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.
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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 69 Clinical Research Manager Jobs in Illinois
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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 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 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 OSF HealthCare, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of October 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, Peoria, and Streeterville 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 29% of clinical research manager openings tied to Illinois are remote or hybrid as of October 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.
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