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Clinical Research Associate Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Research Associate

Minneapolis, MN ยท On-site

$50K - $52K/yr

At Murphy Research, we make difficult decisions easy. We are actively seeking full-time Research Associates to join the Murphy Research consulting team. In this role, you will assist in the ...

Research Associate

Minneapolis, MN ยท On-site

$50K - $52K/yr

At Murphy Research, we make difficult decisions easy. We are actively seeking full-time Research Associates to join the Murphy Research consulting team. In this role, you will assist in the ...

Showing results 21-40

Clinical Research Associate information

See Minnesota salary details

$11

$40

$68

How much do clinical research associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for clinical research associate in Minnesota is $40.28, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $28.27 and $51.54 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Is it hard to get a clinical research associate job?

Securing a clinical research associate (CRA) position can be competitive, often requiring a relevant degree such as a life sciences or healthcare-related field, along with experience in clinical trials. Strong organizational skills, knowledge of Good Clinical Practice (GCP), and familiarity with clinical trial management systems can improve job prospects, but entry may be challenging for those without relevant qualifications or experience.

What is a clinical research associate?

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?

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.

Is being a clinical research associate worth it?

A clinical research associate (CRA) monitors clinical trials to ensure compliance with protocols and regulations, often requiring strong organizational and communication skills. The role offers opportunities for career growth, competitive salaries, and the chance to contribute to medical advancements, but it can involve irregular hours and travel. Overall, it can be a rewarding career for those interested in healthcare and research.

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.
More about Clinical Research Associate jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Clinical Research jobs in Minnesota? The most popular types of Clinical Research jobs in Minnesota are:
What cities in Minnesota are hiring for Clinical Research Associate jobs? Cities in Minnesota with the most Clinical Research Associate job openings:
Infographic showing various Clinical Research Associate job openings in Minnesota as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $83,781 per year, or $40.3 per hour.

Clinical Research Coordinator- Diabetes/Endocrine

Children's Hospital Association - Saint Paul, MN

Saint Paul, MN โ€ข On-site

$24.50 - $32.50/hr

Full-time, Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 9 days ago


Job description

Description:
About Children's Minnesota
Children's Minnesota is one of the largest pediatric health systems in the United States and the only health system in Minnesota to provide care exclusively to children, from before birth through young adulthood. An independent and not-for-profit system since 1924, Children's Minnesota is one system serving kids throughout the Upper Midwest at two free-standing hospitals, nine primary care clinics, multiple specialty clinics and seven rehabilitation sites. As The Kids Expertsโ„ข in our region, Children's Minnesota is regularly ranked by U.S. News & World Report as a top children's hospital. Find us on Facebook @childrensminnesota or on Twitter and Instagram @childrensmn. Please visit childrensMN.org .
Children's Minnesota is proud to be recognized by Modern Healthcare as one of 2023's Top Diversity Leaders. The national honor recognizes the top diverse healthcare executives and organizations influencing public policy, care delivery, and promoting diversity, equity and inclusion in their organizations and the industry.
Department Overview
The Children's Minnesota Diabetes & Endocrine Research Program conducts industry-sponsored and investigator-initiated clinical trials focused on improving treatment options for children with endocrine and metabolic disorders. Our active research portfolio includes studies in achondroplasia, growth hormone deficiency, obesity, hypothalamic obesity, Prader-Willi syndrome, and Turner syndrome. Through collaborations with leading pharmaceutical companies, academic institutions, and healthcare partners, we provide patients access to innovative therapies while advancing the future of pediatric endocrine care. Our dedicated research team is committed to high-quality clinical research and exceptional support for participating children and families.
Position Summary
The Clinical Research Coordinator (CRC) serves as the project manager for assigned projects and works directly with the Research Program manager and Clinical Research Associates I & II to coordinate and implement studies.
Responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:
*Organize and manage all aspects of assigned research activities and ensure compliance with study protocols and overall clinical research objectives
*Contribute methodological and technical expertise in the design, implementation, analysis and reporting of research
*Prepare regulatory submissions to the Institutional Review Board, and maintain compliance with all federal and local agencies in accordance with Good Clinical Practice guidelines
*Provide support to the preparation and management of grants
*Perform budget preparation and management, as needed
*Facilitate and manage study-related communications (including, but not limited to communication with investigators, collaborators, regulatory bodies, and site monitors)
*Proficiency at Interacting with patients and families for securing informed consent, scheduling research visits, and collection of data
*Oversight of data collection and entry processes
*Manage personal career development and administrative tasks
Location: On-site - St. Paul
Qualifications:
*Baccalaureate in a health-related field and at least four years of clinical research-related experience; or registered nurse with a current license to practice, and at least two years of clinical research experience; or two years of clinical research-related experience and a master's degree in a related field.
*At least one year of experience working with children is preferred. SoCRA or ACRP certification preferred.
*The CRC must be a detail-oriented person with strong writing, communication, and computer skills; (s)he must have the ability to manage multiple projects.
Promotion to next higher level, typically Senior Clinical Research Coordinator (SCRC), is determined by the Clinical Research Program Manager through performance reviews that take into account both experience carrying out the department's job-related duties/tasks, as well as a demonstrated commitment to professionalism in carrying out those tasks in line with Children's values and organizational policies and procedures.
Physical Demands
Please click here to view the Physical Demands
The posted salary represents a market competitive range based on salary survey benchmark data for similar roles in the local or national market. Annual salaries displayed are based on full-time employment (40 standard hrs per week). Annual salaries for part-time positions will be prorated based on the employee's scheduled weekly hours in relation to the full-time standard. When determining individual pay rates, we carefully consider a wide range of factors including but not limited to market indicators for the specific role, the skills, education, training, credentials and experience of the candidate, internal equity and organizational needs.
In addition to your salary, this position may be eligible for medical, dental, vision, retirement, and other fringe benefits. Positions that require night, weekend or on-call work may be eligible for shift differentials or premium pay.
All job offers are contingent upon successful completion of an occupational health assessment, drug screen, background investigation, and compliance with the U.S. Government Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification.
Children's Minnesota is proud to be an equal opportunity employer whose staff is representative of its community and considers qualified applicants for open positions without regard to race, color, creed, sex, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, genetic information, gender identity or expression, age, veteran status, disability, pregnancy, citizenship status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law.