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Clinical Research Associate Jobs in Park Ridge, IL

Clinical Research Coordinator Assistant

Chicago, IL · 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 ...

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

See Park Ridge, IL salary details

$11

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$68

How much do clinical research associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 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.

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 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 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $84,174 per year, or $40.5 per hour.

Research Associate - Vascular Surgery

Rush University Medical Center

Chicago, IL

$19.50 - $28/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 8 days ago


Rush University Medical Center rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 109 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

117th of 1,065 rated hospitals


Job description

Location: Chicago, Illinois

Business Unit: Rush Medical Group

Hospital: Rush University Medical Center

Department: CVT Surgery Vascular

Work Type: Full Time (Total FTE between 0. 9 and 1. 0)

Shift: Shift 1

Work Schedule: 8 Hr (8:00:00 AM - 4:00:00 PM)

Rush offers exceptional rewards and benefits learn more at our Rush benefits page (https://www.rush.edu/rush-careers/employee-benefits).

Pay Range: $19.50 - $28.00 per hour
Rush salaries are determined by many factors including, but not limited to, education, job-related experience and skills, as well as internal equity and industry specific market data. The pay range for each role reflects Rush’s anticipated wage or salary reasonably expected to be offered for the position. Offers may vary depending on the circumstances of each case.

Summary:
The Vascular Surgery Research Associate will support a broad range of clinical and academic research projects within the Department of Cardiovascular Thoracic Surgery. This role is primarily focused on coordinating clinical trials, including patient screening, recruitment, and follow-up, and involves contributing to departmental research activities such as data collection, analysis, and manuscript development.
The Research Associate will work closely with faculty on both prospective and retrospective, outcome-based studies, including investigator-initiated, industry-sponsored, and NIH-funded trials. The role includes active collaboration with VS providers and fellows.
A background in statistical analysis is preferred. The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong organizational, analytical, and communication skills and will embody the mission, vision, and values of Rush University Medical Center while adhering to all institutional policies and research compliance standards

Required Job Qualifications:

  • Master’s Degree
  • Background in statistical analysis is preferred
  • Prior experience in clinical research or academic research environment preferred
  • Knowledge of clinical trial processes, regulatory requirements, and IRB protocol
  • Excellent communication, organizational, and mentoring skills
  • Strong analytical skills and proficiency in data analysis tools is a plus.
  • Ability to work for 8 hours daily in hospital and ambulatory clinic and computer based setting.

Responsibilities:

  • Mentoring medical students
  • Screening, consenting and data entry for clinical trials
  • Ideas on Artificial Intelligence applications in Vascular Surgery and work on projects that would amplify AI applications in the field.
  • Data collection on retrospective outcome-based research
  • Statistical analysis of data
  • Prepare abstracts and manuscripts
  • Grant writing

Rush is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics.


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