OPT Clinical Trial Associate Jobs
Clinical Trial Associate jobs are a strong fit for F-1 OPT students with degrees in life sciences, public health, or biomedical fields. Most CTA roles qualify as STEM OPT-eligible, giving you up to 36 months of work authorization. Employers in pharma, biotech, and CROs actively hire for this entry-level research operations role.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
The Clinical Trial & Data Management Research Associate role in Emergency Medicine (EM) will be an integral member of the research team. This position will provide support for Emergency Medicine working alongside the ICTS team performing activities which are vitally important to grow and foster innovation through research support endeavors. This position will apply clinical skills to administer, deliver, and evaluate research protocols.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Research/Clinical Activities, Subject Recruitment and Enrollment
- Screen participant for study eligibility.
- Educate participant on scope of study, potential risks and benefits, possible alternatives, and study requirements for participant.
- Communicate with principal investigator and verify participant eligibility.
- Administer study treatments and identify adverse reactions.
- Recruit, enroll and obtain informed consent for clinical research activities. Oversee the recruitment of participants and scheduling of trial-related procedures.
- Prepare study recruitment materials. Develop complex study recruitment materials.
Protocol Development/Management and Study Responsibilities
- Collaborate with Principal Investigator and the study team in the development, execution, administration and maintenance of protocols and clinical studies and provide input into descriptions of complex research procedures.
- Assess participants for problems related to protocol. Oversee CRF development, database development and maintenance.
- Review query reports. Resolve all monitoring visit issues.
- Perform and monitor randomizations.
- Develop complex study materials used in conduction of study.
- Communicate with local health care practitioners, agencies, and sponsors as needed.
Data Collection and Monitoring
- Participate in the design, development, and testing of clinical research trial data systems.
- Maintain communication between health care clinical information systems and research data systems.
- Collect and validate data. Make recommendations for query resolution.
- Assist with identification of data problems and implement change as needed.
Regulatory Guidelines and Documents
- Manage and organize regulatory documentation.
- Prepare and submit regulatory documents.
- Assist sponsor with on-site audits of research and clinical data.
- Monitor and maintain compliance of regulatory guidelines and documents.
- Prepare and present Institutional Review Boards or other submissions and required regulatory documents.
- Carry out corrective action plan for reportable events.
Financial Responsibility
- Assist in the development and administer study budgets.
- Participate in preparation of grant applications for extramural funding.
- Oversee internal pilot funding program application process.
- Assist with tracking and reconciling grant budget free balances and identify opportunities to ensure that grant funding is being used as intended and awarded.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
Education Requirements:
A Bachelor’s degree in a Health Science field or an equivalent combination of education and research experience.
Experience Requirements:
- A minimum of one year experience designing, developing, and implementing recruitment program materials.
- Working knowledge of Good Clinical Practice (GCP) in research.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to work nights and weekends.
- Must be proficient in computer software applications (MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook).
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience with REDCap, Epic and ACCESS.
- Previous experience in data collection and entry.
- Experience in processing research regulatory documents and ethics preparation.
- Excellent time management skills and ability to perform detail oriented work.
- 1-3 years of clinical research experience.
- Experience developing and working with research budgets/billing.
- A current, valid Registered Nurse license or Respiratory Therapist license.
- Database management experience including entering, tracking and maintaining data and troubleshooting.
APPLICATION PROCESS
In order to be considered, applications must upload a resume. Job openings are posted for a minimum of 7 calendar days. This job may be removed from posting and filled any time after the minimum posting period has ended. For questions or additional information, please contact Katie McVay at katie-mcvay@uiowa.edu. Successful candidates will be required to self-disclose any conviction history and will be subject to a criminal background check and credential/education verification. Up to 5 professional references will be requested at a later step in the recruitment process.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
- Classification Title: Clin Trials Rsrch Associate
- Appointment Type: Professional and Scientific
- Schedule: Full-time
- Work Modality Options: On Campus
COMPENSATION
- Pay Level: 4A
CONTACT INFORMATION
- Organization: Healthcare
- Contact Name: Katie McVay
- Contact Email: katie-mcvay@uiowa.edu
INTRODUCTION
The Clinical Trial & Data Management Research Associate role in Emergency Medicine (EM) will be an integral member of the research team. This position will provide support for Emergency Medicine working alongside the ICTS team performing activities which are vitally important to grow and foster innovation through research support endeavors. This position will apply clinical skills to administer, deliver, and evaluate research protocols.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Research/Clinical Activities, Subject Recruitment and Enrollment
- Screen participant for study eligibility.
- Educate participant on scope of study, potential risks and benefits, possible alternatives, and study requirements for participant.
- Communicate with principal investigator and verify participant eligibility.
- Administer study treatments and identify adverse reactions.
- Recruit, enroll and obtain informed consent for clinical research activities. Oversee the recruitment of participants and scheduling of trial-related procedures.
- Prepare study recruitment materials. Develop complex study recruitment materials.
Protocol Development/Management and Study Responsibilities
- Collaborate with Principal Investigator and the study team in the development, execution, administration and maintenance of protocols and clinical studies and provide input into descriptions of complex research procedures.
- Assess participants for problems related to protocol. Oversee CRF development, database development and maintenance.
- Review query reports. Resolve all monitoring visit issues.
- Perform and monitor randomizations.
- Develop complex study materials used in conduction of study.
- Communicate with local health care practitioners, agencies, and sponsors as needed.
Data Collection and Monitoring
- Participate in the design, development, and testing of clinical research trial data systems.
- Maintain communication between health care clinical information systems and research data systems.
- Collect and validate data. Make recommendations for query resolution.
- Assist with identification of data problems and implement change as needed.
Regulatory Guidelines and Documents
- Manage and organize regulatory documentation.
- Prepare and submit regulatory documents.
- Assist sponsor with on-site audits of research and clinical data.
- Monitor and maintain compliance of regulatory guidelines and documents.
- Prepare and present Institutional Review Boards or other submissions and required regulatory documents.
- Carry out corrective action plan for reportable events.
Financial Responsibility
- Assist in the development and administer study budgets.
- Participate in preparation of grant applications for extramural funding.
- Oversee internal pilot funding program application process.
- Assist with tracking and reconciling grant budget free balances and identify opportunities to ensure that grant funding is being used as intended and awarded.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
Education Requirements:
A Bachelor’s degree in a Health Science field or an equivalent combination of education and research experience.
Experience Requirements:
- A minimum of one year experience designing, developing, and implementing recruitment program materials.
- Working knowledge of Good Clinical Practice (GCP) in research.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to work nights and weekends.
- Must be proficient in computer software applications (MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook).
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience with REDCap, Epic and ACCESS.
- Previous experience in data collection and entry.
- Experience in processing research regulatory documents and ethics preparation.
- Excellent time management skills and ability to perform detail oriented work.
- 1-3 years of clinical research experience.
- Experience developing and working with research budgets/billing.
- A current, valid Registered Nurse license or Respiratory Therapist license.
- Database management experience including entering, tracking and maintaining data and troubleshooting.
APPLICATION PROCESS
In order to be considered, applications must upload a resume. Job openings are posted for a minimum of 7 calendar days. This job may be removed from posting and filled any time after the minimum posting period has ended. For questions or additional information, please contact Katie McVay at katie-mcvay@uiowa.edu. Successful candidates will be required to self-disclose any conviction history and will be subject to a criminal background check and credential/education verification. Up to 5 professional references will be requested at a later step in the recruitment process.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
- Classification Title: Clin Trials Rsrch Associate
- Appointment Type: Professional and Scientific
- Schedule: Full-time
- Work Modality Options: On Campus
COMPENSATION
- Pay Level: 4A
CONTACT INFORMATION
- Organization: Healthcare
- Contact Name: Katie McVay
- Contact Email: katie-mcvay@uiowa.edu
See all 117+ OPT Clinical Trial Associate Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Clinical Trial Associate
Confirm your degree qualifies for STEM OPT
Clinical Trial Associate roles typically fall under STEM OPT because they require life sciences, biomedical, or public health degrees. Verify your program CIP code with your DSO before applying, since STEM OPT extension eligibility is determined by your specific degree, not the job title.
Target CROs and mid-size biotech companies
Contract research organizations like Covance, ICON, and Parexel hire CTAs at volume and have established OPT and H-1B visa sponsorship pipelines. Mid-size biotechs often move faster than large pharma and are more willing to sponsor candidates who demonstrate strong attention to regulatory detail.
Highlight any GCP or clinical research coursework
Good Clinical Practice certification and hands-on experience with clinical data, IRB submissions, or trial monitoring are concrete signals to hiring managers. Even coursework or academic research projects involving human subjects or regulated data strengthen your application significantly over candidates without that background.
Frame your OPT timeline clearly in applications
Employers evaluating CTA candidates want to understand your work authorization window upfront. State your OPT start date, STEM extension eligibility, and earliest available start date in your cover letter. Proactively addressing this removes ambiguity and signals maturity in navigating the sponsorship conversation.
Pursue ACRP or SoCRA entry-level certification
The ACRP Associate Clinical Research Professional certification and SoCRA's CCRP credential are recognized by employers hiring at the CTA level. Earning or pursuing one demonstrates commitment to the field and can differentiate you from other OPT candidates who have similar academic backgrounds but no credentials.
Network through clinical research professional associations
Industry associations like ACRP and SoCRA host conferences, webinars, and local chapter events where you can connect directly with CRO and sponsor-side hiring managers. Many CTA openings are filled through referrals before they are posted publicly, making professional community engagement a high-return job search activity.
Clinical Trial Associate OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Do Clinical Trial Associate jobs qualify for STEM OPT?
Most Clinical Trial Associate roles qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension if your degree is in a STEM-designated field such as biology, biomedical sciences, public health, or a related life sciences discipline. The eligibility is tied to your degree's CIP code, not the job title itself. Confirm your CIP code with your DSO before relying on STEM OPT eligibility in your job search.
Which types of employers hire OPT students as Clinical Trial Associates?
Contract research organizations are the largest source of CTA hiring and tend to have structured onboarding processes that accommodate OPT work authorization. Pharmaceutical companies, biotechs, and academic medical centers also hire at this level. Browse Clinical Trial Associate jobs on Migrate Mate to filter for employers who actively sponsor or hire OPT students in this field.
Can I work as a Clinical Trial Associate on pre-completion OPT?
Yes, pre-completion OPT allows you to work in a role directly related to your degree field before you graduate. A Clinical Trial Associate role typically qualifies if your degree is in a life sciences or health-related field. You can work part-time during the academic year and full-time during breaks, so confirm those restrictions with your DSO before accepting an offer.
How do I explain OPT work authorization to a clinical research employer?
Be direct and factual. Tell the employer you are authorized to work in the United States on OPT for 12 months, with a potential 24-month STEM extension if your degree qualifies, giving you up to 36 months of work authorization before needing H-1B sponsorship. Most CROs and pharma companies are familiar with OPT and have sponsored international employees before, so this conversation is rarely a dealbreaker.
What should I look for in a Clinical Trial Associate job posting as an OPT student?
Look for postings that mention visa sponsorship, international candidates welcome, or H-1B sponsorship for qualified applicants. Roles listed under a large CRO or established pharmaceutical company are more likely to have sponsorship infrastructure. Avoid roles at very small startups or principal investigator-run sites where the employer may have no prior experience navigating OPT or future sponsorship requirements.