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 68+ Clinical Research jobs






About Koch Clinical Research
Koch Clinical Research is a small, established medical research organization in Morton, Illinois. For more than 30 years, our team has helped patients participate in clinical studies evaluating new treatments, vaccines, and medical devices.
We are looking for a friendly, organized, and motivated individual to help connect patients with research opportunities.
This position is ideal for someone with healthcare or medical office experience who enjoys talking with people, is comfortable with technology, and wants to learn new skills. Previous clinical research or marketing experience is not required.
What You'll Do
Your primary responsibility will be communicating with potential research participants and helping them understand whether a clinical study might be a good fit.
Typical responsibilities include:
- Contact patients by telephone and respond to inquiries about research opportunities.
- Ask structured questions about medical history, medications, and health conditions to assess preliminary eligibility.
- Explain basic study information and help interested patients schedule appointments.
- Maintain accurate records of patient conversations, screening outcomes, and follow-up activities.
- Assist with recruitment marketing, including social media posts, advertisements, flyers, and community outreach.
- Identify opportunities to improve how we communicate with patients and recruit for new studies.
- Support other administrative and clinical research activities as needed.
Much of this position involves speaking with patients on the phone, following up with interested individuals, and accurately documenting information. While marketing is part of the role, this is not primarily a graphic design or social media position.
Who We're Looking For
We believe the right personality, communication skills, and work ethic are more important than experience in clinical research.
An ideal candidate will:
- Enjoy talking with people and be comfortable making frequent outbound calls.
- Have some familiarity with healthcare, medical terminology, or medical office operations.
- Be detail-oriented, organized, and dependable.
- Be comfortable using computers and learning new software.
- Communicate clearly, professionally, and compassionately.
- Take initiative, solve problems, and follow through without constant supervision.
- Enjoy working collaboratively in a small team where responsibilities may vary.
Relevant experience: Medical assistants, medical receptionists, patient access specialists, medical schedulers, pharmacy technicians, care coordinators, and individuals with similar experience are encouraged to apply.
Experience with clinical research, patient recruitment, marketing, social media, or Canva is a plus, but not required.
Why Join Our Team?
- Meaningful work: Help patients learn about opportunities to participate in medical research.
- Supportive environment: Work closely with a small, experienced team.
- Variety: Combine patient interaction, organization, problem-solving, and creative outreach.
- Professional growth: Learn clinical research operations, recruitment strategies, and marketing skills.
- Consistent schedule: Weekday hours with flexibility in selecting a regular work schedule.
Compensation and Benefits
- $22–$28 per hour, based on qualifications and experience.
- Potential performance-based bonuses.
- Benefits based on eligibility, including paid time off, life insurance, and retirement plan options.
- Health, dental, and vision insurance available to eligible full-time employees.
How to Apply
Please send your resume to brian.w@kochresearch.com and briefly explain why this position interests you.
We are especially interested in candidates who enjoy patient communication, are comfortable with phone-based work, and want to become part of a team contributing to medical research.
Pay: $22.00 - $28.00 per hour
Expected hours: 24.0 – 36.0 per week
Benefits:
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
See All 68 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 Center13

- Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago8

- OSF HealthCare6

- The University of Chicago6

- IQVIA5

Top Industries Hiring
- Healthcare & Medical Services11
- Education6
- Transportation & Logistics1
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 OSF HealthCare, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of October 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, Peoria, and Streeterville 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 29% of clinical research openings tied to Illinois are remote or hybrid as of October 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 68 Clinical Research Jobs in Illinois
Find roles in Illinois that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Clinical Research Jobs