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Clinical Research Associate Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Senior Clinical Research Associate

Chicago, IL ยท On-site +1

$110K - $138K/yr

Senior Clinical Research Associate - Oncology Phase I - Chicago ICON is a global healthcare intelligence and clinical research organisation united by a mission to bring new medicines and treatments ...

Senior Clinical Research Associate

Chicago, IL ยท Hybrid

$110K - $138K/yr

Senior Clinical Research Associate - Oncology Phase I - Chicago ICON is a global healthcare intelligence and clinical research organisation united by a mission to bring new medicines and treatments ...

Clinical Research Associate ICON is a global healthcare intelligence and clinical research organisation united by a mission to bring new medicines and treatments to patients faster. As a values ...

Senior Clinical Research Associate

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$110K - $138K/yr

Senior Clinical Research Associate - Cardiovascular Device - Central/West Region ICON is a global healthcare intelligence and clinical research organisation united by a mission to bring new medicines ...

Summary ROLE The Clinical Research Associate is an important member of the Alira Health Clinical team. CRAs are highly motivated and function independently to conduct site monitoring responsibilities ...

Senior Clinical Research Associate

Chicago, IL ยท On-site +1

$110K - $138K/yr

Senior Clinical Research Associate - Oncology - Midwest ICON is a global healthcare intelligence and clinical research organisation united by a mission to bring new medicines and treatments to ...

Senior Clinical Research Associate

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$110K - $138K/yr

Senior Clinical Research Associate - Oncology - Midwest ICON is a global healthcare intelligence and clinical research organisation united by a mission to bring new medicines and treatments to ...

Clinical Research Associate 2

Chicago, IL ยท On-site +1

$91K - $114K/yr

Clinical Research Associate- Mid-West ICON is a global healthcare intelligence and clinical research organisation united by a mission to bring new medicines and treatments to patients faster. As a ...

Clinical Research Associate 2

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$91K - $114K/yr

Clinical Research Associate- Mid-West ICON is a global healthcare intelligence and clinical research organisation united by a mission to bring new medicines and treatments to patients faster. As a ...

Clinical Research Associate - Oncology - Chicago ICON is a global healthcare intelligence and clinical research organisation united by a mission to bring new medicines and treatments to patients ...

Clinical Research Associate II

Chicago, IL ยท On-site +1

$91K - $114K/yr

Clinical Research Associate - Oncology - Chicago ICON is a global healthcare intelligence and clinical research organisation united by a mission to bring new medicines and treatments to patients ...

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Clinical Research Associate information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$12

$42

$71

How much do clinical research associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for clinical research associate in Chicago, IL is $42.37, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $29.71 and $54.23 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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.

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 work in the healthcare or pharmaceutical industries, but it can involve irregular hours and travel. Overall, it can be a rewarding career for those interested in medical research and patient safety.

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 in life sciences or healthcare, along with experience in clinical trials. Strong organizational skills, knowledge of Good Clinical Practice (GCP), and familiarity with trial management tools can improve job prospects, but entry-level roles may be easier to obtain with relevant internships or certifications.
More about Clinical Research Associate jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Clinical Research jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Clinical Research jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What are popular job titles related to Clinical Research Associate jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Clinical Research Associate jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Clinical Research Associate jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Clinical Research Associate job openings:

Infographic showing various Clinical Research Associate job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 66% In-person, 17% Hybrid, and 17% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $88,121 per year, or $42.4 per hour.

Clinical Research Associate

Medasource

North Chicago, IL โ€ข On-site

Other

This job post hasย expired today.ย Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Title: Clinical Research Associate

Duration: 1 year contract (potential of extension)

Location: Remote with up to 75% travel


Job Description:

Abbott's Core Diagnostics team is seeking a Clinical Research Associate to support a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) clinical research initiative. This individual will support multi-site clinical trial operations while ensuring strict compliance with protocol in a highly regulated environment. The ideal candidate brings strong monitoring fundamentals, exceptional attention to detail, and the ability to operate independently across multiple sites and stakeholders.


Responsibilities:

  • Perform site qualification, initiation, interim monitoring, and close-out visits across assigned clinical sites
  • Support oversight of approximately 4-5 clinical research sites, including primary and secondary site responsibilities
  • Ensure protocol compliance, GCP adherence, and accurate study documentation
  • Conduct source data verification/review and investigational product accountability activities
  • Identify, document, and escalate site issues, deviations, and risks appropriately
  • Complete detailed trip reports, monitoring documentation, and required reporting within established timelines
  • Collaborate cross-functionally with clinical operations, investigators, and study coordinators
  • Support multiple studies simultaneously as needed
  • Maintain compliance with time tracking, reporting, and data handling procedures

Qualifications:

  • 3-5+ years of clinical research experience preferred
  • Open to candidates with:
  • CRA experience within sponsor environments
  • Strong clinical research coordinator experience from hospital or academic settings
  • Strong understanding of:
  • Site monitoring activities
  • Source data verification/review
  • Investigational product accountability
  • GCP and clinical trial documentation requirements
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Strong critical thinking and situational problem-solving abilities
  • Ability to work independently and manage competing priorities across multiple sites
  • Highly organized with strong time management skills
  • Ability to travel nationally up to 75% as required
  • Comfortable operating within a 40-hour work week structure