Research Associate Jobs in Philadelphia, PA
Research Associate jobs in Philadelphia are concentrated in University City, Center City, and the Philadelphia Navy Yard, driven by the city's dense cluster of academic medical centers, pharmaceutical firms, and public health institutions. Employers hiring right now include University of Pennsylvania, Optimapharm d.o.o., and Thomas Jefferson University & Jefferson Health. Scan the live roles below and apply to whichever ones fit.
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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.
See All 23 Research Associate Jobs in Philadelphia
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Find Research Associate JobsResearch Associate Job Market in Philadelphia
Who's Hiring
- University of Pennsylvania20

- Optimapharm d.o.o.2O
- Thomas Jefferson University & Jefferson Health1

Top Industries Hiring
- Education
- Healthcare & Medical Services
Research Associate Jobs in Philadelphia: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a research associate job in Philadelphia?
Philadelphia's strongest hiring comes from its academic medical centers, life sciences companies, and public health organizations, particularly in University City and the Navy Yard. Candidates with hands-on lab experience, familiarity with IRB protocols, or a background in clinical or translational research stand out here. Networking through Penn, Drexel, or Thomas Jefferson University's research communities also opens doors that job boards alone don't.
Which companies hire research associates in Philadelphia?
Philadelphia research associate roles are posted by University of Pennsylvania, Optimapharm d.o.o., and Thomas Jefferson University & Jefferson Health and others right now, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of July 2026. The local market draws heavily from health systems, biotech firms, and federally funded research institutions tied to Philadelphia's university corridor.
Are there remote research associate jobs in Philadelphia?
Yes, though it depends on the role: bench and clinical research positions require on-site presence, while data analysis, literature review, and survey-based research roles run remote or hybrid regularly. About 10% of research associate openings tied to Philadelphia are remote or hybrid as of July 2026. Policy research, public health analytics, and social science roles at Philadelphia nonprofits and think tanks tend to offer the most scheduling flexibility.
How can I get a research associate job in Philadelphia with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path in Philadelphia is through a research coordinator or lab technician role at one of the city's major health systems or university-affiliated research centers. Penn Medicine, Jefferson Health, and Children's Hospital of Philadelphia regularly hire entry-level research staff and promote from within. Strong candidates emphasize any undergraduate research, clinical volunteering, or data management experience, even if informal, and apply to coordinator titles that feed directly into associate-level positions.
Which industries hire the most research associates in Philadelphia?
Most research associate openings in Philadelphia sit in Education and Healthcare & Medical Services, per current listings on Migrate Mate as of July 2026. Philadelphia's concentration of top-ranked medical schools, NCI-designated cancer centers, and federally funded public health programs makes it one of the densest research hiring markets on the East Coast.
Related Jobs in Pennsylvania
See All 23 Research Associate Jobs in Philadelphia
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