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Clinical Research Associate Jobs in Park Ridge, IL

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 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 ...

Clinical Research Associate II

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$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 ...

Clinical Research Coordinator Assistant

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$25 - $33.25/hr

Meets with the Clinical Research Associate at each scheduled monitoring visit and is available to complete queries or data clarifications in a timely manner during these visits * Reports protocol ...

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Clinical Research Associate information

See Park Ridge, IL salary details

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How much do clinical research associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for clinical research associate in Park Ridge, IL is $40.47, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $28.37 and $51.78 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 Park Ridge, IL? The most popular types of Clinical Research jobs in Park Ridge, IL are:
What job categories do people searching Clinical Research Associate jobs in Park Ridge, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Clinical Research Associate jobs in Park Ridge, IL are:
What cities near Park Ridge, IL are hiring for Clinical Research Associate jobs? Cities near Park Ridge, IL with the most Clinical Research Associate job openings:
Infographic showing various Clinical Research Associate job openings in Park Ridge, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $84,174 per year, or $40.5 per hour.

Senior Clinical Research Associate

410 ICR United States USA

Chicago, IL โ€ข Hybrid

$110K - $138K/yr

Full-time

Posted 23 days ago


Job description

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 to patients faster.


As a values-driven organisation, integrity, collaboration, agility, and inclusion are at the heart of how we work and interact with each other, customers, patients and suppliers.


The Sr. Clinical Research Associate (Sr. CRA) will be responsible for performing investigative site management and monitoring activities throughout the clinical trial lifecycle. This Sr. CRA role will support the client's Oncology clinical trials to ensure data integrity, subject safety, and inspection readiness at the clinical investigative sites. 

Responsibilities: 

  • Perform site management activities to support the client's Oncology site success and maintain a continuous state of inspection readiness 

  • Act as the primary contact and facilitate efficient communications between the client's clinical trial team and the sites 

  • Perform remote and on-site monitoring/co-monitoring visits (Site Qualification Visits, Site Initiation Visits, Interim Monitoring Visits and Close-Out Visits) to ensure data integrity and subject safety in the client's trials 

  • May perform oversight activities to assess monitoring quality and train/mentor less experienced CRAs 

  • Promptly document monitoring activities and submit/approve visit reports  

  • Manage site essential document collection and TMF reconciliation with site files 

  • Support sites with local Institutional Review Board (IRB)/Ethics Committee (EC) submissions and confirm approvals 

  • Regularly review site Key Risk Indicator (KRI) metrics, issues and action items to detect trends and ensure prompt resolution 

  • Independently determine root causes and develop/implement site Corrective Action and Preventive Action (CAPA) plans 

  • Deliver training to ensure sites comply with the protocol, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), Good Clinical Practices (GCPs) and regulations 

  • Support sites and the client's regulatory inspections 

  • Contribute to site identification; drive site feasibility and qualification progress; and support site activation activities  

  • Lead site engagement initiatives and foster relationships with key Oncology sites and networks  

Qualifications 

  • Bachelor’s degree (scientific field preferred) 

  • 5+ years monitoring clinical trials independently conducting on-site and remote monitoring visits. Atleast 2 years monitoring solid tumor clinical trials.

  • 1+ years early development trial experience  

  • Solid tumor clinical trial experience is required

  • Experience utilizing Veeva systems is highly preferred 

  • Demonstrated experience developing/maintaining site relationships and securing compliance 

  • Expertise in GxPs and Oncology monitoring techniques (including Risk-Based Monitoring) and terminology 

  • Experience collaborating with sites from initial engagement through close-out phases 

  • Experience activating sites 

  • Experience training site staff 

  • Experience supporting sites and/or sponsors in regulatory inspections 

  • Experience working within a Functional Services (or in-house) monitoring model is preferred 

  • Willing to travel up to 50% 


Employment with ICON is contingent upon having the legal right to work in the country where the role is based.


Rewards & Benefits

ICON offers a competitive and comprehensive total rewards package designed to support your health, wellbeing, and career development.


Benefits may include:

  • Competitive base salary and performance related incentives
  • Health and wellbeing programmes including medical, dental, and vision coverage where applicable
  • Retirement and pension plans
  • Life assurance and disability coverage
  • Employee assistance programmes and wellbeing resources
  • Learning and development opportunities through structured training and career pathways

Benefits may vary depending on role and location.


Visit our careers site to read more about the benefits ICON offers.


Inclusion and Accessibility

ICON is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to building an inclusive and accessible workplace where everyone feels valued and supported.


If you require reasonable accommodations during the recruitment process, please let us know or submit a request here.

Salary Range

$110,520.00-$138,150.00

Are you a current ICON Employee? Please click here to apply