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Clinical Research Associate Jobs in Ridgeland, MS

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Clinical Research Associate information

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$34

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How much do clinical research associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for clinical research associate in Ridgeland, MS is $34.26, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.04 and $43.85 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 Ridgeland, MS? The most popular types of Clinical Research jobs in Ridgeland, MS are:
What job categories do people searching Clinical Research Associate jobs in Ridgeland, MS look for? The top searched job categories for Clinical Research Associate jobs in Ridgeland, MS are:
What cities near Ridgeland, MS are hiring for Clinical Research Associate jobs? Cities near Ridgeland, MS with the most Clinical Research Associate job openings:
Infographic showing various Clinical Research Associate job openings in Ridgeland, MS 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 $71,271 per year, or $34.3 per hour.

Senior Director - Clinical Research _ Office of Associate Vice Chancellor for Research

University of Mississippi Medical Center

Jackson, MS

Full-time

Re-posted 8 days ago


University Of Mississippi Medical Center rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 47 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

342nd of 1,055 rated hospitals


Job description

Hello,

Thank you for your interest in career opportunities with the University of Mississippi Medical Center. Please review the following instructions prior to submitting your job application:

  • Provide all of your employment history, education, and licenses/certifications/registrations. You will be unable to modify your application after you have submitted it.
  • You must meet all of the job requirements at the time of submitting the application.
  • You can only apply one time to a job requisition.
  • Once you start the application process you cannot save your work. Please ensure you have all required attachment(s) available to complete your application before you begin the process.
  • Applications must be submitted prior to the close of the recruitment. Once recruitment has closed, applications will no longer be accepted.

After you apply, we will review your qualifications and contact you if your application is among the most highly qualified. Due to the large volume of applications, we are unable to individually respond to all applicants. You may check the status of your application via your Candidate Profile.

Thank you,

Human Resources

Important Applications Instructions:

Please complete this application in entirety by providing all of your work experience, education and certifications/

license.  You will be unable to edit/add/change your application once it is submitted.

Job Requisition ID:R00050168Job Category:ResearchOrganization:OAVCR-ResearchLocation/s:Main Campus JacksonJob Title:Senior Director - Clinical Research _ Office of Associate Vice Chancellor for ResearchJob Summary:Leads and oversees the clinical trials operations at the University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC). This role is responsible for providing strategic direction, operational leadership, and centralized oversight of clinical research activities. Serves as a key resource for faculty, staff, and institutional leadership, promoting and supporting clinical research efforts while ensuring alignment with regulatory requirements and institutional priorities. Works collaboratively across departments to enhance efficiency, strengthen research capabilities, and facilitate high-quality clinical trial execution.Education & Experience

Education and Experience Required:

Bachelor's degree and seven (7) years of work experience in clinical research operations, regulatory compliance, or clinical trials management, including two (2) years of experience in a supervisory role.

Certifications, Licenses, or Registration required:

N/A

Preferred Qualifications:

Master's degree. Society of Clinical Research Associates (SoCRA) Certified Clinical Research Professional (CCRP). Professional level clinical research experience in an academic medical center.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Detail-oriented with knowledge in multiple areas of clinical research, including clinical procedures, compliance, government regulations, and budgetary issues. Demonstrates leadership, including proven ability to function effectively in a matrix organization. Experience with information technology and systems analysis. Strong organization, planning, and prioritization skills. Effective decision-making, analysis, and problem-solving abilities supported by critical thinking. Excellent oral and written communication skills, including public speaking.

Responsibilities

  • Evaluates current clinical trials practices, sets a vision based on findings, and communicates vision to relevant stakeholders
  • Works with Office of the Associate Vice Chancellor (OAVCR) Directors to ensure compliance with applicable regulations; provides leadership in identifying and implementing corrective actions/processes.
  • Plans and implements program operations, identifies and develops centralized governance, processes and/or guidelines, coordinates program activities and timelines.
  • Assesses communication and training needs, develops and implements any applicable communication, education, training, on-boarding and/or mentorship needs.
  • Provides Clinical Trials updates, including trial status/metrics, budget, accomplishments and risks to research leadership and other relevant stakeholders.
  • Collaborates with internal and external key collaborators including departments, leaders across the organization, representatives from external agencies/organizations to provide mentorship, resolve issues, grow clinical trials, and/or implement processes and/or solutions.
  • Identifies growth opportunities and further efficiencies that impact the program and/or departments success and aids in development of strategic plans to achieve objectives.
  • Ability to run meetings, set agendas, create action items and set priorities for clinical trials stakeholders in order to move overall research mission forward.
  • In conjunction with leadership, responsible for planning, monitoring, and leading program fiscal budgets and financials, and resolves or advances issues.
  • The duties listed are general in nature and are examples of the duties and responsibilities performed and are not meant to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Management retains the right to add or change duties at any time.

Physical and Environmental Demands

Requires occasional handling or working with potentially dangerous equipment, exposure to biohazardous conditions such as risk of radiation exposure, blood borne pathogens, fumes or airborne particles, and/or toxic or caustic chemicals which mandate attention to safety considerations, occasional working hours significantly beyond regularly scheduled hours, frequent travelling to offsite locations, occasional activities subject to significant volume changes of a seasonal/clinical nature, constant work produced subject to precise measures of quantity and quality, occasional bending, occasional lifting and carrying up to 10 pounds, occasional crouching/stooping, occasional driving, occasional kneeling, occasional pushing/pulling, occasional reaching, constant sitting, frequent standing, occasional twisting, and frequent walking.

Time Type:Full timeFLSA Designation/Job Exempt:YesPay Class:SalaryFTE %:100Work Shift:DayBenefits Eligibility:Grant Funded:NoJob Posting Date:06/26/2026Job Closing Date (open until filled if no date specified):

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About University of Mississippi Medical Center

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC) is the state's sole academic medical center, focused on enhancing the lives of Mississippi residents through education, research, and healthcare. UMMC houses seven health science schools with over 3,000 enrolled students, and its researchers are renowned for their contributions to areas like heart disease, diabetes, hypertension, and cancer treatment. Their efforts not only improve health outcomes but also drive economic growth and job opportunities in the state.

Industry

Health care and social assistance

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Jackson, MS, US

Year founded

1955