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Clinical Research Associate Jobs in Baton Rouge, LA

Northwestern State University Opening Date: 06/02/2026 About this Job Northwestern State University seeks qualified applicants for the position of Research Associate. This position is in the ...

About this Job Northwestern State University seeks qualified applicants for the position of Research Associate. This position is in the Preservation Technical Services Division of Northwestern State ...

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Clinical Research Associate information

See Baton Rouge, LA salary details

$9

$32

$54

How much do clinical research associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for clinical research associate in Baton Rouge, LA is $32.27, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.64 and $41.30 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.
More about Clinical Research Associate jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Clinical Research jobs in Baton Rouge, LA? The most popular types of Clinical Research jobs in Baton Rouge, LA are:
What cities near Baton Rouge, LA are hiring for Clinical Research Associate jobs? Cities near Baton Rouge, LA with the most Clinical Research Associate job openings:
Infographic showing various Clinical Research Associate job openings in Baton Rouge, LA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $67,112 per year, or $32.3 per hour.
Research Associate - Molecular Imaging and Therapeutics

Research Associate - Molecular Imaging and Therapeutics

Louisiana State University

Baton Rouge, LA • On-site

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 6 days ago


Job description

About Us:
At the forefront of medical discovery as it relates to understanding the causes of obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancer and dementia, Pennington Biomedical Research Center is a campus of Louisiana State University and conducts basic, clinical and population research. The Center includes Basic Science, Clinical Research, and Population and Public Health, enabling both focused research and translational science. Research at Pennington Biomedical is supported broadly by multiple NIH Research Centers, and includes approximately 65 faculty and 20 postdoctoral fellows who comprise a network of 44 laboratories and 13 highly specialized core service facilities. Pennington Biomedical is located within state-of-the-art research facilities on a 222-acre campus in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
All Job Postings will close at 12:01a.m. CST (1:01a.m. EST) on the specified Closing Date (if designated).
If you close the browser or exit your application prior to submitting, the application progress will be saved as a draft. You will be able to access and complete the application through "My Draft Applications" located on your Candidate Home page.
Job Posting Title:
Research Associate - Molecular Imaging and Therapeutics
Position Type:
Other Academic
Department:
LSUPBRC ExD - Clinical Science (Juan Lertora (00057945))
Work Location:
LSU - Pennington Biomedical
Pay Grade:
Other Academic
Job Description:
Pennington Biomedical Research Center, a world-renowned academic research institute of Louisiana State University, is seeking a Research Associate 1 in Molecular Imaging and Therapeutics laboratory.
The Research Associate provides scientific and technical support for basic, translational, and clinical research conducted within the Molecular Imaging and Therapeutics Laboratory. Responsibilities include performing laboratory experiments, processing biological specimens, supporting clinical research activities, analyzing molecular and biological data, and assisting with the preparation of manuscripts, grant proposals, and scientific presentations. The incumbent works collaboratively with investigators and research staff to advance studies focused on molecular imaging, biomarker discovery, and therapeutic development while maintaining compliance with institutional, regulatory, and laboratory quality standards.
Major Responsibilities
  • Support clinical and translational research studies by assisting with participant recruitment, informed consent, protocol implementation, regulatory compliance, and accurate documentation of study activities.
  • Perform laboratory research activities, including blood and tissue collection, sample processing and preservation, and quality control procedures.
  • Conduct bioinformatics analyses of next-generation sequencing (NGS), transcriptomics, and other omics datasets to support biomarker discovery and translational research objectives.
  • Develop, maintain, and apply integrative multi-omic computational workflows using R, Python, Linux, and other bioinformatics tools to analyze, visualize, and interpret biological and clinical data.
  • Collaborate with multidisciplinary investigators on tracer studies, proteomics, metabolomics, and other translational research projects.
  • Prepare publication-quality figures, data visualizations, manuscripts, grant materials, and scientific presentations while maintaining accurate research records and documentation.
  • Participate in laboratory meetings, contribute to experimental design and data interpretation, and remain current with emerging laboratory and computational methodologies.

Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, Molecular Biology, Biotechnology, Biochemistry, or a related field.
  • Experience with molecular biology and wet laboratory techniques, including cell culture, nucleic acid extraction, PCR/qPCR, library preparation, blood and tissue processing, or related laboratory methods.
  • Experience analyzing next-generation sequencing (NGS), transcriptomics, or other omics datasets using established bioinformatics and statistical methods.
  • Proficiency in R and/or Python to perform data analysis, visualization, and reproducible computational workflows.
  • Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills with the ability to work independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary translational research environment.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Master's degree in Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Biochemistry, Bioinformatics, Biomedical Engineering, Biological Sciences, Computational Biology, or a closely related field.
  • Experience with biomarker discovery, multi-omic integration, or translational biomedical research.
  • Experience with proteomics, metabolomics, spatial biology, multiplex imaging, or image analysis software.
  • Experience working in an NIH-funded academic or biomedical research laboratory.

Pennington Biomedical Research Center seeks to recruit a highly productive workforce with a broad range of backgrounds and perspectives and will provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and prospective employees. Employment decisions shall be based strictly on merit and without regard to religious or political beliefs, sex, race, or any other non-merit factor.
Additional Job Description:
Position is 30 hours per week and is eligible for state benefits and retirement.
Competencies:
None
Special Instructions:
Interested candidates should include a resume and a list of three (3) professional references to the online application. Professional references should be the name, title, company, and contact information from past employers. Professional references should include current or previous supervisors and/or coworkers. Personal references should not be considered for the reference check process. We will respect the request that we not contact a current employer. However, we will need to contact a prior supervisor if such a request is made.
A letter of application/cover letter is recommended but not required. Official transcripts are required prior to hire and are not required at the time of application.
Posting Date:
July 23, 2026
Closing Date (Open Until Filled if No Date Specified):
August 6, 2026
Additional Position Information:
Pennington Biomedical is located within state-of-the-art research facilities on a 222-acre campus in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. For more information, visit PBRC.
Questions regarding career opportunities at Pennington Biomedical should be sent to hrm@pbrc.edu.
Background Check - An offer of employment is contingent on a satisfactory pre-employment background check.
Benefits - Pennington Biomedical Research Center offers outstanding benefits to eligible employees and their dependents including health, life, dental, and vision insurance; flexible spending accounts; retirement options; various leave options; paid holidays; wellness benefits; tuition exemption for qualified positions; training and development opportunities; employee discounts; and more!
Positions approved to work outside the State of Louisiana shall be employed through Louisiana State University's partner, nextSource Workforce Solutions, for Employer of Record Services including but not limited to employment, benefits, payroll, and tax compliance. Positions employed through Employer of Record Services will be offered benefits and retirement as applicable through their provider and will not be eligible for State of Louisiana benefits and retirement.
Essential Position (Y/N):
Pennington Biomedical Research Center/LSU is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Contact Information:
Questions or concerns can be directed to PBRC Human Resources at 225-763-2776 or hrm@pbrc.edu.