Clinical Research Nurse Jobs in Illinois
Clinical Research Nurse jobs in Illinois are consistently active, with demand concentrated in academic medical centers, pharmaceutical research organizations, and specialty oncology and cardiology trial sites at every level from entry-level research coordinators to senior principal investigators. Chicago, Evanston, and Maywood anchor most of the hiring, home to large institutions such as Northwestern Medicine, Loyola University Medical Center, and the University of Chicago Medicine. The most sought-after specialties in Illinois are oncology trials, phase I and II clinical studies, and rare disease research. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
Find Clinical Research Nurse JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 78+ Clinical Research Nurse 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 Nurse Jobs in Illinois
Find roles in Illinois that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Clinical Research Nurse JobsClinical Research Nurse Jobs by City in Illinois
Where Illinois roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Clinical Research Nurse 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 nurse jobs across Illinois.
- Active registered nurse license issued or recognized by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation
- Minimum associate or bachelor's degree in nursing, with BSN strongly preferred by research institutions
- One or more years of clinical nursing experience in a hospital, oncology, or specialty care setting
- Certified Clinical Research Professional (CCRP) or equivalent credential from SOCRA or ACRP preferred
- Demonstrated experience collecting and documenting data per Good Clinical Practice guidelines
- Ability to obtain and maintain human subjects research certification such as CITI Program training
Clinical Research Nurse Jobs in Illinois: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a clinical research nurse in Illinois?
You become a clinical research nurse in Illinois by first obtaining an active registered nurse license through the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, which requires passing the NCLEX-RN. From there, most Illinois employers expect at least one year of direct patient care experience before moving into a research role. Pursuing a voluntary credential such as the CCRP through SOCRA or ACRP strengthens your application significantly at Illinois academic medical centers and research hospitals.
Which companies hire clinical research nurses in Illinois?
Employers hiring clinical research nurses 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 academic health systems and contract research organizations means hiring tends to be steady year-round rather than seasonal.
Which Illinois cities have the most clinical research nurse jobs?
Chicago, Streeterville, and Peoria have the most clinical research nurse openings in Illinois. Chicago dominates due to its dense cluster of academic medical centers, NCI-designated cancer centers, and pharmaceutical headquarters, while Evanston and Maywood generate consistent openings through Northwestern Medicine and Loyola University Medical Center, both of which run large ongoing trial portfolios in oncology, cardiology, and rare disease.
Are there remote clinical research nurse jobs in Illinois?
Yes, but they're rare. Clinical research nursing is primarily an on-site role because most responsibilities involve direct patient contact, specimen collection, and protocol-driven assessments at the trial site. About 33% of clinical research nurse openings tied to Illinois are remote or hybrid as of August 2026, and those positions tend to cover administrative functions such as data entry, regulatory document management, or telephone follow-up rather than hands-on patient care.
How can I get hired as a clinical research nurse in Illinois with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is applying to research coordinator or clinical trial assistant roles at Illinois academic medical centers, which regularly bring on nurses with limited research backgrounds and provide on-the-job Good Clinical Practice training. Northwestern Medicine, the University of Chicago Medicine, and Rush University Medical Center each run structured new-hire onboarding for research staff. Moving laterally from a med-surg, oncology, or infusion nursing position is common, as bedside assessment and IV skills transfer directly. Completing free CITI Program training before applying gives your application a concrete edge.
Where can I find and apply to clinical research nurse jobs in Illinois?
You can find and apply to clinical research nurse jobs in Illinois on Migrate Mate, which lists current Illinois openings across Chicago, Evanston, Maywood, and other Illinois markets. Find roles that fit your experience and specialty and apply directly to each employer through the listing.
See All 78 Clinical Research Nurse Jobs in Illinois
Find roles in Illinois that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Clinical Research Nurse Jobs