Associate Merck Clinical Trials Jobs in Chicago, IL

Location: Chicago, Illinois

Business Unit: Rush Medical Center

Hospital: Rush University Medical Center

Department: ER Research Recruit - Gottlieb

Work Type: Full Time (Total FTE between 0. 9 and 1. 0)

Shift: Shift 1

Work Schedule: 8 Hr (8:00:00 AM - 4:00:00 PM)

Rush offers exceptional rewards and benefits learn more at our Rush benefits page (https://www.rush.edu/rush-careers/employee-benefits).

Pay Range: $29.36 - $42.61 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.

The Emergency Medicine Research Department at Rush is looking for a Clinical Research Coordinator III that values a fast-paced and engaging environment within a collaborative team. This position will require the ability to prioritize tasks across multiple projects in the Emergency Department, including industry-sponsored, investigator-initiated, and federally funded studies. The ideal candidate will bring prior regulatory experience, a proactive mindset, and exceptional organization and prioritization skills.

Summary:

The Clinical Research Coordinator III (CRC III) independently manages the full scope of clinical research study execution for complex, multi-site, or longitudinal protocols. This role is responsible for ensuring compliance with regulatory and institutional requirements, coordinating communication with investigators and sponsors, and resolving operational challenges. The CRC III is distinguished by their ability to work with limited oversight, provide peer mentorship, and serve as a departmental resource. The CRC III guides others in best practices, supports quality improvement efforts, and contributes to a culture of research excellence. Exemplifies the Rush mission, vision, and values and acts in accordance with Rush policies and procedures.

Required Job Qualifications:

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree

Experience:

• 3+ years of experience in coordinating clinical trials
• Independent site management experience

OR

Experience (in lieu of a degree)

• 4 years total experience in coordinating clinical trials with increasing complexity

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:

• Regulatory Knowledge – Understands and applies GCP and research documentation rules; able to guide others on best practices for complex or multi-site studies.
• Regulatory Compliance – Knows and applies NIH, FDA, and IRB rules for high-complexity studies; helps interpret policies when needed.
• Project & Time Management – Manages multiple studies with little oversight; sets priorities and keeps study tasks on track.
• Problem-Solving & Critical Thinking – Solves complex problems using good judgment and a deep understanding of study protocols and regulations.
• Detail & Organization – Keeps regulatory documents, source notes, and data well-organized and accurate; helps prepare for audits.
• Participant & Vendor Interaction – Communicates effectively and respectfully with participants, sponsors, and vendors; protects privacy and follows study rules.
• Communication Skills – Shares study information clearly with sponsors, team members, and junior staff in both writing and speech.
• Teamwork & Leadership – Works independently but also supports CRC I and II staff by offering guidance and collaboration.
• Flexibility – Willing to adjust schedule when needed for study visits, deadlines, or sponsor meetings.
• Travel Readiness – Can travel nearby for site support, meetings, or training if the study requires it.
• Other duties as assigned.

Preferred Job Qualifications:

Experience:

• 3-5 years’ experience in clinical research conduct and regulatory management, or hold a valid research administration certification
• Managing NIH, pharmaceutical or device clinical trials
• Relevant certification strongly preferred: Certified Clinical Research Professionals (CCRP), Certified Clinical Research Associate (CCRA), Certified Clinical Research Coordinator (CCRC), or Certified IRB Professional (CIP)

Job Responsibilities:
1.Coordinates all aspects of the study including recruitment, consent, screening, scheduling, and tracking, and ensures study updates are provided throughout the conduct of the study.
2.Ensures data is entered into the study’s electronic data capture system and that queries are responded to and resolved in a timely manner.
3.Manages the preparation and submission of study-related documents, protocols, and amendments to the IRB per policy and procedure.
4.Maintains accurate and complete procedural documentation in compliance with institutional, local, state, and federal guidelines and regulations related to clinical research.
5.Oversees and audits source documentation and data entries across studies to ensure full alignment with protocol and 100% source documentation verification; provides coaching and correction to staff as needed to maintain audit readiness.
6.Oversee the collection, processing, and shipment of potentially biohazardous specimens, if applicable.
7.Oversee administration of structured tests and questionnaires according to research study protocols, including utilizing study-related technology and equipment as part of assessment procedures, if applicable.
8.Reviews and finalizes summary report(s) for distribution to PI, Administrator, department stakeholders, Sponsor, and Compliance, and ensures accurate study updates throughout the conduct of the study.
9.Prepares for internal and external audits or monitoring visits and responds to monitoring queries to ensure compliance with applicable guidelines.
10.Ensures unanticipated problems (e.g., protocol deviations, adverse events, and serious adverse events) are documented and reported in a timely manner.
11.Provides recommendations to proactively address complex issues and/or protocol variances related to study activities.
12.Delivers peer training, mentorship, and coaching to less experienced staff and supports onboarding of CRC I and II staff; models regulatory and procedural best practices in daily study operations.
13.May summarize and share relevant research updates during internal or external presentations; maintains current knowledge of clinical research trends, policies, and best practices.
14.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.