OPT Clinical Research Jobs
Clinical Research jobs on OPT typically fall under STEM-designated programs in life sciences, public health, or biomedical fields, making them eligible for the 24-month STEM OPT extension. Most roles are full-time positions at hospitals, CROs, pharmaceutical companies, and research universities that regularly sponsor international candidates.
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Work Schedule
Standard (Mon-Fri)
Environmental Conditions
Office
Job Description
Join Us as a Senior Clinical Research Associate (Level I/II) – Make an Impact at the Forefront of Innovation
We have successfully supported the top 50 pharmaceutical companies and more than 750 biotechs, spanning 2,700 clinical trials across 100+ countries in the last 5 years.
As part of our global team, you’ll have the opportunity to perform and coordinate all aspects of the clinical monitoring and site management process. As a Senior Clinical Research Associate (Level I), you'll conduct remote or on-site visits to assess protocol and regulatory compliance and manage required documentation. You will manage procedures and guidelines from different sponsors and/or monitoring environments (i.e., FSO, FSP, Government, etc.). Acting as a site processes specialist, you will ensure that the trial is conducted in accordance with the approved protocol, ICH-GCP guidelines, applicable regulations, and SOPs to guarantee subjects' rights, well-being, and data reliability. You will ensure audit readiness and develop collaborative relationships with investigational sites. Detailed tasks and responsibilities assigned to your role are outlined in the task matrix.
What You’ll Do:
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Monitors investigator sites with a risk-based monitoring approach applies root cause analysis (RCA), critical thinking and problem-solving skills to identify site processes failure and corrective/preventive actions to bring the site into compliance and decrease risks. Ensures data accuracy through SDR, SDV and CRF review as applicable through on-site and remote monitoring activities. Assess investigational product through physical inventory and records review. Documents observations in reports and letters in a timely manner using approved business writing standards. Escalates observed deficiencies and issues to clinical management expeditiously and follow all issues through to resolution. May need to maintain regular contact between monitoring visits with investigative sites to confirm that the protocol is being followed, that previously identified issues are being resolved and that the data is being recorded in a timely manner. Conducts monitoring tasks in accordance with the approved monitoring plan. Participates in the investigator payment process. Ensures a shared responsibility with other project team members on issues/findings resolution. Investigates and follows-up on findings as applicable.
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Provides trial status tracking and progress update reports to the Clinical Team Manager (CTM) as required. Ensures study systems are updated per agreed study conventions (e.g. Clinical Trial Management System, CTMS). Performs QC check of reports generated from CTMS system where required.
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Participates in investigator meetings as necessary. Identifies potential investigators in collaboration with the client company to ensure the acceptability of qualified investigative sites. Initiates clinical trial sites according to the relevant procedures to ensure compliance with the protocol and regulatory and ICH GCP obligations, making recommendations where warranted. Ensures trial close out and retrieval of trial materials.
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Ensures that required essential documents are complete and in place, according to ICH-GCP and applicable regulations. Conducts on-site file reviews as per project specifications.
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Contributes to the project team by assisting in preparation of project publications/tools, and sharing ideas/suggestions with team members. Performs additional study tasks as assigned by CTM (e.g. trip report review, newsletter creation, lead CRA team calls etc).
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Facilitates effective communication between investigative sites, the client company and the PPD project team through written, oral and/or electronic contacts.
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Responds to company, client and applicable regulatory requirements/audits/inspections.
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Maintains & completes administrative tasks such as expense reports and timesheets in a timely manner.
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Contributes to other project work and initiatives for process improvement, as required.
Education and Experience Requirements:
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Bachelor's degree in a life sciences related field or a Registered Nursing certification or equivalent and relevant formal academic / vocational qualification.
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Previous experience that provides the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the job (comparable to 2+ years as a clinical research monitor).
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Valid driver's license where applicable.
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In some cases an equivalency, consisting of a combination of appropriate education, training and/or directly related experience, will be considered sufficient for an individual to meet the requirements of the role.
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Multiple Options available in either Medical Devices OR Oncology.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
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Effective clinical monitoring skills.
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Demonstrated understanding of medical/therapeutic area knowledge and medical terminology.
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Excellent understanding and demonstrated application of ICH GCPs, applicable regulations and procedural documents.
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Well-developed critical thinking skills, including but not limited to critical mindset, in-depth investigation for appropriate root cause analysis and problem solving.
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Ability to manage Risk Based Monitoring concepts and processes.
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Effective oral and written communication skills, with the ability to communicate effectively with medical personnel.
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Ability to maintain customer focus through the utilization of good listening skills, attention to detail and the ability to perceive customers’ underlying issues.
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Effective interpersonal skills.
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Strong attention to detail.
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Effective organizational and time management skills.
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Ability to remain flexible and adaptable in a wide range of scenarios.
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Ability to work in a team or independently as required.
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Good computer skills: proficient knowledge of Microsoft Office and the ability to learn appropriate software.
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Good English language and grammar skills.
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Good presentation skills.
Working Conditions and Environment:
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Work is performed in an office/laboratory/clinical/and/or home office environment with exposure to electrical office equipment.
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Frequent drives to site locations. Frequent travel, generally 60-80% but more for some individuals.
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May also include extended overnight stays.
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Exposure to biological fluids with potential exposure to infectious organisms.
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Personal protective equipment required such as protective eyewear, garments and gloves.
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Exposure to fluctuating and/or extreme temperatures on rare occasions.
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Must be able to comply with specific sponsor/client/site requirements, even if not required by Thermo Fisher Scientific (e.g., disclosure of vaccination status, or other personal information). On some occasions, this information may be required to be provided directly to sponsor/client/site.
Compensation and Benefits
The salary range estimated for this position based in Indiana is $88,600.00–$144,900.00. This position may also be eligible to receive a variable annual bonus based on company, team, and/or individual performance results in accordance with company policy. We offer a comprehensive Total Rewards package that our U.S. colleagues and their families can count on, which includes:
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A choice of national medical and dental plans, and a national vision plan, including health incentive programs.
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Employee assistance and family support programs, including commuter benefits and tuition reimbursement.
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At least 120 hours paid time off (PTO), 10 paid holidays annually, paid parental leave (3 weeks for bonding and 8 weeks for caregiver leave), accident and life insurance, and short- and long-term disability in accordance with company policy.
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Retirement and savings programs, such as our competitive 401(k) U.S. retirement savings plan.
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Employees’ Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP) offers eligible colleagues the opportunity to purchase company stock at a discount.
See all 1,302+ OPT Clinical Research Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship in Clinical Research
Target STEM OPT-eligible employers first
Focus your search on pharmaceutical companies, contract research organizations, and academic medical centers. These employers hire at scale, have established immigration infrastructure, and are far more likely to support your OPT and future H-1B visa sponsorship than smaller clinical sites.
Confirm your degree qualifies for STEM OPT
Clinical Research roles typically align with degrees in biology, public health, biomedical sciences, or health informatics. Verify your CIP code qualifies before applying, since the 24-month STEM extension is one of your strongest negotiating points with employers considering international candidates.
Lead with regulatory and protocol experience
Hiring managers in clinical research prioritize FDA regulations, GCP training, and protocol familiarity. Certifications like ACRP or SOCRA signal seriousness and reduce employer concerns about training investment, which matters when they are also weighing your OPT timeline.
Address your OPT timeline proactively
Bring up your OPT status early in conversations rather than waiting for the offer stage. Explaining that you have two to three years of authorized work time and are STEM-eligible removes uncertainty and signals that you have already thought through the logistics on their behalf.
Build relationships at research sites before applying
Many CRC and CRA positions fill through internal referrals. Volunteering, research assistant roles, or informational conversations with site coordinators during school can position you as a known candidate before a posting goes live, which helps significantly when OPT is a factor.
Understand the E-Verify requirement for STEM OPT
STEM OPT employers must be enrolled in E-Verify, a federal electronic employment verification system. Before accepting any offer, confirm the organization is E-Verify compliant. This requirement applies regardless of company size, and non-compliant employers cannot legally employ STEM OPT students.
Clinical Research OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as a Clinical Research Coordinator or CRA on OPT?
Yes. Clinical Research Coordinator and Clinical Research Associate roles qualify for F-1 OPT work authorization when the position is directly related to your field of study. Most CRC and CRA positions align with life sciences, public health, or biomedical degrees. If your degree is STEM-designated, you may also qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension after your initial 12 months.
Do clinical research employers typically sponsor OPT students for H-1B?
Large pharmaceutical companies, CROs like IQVIA, Covance, and PPD, and academic medical centers routinely sponsor H-1B visas for clinical research staff. Smaller community clinical sites and independent research practices are less consistent. Searching on Migrate Mate lets you filter specifically for employers who have sponsored OPT and H-1B candidates, which narrows your list significantly.
Does clinical research qualify as a STEM field for the OPT extension?
It depends on your specific degree and its CIP code, not the job title itself. Degrees in biology, biomedical sciences, public health, health informatics, and related fields are typically STEM-designated. Clinical psychology, social work, and some health administration degrees are not. Check your program's CIP code against the official STEM OPT designated degree program list maintained by DHS before assuming you qualify.
What happens to my OPT if a clinical trial ends and I lose my position?
F-1 OPT allows up to 90 days of unemployment, or 150 days if you have an approved STEM extension. If a contract or trial-based position ends, that unemployment period begins immediately. You can accept a new qualifying clinical research role to stop the clock. Document your employment periods carefully, since cumulative unemployment beyond the limit can result in loss of status.
Can I work as an independent contractor or on a per-site basis in clinical research on OPT?
OPT permits self-employment and contract work, but it must be in a qualifying role directly related to your degree, average at least 20 hours per week, and you must be actively engaged rather than receiving passive income. Per-site contract CRA work can qualify, but you should document each engagement carefully and consult your DSO to confirm each arrangement meets OPT compliance requirements.