Research Associate Jobs in Durham, NC
Research Associate jobs in Durham are in strong demand, concentrated in Research Triangle Park, Duke University Medical Center, and the Ninth Street and Brightleaf districts, across life sciences, clinical research, and academic medicine. Employers hiring right now include IQVIA, Cambridge Pharma Consulting, and Grifols. See the openings below and apply to the ones that match your experience.
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Location: Remote
Who we are?
Optimapharm is a mid-sized, global Contract Research Organisation (CRO) turning science into hope through agile, patient-focused clinical development. We specialise in Phase I–IV clinical studies, delivering Full-Service and Functional Service Provision (FSP) solutions that help sponsors move faster and execute with confidence.
With operations in 40+ countries and 2x the patient reach of the average mid-sized CRO, we enable accelerated regulatory pathways, faster study start-up, and access to diverse patient populations worldwide. At Optimapharm, you’ll contribute to meaningful clinical research while growing your career in a dynamic, people‑focused, global environment.
As we expand our US Clinical Operations team, we're searching for a CRA II/III who is motivated by quality, driven by purpose, and eager to contribute to innovative clinical research that changes lives.
Joining Optimapharm means more than taking on your next role - it's an opportunity to build a long-term career with a global CRO that values growth, development, and excellence. Our structured career pathway provides clear progression and recognition of your expertise: CRA I CRA II CRA III Senior CRA.
Here, your dedication is rewarded with meaningful growth opportunities, exposure to diverse studies, and the support needed to reach your full potential.
What do we offer?
- Working in a successful company that’s growing and developing every day
- Being part of a clinical research team that transforms science into hope for patients
- International projects and professional growth
- Company that supports life balance
- Company with healthy culture
- Working with a highly experienced team of clinical research professionals
- Competitive salary
- Competitive PTO entitlement
- Health insurance, including vision and dental plans, to meet your and your family's needs
- Comprehensive pension plan to maximize savings and prepare confidently for the future
- Employee engagement programs
- Well-being initiatives
- Training and development program
- Fast-paced career path progression
Who are we looking for?
Qualifications and Experience
- University degree, preferably in medical or life sciences; nursing education or other relevant healthcare college degree
- At least 2 years of independent clinical trial monitoring experience
- High level of knowledge of ICH GCP Guidelines, knowledge of regulatory requirements and a strong interest in clinical research
- Computer proficiency is mandatory
- Ability to read, analyze, and interpret common scientific and technical journals
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Very good interpersonal and negotiation skills
- Ability to work independently, pro-active
- Affinity to work effectively and efficiently in a matrix environment
- A current, valid driver’s license
Your responsibilities
- Perform routine site visits independently, including pre-study, initiation, interim monitoring and closeout visits
- Manage assigned sites by regular contact with site personnel to ensure site compliance, adequate enrolment and understanding of study requirements
- Independently perform CRF review; query generation and resolution against established data review guidelines or data management systems as applicable
- Identifying and escalating potential risks and identifying retraining opportunities for site personnel
- Preparation of corrective and preventive (CAPA) plans for issues identified during monitoring activities and pro-active follow of each, individual CAPA until timely resolution
- Preparation of documents required for EC submissions and notifications, translation of study-related documents (where applicable), and other tasks as instructed by the supervisor
- Independently negotiate study budgets with potential investigators/institutions and assist with the execution of site contracts as applicable
- Administration of site payments in accordance with relevant project instructions
By joining our fast-growing and prosperous team, you will have an excellent opportunity for further personal growth and career development.
If you would be interested in joining the Optimapharm team, please send your CV and note that only shortlisted candidates who meet the requirements will be contacted for the further selection process.
Compensation is competitive and final offers will reflect each candidate’s experience, skills, and qualifications.
Disclaimer: Unsolicited CVs sent to Optimapharm (Talent Acquisition Team, Hiring Managers or any other OPT employee) by recruitment agencies will not be considered for this role. Optimapharm follows a direct sourcing strategy and collaborates exclusively with selected recruitment partners when external support is required.
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Who's Hiring



Top Industries Hiring
- Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals
- Science & Research
- Distribution & Wholesale
- Consulting & Professional Services
- Medical Devices
Research Associate Jobs in Durham: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a research associate job in Durham?
Focus your search on Durham's core hiring sectors: pharmaceutical and biotech companies in Research Triangle Park, clinical research organizations near Duke University Health System, and academic labs at Duke and North Carolina Central University. Candidates with hands-on lab experience, GCP training, or familiarity with clinical trial protocols have a clear edge locally. Networking through the Research Triangle Park biotech community and attending local life sciences meetups also opens doors faster than applying cold.
Which companies hire research associates in Durham?
Durham research associate roles are posted by IQVIA, Cambridge Pharma Consulting, and Grifols and others right now, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of July 2026. The local market is anchored by large academic medical systems, mid-size contract research organizations, and biotech firms clustered around Research Triangle Park.
Are there remote research associate jobs in Durham?
Yes, but only for certain types of roles. Research associate work is often hands-on and lab-based, so fully remote positions are less common than in desk-heavy fields. About 50% of research associate openings tied to Durham are remote or hybrid as of July 2026, with remote availability concentrated in data analysis, regulatory affairs, and clinical data management roles rather than wet-lab or specimen-handling positions.
How can I get a research associate job in Durham with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path in Durham is through a research assistant or lab technician role at Duke University, North Carolina Central University, or one of the contract research organizations in Research Triangle Park. Many of these employers hire candidates with a bachelor's in biology, chemistry, or a related field and offer structured onboarding. Volunteering with a Duke research lab, completing a GCP certification, or joining a clinical trial coordinator training program gives local candidates a concrete advantage.
Which industries hire the most research associates in Durham?
The sectors hiring the most research associates in Durham are Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals, Science & Research, and Distribution & Wholesale, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of July 2026. Durham's position at the center of the Research Triangle makes it one of the densest concentrations of biomedical research and clinical development activity in the country, which directly drives that industry mix.
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