certified Clinical Research Professionals (CCRP),
- Certified Clinical Research Associate (CCRA),
- Certified Clinical Research Coordinator (CCRC), OR
- Certified IRB Professional (CIP)
Physical Demands:
Competencies:
Disclaimer: The above is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements.
Responsibilities:
Job Responsibilities:
1. Coordinates all aspects of the study including recruitment, consent, screening, scheduling, tracking, and provides study updates to study participants throughout the conduct of the study.
2. May collect and enter data into study case report forms and/or electronic data capture system and respond to queries in a timely manner.
3. Independently submits or partners with a regulatory coordinator to submit study related documents, study protocols, and study protocol amendments to the IRB per policy and procedure, with increasing autonomy over time to prepare for independent regulatory management responsibilities.
4. Ensures procedural documentation is accurate, complete, and in compliance with institutional, local, state, and federal guidelines and regulations related to clinical research.
5. Verifies and ensures that data is consistent with 100% of source documentation before entry into case report forms and electronic data capture systems to support accuracy, timeliness, and audit readiness.
6. May collect, process, and ship potentially biohazardous specimens.
7. May administer more complex structured tests and questionnaires according to research study protocols, including providing protocol-specific education to participants regarding procedures and expectations. May utilize study-related technology and equipment as part of assessment procedures.
8. Provides ongoing study status updates, responds to questions, and may create summary report(s) for distribution to the PI, Administrator, department stakeholders, Sponsor, and Compliance throughout the conduct of the study.
9. Organizes and participates in auditing and monitoring visits.
10. Monitors participant interactions for protocol deviations, adverse events (AEs), and serious adverse events (SAEs), and reports findings per institutional and regulatory guidelines.
11. Partners with PI(s), sponsor, compliance, clinical staff, and manager to identify and improve more complex processes as it relates to the conduct of the research study.
12. May provide oversight, training, and coaching to less experienced staff.
13. Other duties as assigned.
Rush is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics.
Location: Chicago, Illinois
Business Unit: Rush Medical Center
Hospital: Rush University Medical Center
Department: Int Med Cardiology-Res Adm
Work Type: Full Time (Total FTE between 0.9 and 1.0)
Shift: Shift 1
Work Schedule: 8 Hr (8:00:00 AM - 5:00:00 PM)
Rush offers exceptional rewards and benefits learn more at our Rush benefits page (https://www.rush.edu/rush-careers/employee-benefits).
Pay Range: $27.47 - $38.81 per hour
Rush salaries are determined by many factors including, but not limited to, education, job-related experience and skills, as well as internal equity and industry specific market data. The pay range for each role reflects Rush’s anticipated wage or salary reasonably expected to be offered for the position. Offers may vary depending on the circumstances of each case.
Summary:
Job Summary:
The Clinical Research Coordinator II (CRC II) independently coordinates assigned aspects of clinical research studies across a range of disciplines. Responsibilities include participant recruitment and retention, study data management, regulatory documentation submission and maintenance, communication with sponsors and institutional stakeholders, and monitoring of study compliance. The CRC II executes study protocols with increasing independence, identifies and resolves routine operational issues, contributes to process improvements, and may assist in mentoring less experienced staff.
Exemplifies the Rush mission, vision and values and acts in accordance with Rush policies and procedures.
Required Job Qualifications:
Education:
- Bachelor’s degree
- 2+ years of experience coordinating clinical trials
- Independent site management experience
Experience (in lieu of a degree)
- 3 years total experience in coordinating clinical trials with increasing complexity
Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:
- Regulatory Knowledge – Understands Good Clinical Practices (GCP) and proper research documentation.
- Regulatory Compliance – Knows the basic rules and guidelines from NIH and FDA that apply to research.
- Project & Time Management – Can manage timelines, keep track of tasks, and handle several study activities at once.
- Problem-Solving & Judgment – Can figure out solutions when challenges come up and make thoughtful decisions.
- Detail & Organization – Pays close attention to detail and keeps study data and records well organized.
- Participant & Vendor Interaction – Builds trust with participants and communicates respectfully with sponsors and outside partners.
- Communication Skills – Speaks and writes clearly when sharing information with research teams, participants, or external groups.
- Teamwork – Works well with other staff and helps solve problems as part of the team.
- Flexibility – Willing to work evenings or weekends if the study requires it.
- Travel Readiness – Able to travel locally or nearby for study visits, participant support, or training.
Preferred Job Qualifications:
Experience:
- 2-5 years’ experience in clinical research conduct, regulatory management, or research administration
Certifications:
- Relevant certification strongly preferred (Certified Clinical Research Professionals (CCRP),
- Certified Clinical Research Associate (CCRA),
- Certified Clinical Research Coordinator (CCRC), OR
- Certified IRB Professional (CIP)
Physical Demands:
Competencies:
Disclaimer: The above is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements.
Responsibilities:
Job Responsibilities:
1. Coordinates all aspects of the study including recruitment, consent, screening, scheduling, tracking, and provides study updates to study participants throughout the conduct of the study.
2. May collect and enter data into study case report forms and/or electronic data capture system and respond to queries in a timely manner.
3. Independently submits or partners with a regulatory coordinator to submit study related documents, study protocols, and study protocol amendments to the IRB per policy and procedure, with increasing autonomy over time to prepare for independent regulatory management responsibilities.
4. Ensures procedural documentation is accurate, complete, and in compliance with institutional, local, state, and federal guidelines and regulations related to clinical research.
5. Verifies and ensures that data is consistent with 100% of source documentation before entry into case report forms and electronic data capture systems to support accuracy, timeliness, and audit readiness.
6. May collect, process, and ship potentially biohazardous specimens.
7. May administer more complex structured tests and questionnaires according to research study protocols, including providing protocol-specific education to participants regarding procedures and expectations. May utilize study-related technology and equipment as part of assessment procedures.
8. Provides ongoing study status updates, responds to questions, and may create summary report(s) for distribution to the PI, Administrator, department stakeholders, Sponsor, and Compliance throughout the conduct of the study.
9. Organizes and participates in auditing and monitoring visits.
10. Monitors participant interactions for protocol deviations, adverse events (AEs), and serious adverse events (SAEs), and reports findings per institutional and regulatory guidelines.
11. Partners with PI(s), sponsor, compliance, clinical staff, and manager to identify and improve more complex processes as it relates to the conduct of the research study.
12. May provide oversight, training, and coaching to less experienced staff.
13. Other duties as assigned.
Rush is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics.
See All 78 Clinical Research Jobs in Illinois
Find roles in Illinois that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Clinical Research JobsClinical Research Jobs by City in Illinois
Where Illinois roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Clinical Research Job Market in Illinois
A snapshot from current Illinois openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- Rush University Medical Center15
- Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago8
- The IMA5
- University of Chicago5
- INSIGHT4
Top Industries Hiring
- Healthcare & Medical Services19
- Education14
- Consulting & Professional Services2
- Manufacturing1
- Staffing & Recruiting1
What Illinois Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in clinical research jobs across Illinois.
- Bachelor's degree in life sciences, nursing, or a related clinical field required
- GCP certification from ACRP or SOCRA recognized by Illinois employers
- Experience with clinical trial management systems such as Medidata or Veeva
- Familiarity with FDA regulations, ICH guidelines, and IRB submission processes
- Strong attention to protocol adherence and source document verification practices
- Proficiency in data entry and electronic data capture systems across trial phases
Clinical Research Jobs in Illinois: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a clinical research in Illinois?
Illinois does not require a state-issued license specifically for clinical research professionals, so entry into the field depends on education and nationally recognized credentials. Most employers in Illinois look for a bachelor's degree in a life science, nursing, or public health field, followed by certification from the Association of Clinical Research Professionals or the Society of Clinical Research Associates. Many candidates start in coordinator roles at Chicago-area academic medical centers or pharmaceutical companies and build toward certification through documented trial experience.
Which companies hire clinical researchs in Illinois?
Employers hiring clinical researchs in Illinois right now include Rush University Medical Center, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, and The IMA, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. Illinois's concentration of pharmaceutical headquarters and major academic health systems in the Chicago metropolitan area means hiring tends to be sustained year-round rather than seasonal.
Which Illinois cities have the most clinical research jobs?
Chicago, Streeterville, and Peoria have the most clinical research openings in Illinois. Chicago anchors the market through its academic medical centers and pharma presence, while North Shore suburbs like North Chicago and Lake County benefit from AbbVie and Abbott Laboratories headquarters, drawing coordinator and regulatory roles to those communities even outside the city core.
Are there remote clinical research jobs in Illinois?
Yes, but they are less common than in purely desk-based fields, since many clinical research roles require on-site trial monitoring, patient contact, or facility access. About 33% of clinical research openings tied to Illinois are remote or hybrid as of August 2026, with the remote-eligible positions concentrated in regulatory affairs, data management, and clinical project management functions rather than coordinator or site-based roles.
How can I get hired as a clinical research in Illinois with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is a research coordinator role at a Chicago-area academic medical center, where institutions like Northwestern Medicine, Rush University Medical Center, and UChicago Medicine regularly hire candidates with a relevant degree and no prior trial experience. Completing a clinical research fundamentals course and holding student membership with ACRP strengthens a new applicant's profile considerably. Adjacent roles in data entry, patient scheduling, or clinical quality assurance at hospital systems also serve as practical stepping stones into coordinator positions.
Where can I find and apply to clinical research jobs in Illinois?
You can find and apply to clinical research jobs in Illinois on Migrate Mate, which lists current Illinois openings across Chicago, the North Shore suburbs, and other parts of the state. Search the available roles, find one that fits your experience and specialty area, and apply directly from the listing.
See All 78 Clinical Research Jobs in Illinois
Find roles in Illinois that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Clinical Research Jobs