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Clinical Research Associate Jobs (NOW HIRING)

ICON

Senior Clinical Research Associate

Blue Bell, PA · On-site

ICON plc is seeking an experienced Senior Clinical Research Associate (Senior CRA) or Clinical Research Associate (CRA) to join our dynamic, collaborative team. In this role, you will be a key ...

Icon plc

Senior Clinical Research Associate

Houston, TX · Hybrid

Contract Senior Clinical Research Associate - Home-Based (US) ICON is a global healthcare intelligence and clinical research organisation united by a mission to bring new medicines and treatments to ...

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Clinical Research Associate information

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$12

$41

$69

How much do clinical research associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for clinical research associate in the United States is $41.13, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $28.85 and $52.64 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Is it hard to get a CRA job?

Securing a Clinical Research Associate (CRA) position can be competitive, often requiring relevant education such as a degree in life sciences or healthcare, along with experience in clinical trials. Strong organizational skills, knowledge of Good Clinical Practice (GCP), and certifications like CCRP can improve job prospects, but entry may still be challenging for those without prior experience or specialized training.

What are Clinical Research Associates?

Clinical Research Associates (CRAs) are professionals responsible for monitoring and overseeing clinical trials to ensure they are conducted in accordance with regulatory guidelines, protocols, and ethical standards. They play a key role in ensuring the safety of trial participants and the integrity of collected data. CRAs often visit clinical trial sites to verify data accuracy, maintain study documentation, and provide training to site staff. Their work ensures that new drugs, treatments, or medical devices are tested rigorously before they reach the market.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Clinical Research Associate, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Clinical Research Associate, you need a solid background in life sciences, attention to detail, and experience with clinical trial protocols, often supported by a relevant bachelor's degree. Familiarity with electronic data capture (EDC) systems, Good Clinical Practice (GCP) guidelines, and sometimes certifications like ACRP or SOCRA is typically required. Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills help build effective relationships with research sites and ensure compliance. These skills are vital for maintaining the integrity of clinical trials, ensuring regulatory adherence, and advancing medical research efficiently.

What is the difference between Clinical Research Associate vs Clinical Trial Coordinator?

AspectClinical Research AssociateClinical Trial Coordinator
CredentialsBachelor's degree, often with clinical research certificationsBachelor's degree, often with clinical research or healthcare certifications
Work EnvironmentMonitors clinical sites, reviews data, ensures complianceCoordinates trial activities, manages schedules, and communicates with sites
Employer & IndustryPharmaceutical companies, CROs, biotech firmsHospitals, research institutions, CROs

Both roles are essential in clinical trials, with CRAs focusing on site monitoring and compliance, while Clinical Trial Coordinators handle day-to-day trial management. They often collaborate but have distinct responsibilities within the clinical research process.

What is the work of clinical research associate?

A clinical research associate (CRA) monitors clinical trials to ensure they are conducted according to protocols, regulations, and Good Clinical Practice standards. They coordinate with investigators, review trial data, and ensure compliance, often using clinical trial management systems. CRAs typically require knowledge of regulatory requirements and may need certification or training in clinical research.

Is CRA an entry level job?

A Clinical Research Associate (CRA) is typically an entry-level to mid-level position in clinical research, often requiring a bachelor's degree in a related field and some experience or training in clinical trials. Entry-level CRAs may need to complete training on Good Clinical Practice (GCP) and may start as clinical trial assistants or coordinators before advancing to CRA roles.

How do you become a clinical research associate?

To become a clinical research associate (CRA), candidates typically need a bachelor's degree in a health-related field such as life sciences, nursing, or pharmacy. Relevant experience in clinical trials, knowledge of Good Clinical Practice (GCP), and certification from organizations like the Association of Clinical Research Professionals (ACRP) or Society of Clinical Research Associates (SoCRA) can enhance job prospects. CRAs often undergo on-the-job training and may pursue additional certifications to advance their careers.

What are some common challenges Clinical Research Associates face when monitoring clinical trial sites?

Clinical Research Associates (CRAs) often encounter challenges such as ensuring protocol compliance across multiple sites, managing tight project timelines, and maintaining accurate documentation. Additionally, CRAs must effectively communicate with site staff to resolve issues and ensure data integrity, all while adhering to regulatory guidelines. Balancing frequent travel, adapting to different site environments, and handling unexpected issues such as patient recruitment delays are also typical aspects of the role.
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What cities are hiring for Clinical Research Associate jobs? Cities with the most Clinical Research Associate job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Clinical Research jobs? The most popular types of Clinical Research jobs are:
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What job categories do people searching Clinical Research Associate jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Clinical Research Associate jobs are:
Clinical Research Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Clinical Research Associate job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 67% Full Time, 30% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $85,542 per year, or $41.1 per hour.
Clinical Research Associate- RN or Clinical Research Associate I

Clinical Research Associate- RN or Clinical Research Associate I

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital

Memphis, TN • On-site

$65K - $114K/yr

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago

New

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 9 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

65th of 1,020 rated hospitals

Job description

The World's Best Stop at Nothing
There's a reason St. Jude Children's Research Hospital is consistently ranked on Glassdoor's "Best Places to Work" list. Actually, there are more than 6,500 reasons. At our world-class pediatric research hospital, every one of our 6,500 professionals shares our commitment to making a difference in the lives of the children we serve. There's a unique bond when you are part of a team that will stop at nothing to advance the treatments and cures of pediatric catastrophic diseases. The result is a collaborative, positive environment where all employees, regardless of their role, receive the resources, support, and encouragement to advance and grow their careers.
At St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, the Department of Radiology plays a vital role in advancing the quality of care and improving outcomes for children facing catastrophic diseases. Our mission is grounded in delivering exceptional, specialized imaging across multiple modalities to guide both diagnosis and therapy monitoring.
We balance this clinical excellence with a deep commitment to research and innovation, continuously exploring technologies that enhance diagnostic precision and expand the boundaries of pediatric imaging. Our team is dedicated to performing at the highest levels of patient care and scientific discovery, integrating innovation into every aspect of our work.
At St. Jude, we believe that better imaging leads to better outcomes for every patient.
Job Summary
Operates under general supervision. Performs data abstraction, collection, and entry to support clinical research. Prepares submission for all reportable events. Develops, maintains, and/or monitors case report forms. Ensures compliance with prescribed interventions and evaluations of the assigned protocol(s). Provides data to the collaborating research organization or study sponsor. Prepares data reports. The Clinical Research Associate - RN also provides patient care, education, and management. Position has a dotted line reporting relationship to the Nursing Executive/CNO. Coordinates with supervisor and Nursing Executive/CNO to ensure consistent institution-wide compliance with standards of nursing practice.
Job Responsibilities:
  • Perform data abstraction, collection, and entry to support clinical research.
  • Assist with submission for all reportable events (e.g., adverse events, protocol variations).
  • Maintain/enter data as required for case report forms.
  • Ensure compliance with prescribed interventions and evaluations of the assigned protocol(s).
  • Provide data to the collaborating research organization (CRO) or study sponsor, and prepare data reports as directed.
  • (As applicable) Provide patient care, education, and management (e.g., routine test conduct; assistance in clinical procedures; medication instruction, monitoring, and documentation; patient care coordination; education on protocol activities)
  • Perform other duties as assigned to meet the goals and objectives of the department and institution.
  • Maintains regular and predictable attendance.

Minimum Education and/or Training:
For Clinical Research Associate - RN:
  • Bachelor's degree in Nursing required.

For Clinical Research Associate I:
  • Bachelor's degree in relevant area required.

Minimum Experience:
Prior industry experience preferred.
Licensure, Registration and/or Certification Required by Law:
For Clinical Research Associate - RN:
  • (LC: RN-TN) Must possess a current Tennessee State Board of Nursing license if primary residence is Tennessee or a Nurse Licensure Non-Compact state.
  • (LC: RN-MISS, RN-ARK or RN-KY) Must possess a current State Board of Nursing license in the state of primary residence if the state is a Nurse Licensure Compact state.

For Clinical Research Associate I:
  • None

Compensation
In recognition of certain U.S. state and municipal pay transparency laws, St. Jude is including a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role. This is an estimate offered in good faith and a specific salary offer takes into account factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to skill sets, experience and training, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the salary range and compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case. A reasonable estimate of the current salary range is $65,520 - $114,400 per year for the role of Clinical Research Associate- RN or Clinical Research Associate I.
Explore our exceptional benefits!
St. Jude is an Equal Opportunity Employer
No Search Firms
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital does not accept unsolicited assistance from search firms for employment opportunities. Please do not call or email. All resumes submitted by search firms to any employee or other representative at St. Jude via email, the internet or in any form and/or method without a valid written search agreement in place and approved by HR will result in no fee being paid in the event the candidate is hired by St. Jude.

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