Clinical Research Manager Jobs in Illinois
Clinical Research Manager jobs in Illinois are in strong demand, concentrated in pharmaceutical R&D, academic medical centers, and contract research organizations, with openings at every level from entry-level coordinator-to-manager transitions through senior site and program management. Chicago, Deerfield, and Gurnee anchor most of the hiring, with major employers like AbbVie, Baxter International, and University of Chicago Medicine maintaining consistent clinical research manager rosters. The most sought-after specialties are oncology trials management, device and biologics studies, and multi-site coordination. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
Find JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 78+ Clinical Research Manager 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 Manager Jobs in Illinois
Find roles in Illinois that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find JobsClinical Research Manager Jobs by City in Illinois
Where Illinois roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Clinical Research Manager 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 manager jobs across Illinois.
- Bachelor's degree in life sciences, nursing, or a related clinical field required
- ACRP or SOCRA certification (CCRC, CCRP, or CCRA) strongly preferred by Illinois employers
- Minimum three to five years of clinical trial coordination or site management experience
- Demonstrated knowledge of ICH-GCP guidelines and FDA regulatory requirements
- Experience managing cross-functional teams and CRO or sponsor relationships
- Proficiency with clinical trial management systems such as Medidata Rave or Veeva Vault
Clinical Research Manager Jobs in Illinois: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a clinical research manager in Illinois?
The typical path in Illinois starts with a bachelor's degree in a life sciences or healthcare field, followed by hands-on clinical trial experience as a coordinator or associate. Illinois does not require a state-issued license specific to clinical research, but employers consistently favor nationally recognized credentials: the CCRC or CCRA from ACRP, or the CCRP from SOCRA. Academic medical centers and large pharma employers in the Chicago metro treat these credentials as near-requirements for manager-level roles.
Which companies hire clinical research managers in Illinois?
Employers hiring clinical research managers 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 dense concentration of global pharmaceutical headquarters, hospital-based research programs, and contract research organizations makes it one of the more active states for this role year-round.
Which Illinois cities have the most clinical research manager jobs?
Chicago, Streeterville, and Peoria account for the most clinical research manager openings in Illinois. Chicago drives the largest share through its hospital systems and academic medical centers, while Deerfield and the northern suburbs reflect the headquarters presence of companies like AbbVie and Baxter, which maintain large clinical operations teams outside the city proper.
Are there remote clinical research manager jobs in Illinois?
Yes, and more than many clinical roles, because the oversight, budgeting, and vendor management work of a research manager can be done off-site even when trial execution is on-site. About 33% of clinical research manager openings tied to Illinois are remote or hybrid as of August 2026, with the remote-eligible positions most often covering program-level oversight, regulatory affairs coordination, and CRO relationship management rather than direct site monitoring.
How can I get hired as a clinical research manager in Illinois with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is moving into a clinical research coordinator role first, then building toward manager responsibilities over one to three years. Large Illinois health systems such as Northwestern Medicine, Rush University Medical Center, and UI Health regularly post coordinator openings that serve as a direct pipeline into management. Earning a CCRC credential early signals readiness for the next level. Adjacent roles in regulatory affairs, data management, or project coordination at a CRO or pharma company also create a credible lateral path into research management.
Where can I find and apply to clinical research manager jobs in Illinois?
You can find and apply to clinical research manager jobs in Illinois on Migrate Mate, which lists current Illinois openings updated regularly. Search the listings, find roles that match your experience and target metro, and apply directly to each employer through the posting.
See All 78 Clinical Research Manager Jobs in Illinois
Find roles in Illinois that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Jobs