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

Our clinical philosophy Our approach to care is grounded in meeting patients where they are and ... About the Role As our first Research Associate, you will play a foundational role in building the ...

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Clinical Research Associate information

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How much do clinical research associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for clinical research associate in Elgin, IL is $40.65, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $28.51 and $52.02 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 Elgin, IL?

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

What job categories do people searching Clinical Research Associate jobs in Elgin, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Clinical Research Associate jobs in Elgin, IL are:

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

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

Infographic showing various Clinical Research Associate job openings in Elgin, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 26% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $84,559 per year, or $40.7 per hour.

Senior Clinical Research Associate

Barrington James

Chicago, IL • On-site

Other

Posted 24 days ago


Job description

New Role - Snr CRA - Small CRO - US Only


Key Responsibilities


  • Independently perform site selection, initiation, routine monitoring, and close-out visits in accordance with the protocol, ICH-GCP, and applicable regulations
  • Conduct/oversee remote and on-site monitoring visits, ensuring source data verification, informed consent compliance, and data quality
  • Manage a defined caseload of sites with minimal supervision, ensuring enrollment, timelines, and quality metrics are met
  • Serve as primary site contact, building strong relationships with investigators and site staff
  • Identify and resolve site-level issues, escalating risks to the Clinical Team Lead/PM as appropriate
  • Review and ensure completeness of essential documents/TMF in line with ICH-GCP and company SOPs
  • Support development of monitoring plans, visit report templates, and site management tools
  • Mentor and provide guidance to junior CRAs and CRA-in-training staff
  • Contribute to audit/inspection readiness at site and study level
  • Liaise directly with sponsors on site status, risk mitigation, and study progress as needed
  • Support process improvement initiatives given the CRO's smaller, evolving infrastructure


Requirements


  • Bachelor's degree in life sciences, nursing, or related field (or equivalent experience)
  • Minimum 3–5 years' CRA experience, including independent on-site monitoring (CRO, sponsor, or site-based)
  • Strong working knowledge of ICH-GCP, FDA/EMA (or relevant regional) regulations
  • Proven track record managing a full monitoring visit caseload independently
  • Experience in [therapeutic area, if relevant] preferred
  • Excellent communication and site relationship management skills
  • Ability to work autonomously in a smaller, less hierarchical company structure
  • Willingness to travel 30% for on-site visits (region-dependent)
  • Experience mentoring junior staff is a plus


Tbacchus@barringtonjames.com