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Clinical Research Associate Jobs in Rio Rancho, NM

Clinical Research Coordinator - Albuquerque, NM Work SetUp: Onsite Schedule: 24 Hours/Week (Parttime) About IQVIA IQVIA is a global leader in advanced analytics, technology solutions, and clinical ...

Job Summary Our client is seeking a highly motivated Clinical Research Coordinator. The primary responsibilities include project coordination, study design and conduct, effective communication, and ...

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Clinical Research Associate information

See Rio Rancho, NM salary details

$10

$37

$62

How much do clinical research associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for clinical research associate in Rio Rancho, NM is $37.09, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $26.01 and $47.50 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 Rio Rancho, NM?

The most popular types of Clinical Research jobs in Rio Rancho, NM are:

What job categories do people searching Clinical Research Associate jobs in Rio Rancho, NM look for?

The top searched job categories for Clinical Research Associate jobs in Rio Rancho, NM are:

What cities near Rio Rancho, NM are hiring for Clinical Research Associate jobs?

Cities near Rio Rancho, NM with the most Clinical Research Associate job openings:

Infographic showing various Clinical Research Associate job openings in Rio Rancho, NM as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 27% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $77,150 per year, or $37.1 per hour.

Clinical Research Nurse Specialist

University of New Mexico

Albuquerque, NM • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life

Posted 9 days ago


University Of New Mexico rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 56 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

126th of 620 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Specialty Nurse/RN
Requisition ID
req37585
Working Title
Clinical Research Nurse Specialist
Position Grade
15
Position Summary
UNM's Southwest Center for Advancing Clinical and Translational Innovation (SW CACTI) is a partnership between the University of New Mexico and the University of Arizona, and is committed to creating and promoting a thriving, unified research environment within the CTSA Program framework that accelerates Clinical and Translational Science innovation locally, regionally, and nationally to more efficiently advance individual and community health across the U.S. Southwest.
SW CACTI is committed to using our capabilities to foster collaborative research efforts throughout New Mexico and Arizona. We seek to reduce barriers to clinical and translational science for both investigators and participants so that we can serve the entire research community.
The Clinical Research Unit (CRU) provides facilities and resources to enable investigators to successfully conduct their clinical research. We are committed to using our capabilities in order to foster collaborative research efforts throughout New Mexico. We seek to reduce barriers to clinical research for both investigators and participants so that we can serve the entire research community, including minorities and the underserved.
We are seeking a highly motivated individual to join our dynamic team as a Research Nurse Specialist in the Clinical Research Unit (CRU) for SW CACTI.
Duties and Responsibilities
  • Provide nursing care to clinical research participants of all ages including, but not limited to completing physical assessments, providing investigation and already approved medications/ treatments/ interventions, monitoring participants for side effects and adverse effects, collecting/monitoring vital signs, completing EKGs, completing blood draws, developing and providing education for participants, etc. Oversee the day-to-day clinical activities for a specified clinical trials initiative and/or other medical research program in accordance with the research parameters established by the investigator.
  • Performs or assists in procedural care requiring complex nursing skills and clinical judgement.
  • Instruct/counsel participants/ family members on research procedures. Follow study protocols and study specific guidelines for the completion of study visits and collection of needed clinical data.
  • Coordinated, monitors, and evaluates provider care and services, to include, clinic visits and physician hospital visits for the specified population; supervises and/or coordinates research participate care by support staff within clinical environments.
  • Review and provide sound clinical feedback on study protocols for feasibility of completion at SW CACTI CRU, and assisting with making protocols feasible, if possible.
  • Participate in site initiation visits and study meetings/ trainings/ visits as needed.
  • Communicate and collaborate with study teams to maintain nursing quality and compliance with each project.
  • Practices safety, environmental, and/or infection control methods.
  • Trains and educates other clinical research staff (Clinical Research Coordinators, and Program Specialists), as appropriate, in clinical research procedures; coordinates in-service training, competency, on-boarding new staff, and other related training functions.
  • Enhances professional growth and development through participation in educational programs, current literature, in-service meetings, and workshops.
  • May perform clinical research as appropriate to specific operations.
  • Develops and/or assists with the development and implementation of policies and procedures consistent with those of the organization.
  • Work with clinic manager and assistant manager to problem-solve clinic and clinical research issues, as well provide ideas for clinic and clinical research improvements.
  • Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.

TERM APPOINTMENT; FUNDING AVAILABLE THROUGH 06/30/2027; CONTINUANCE BEYOND THAT DATE SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY OF ADDITIONAL FUNDING.
See the Position Description for additional information.
Conditions of Employment
  • CPR Certified.
  • May be required to submit to annual TB and rubella screening.
  • UNM will provide Hepatitis vaccination, candidate may decline vaccination through declination form or may provide record of vaccination from previous employer.
  • Specialty licensure/certification may be required, as specified by the department.
  • Successful candidate must submit to post-offer, pre-employment physical examination and medical history check.
  • Employees who provide services or work in patient care or clinical areas are required to be in compliance with the University's influenza vaccination requirement.

Minimum Qualifications
Associate's degree in Nursing; at least 3 years of experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified.Certification/LicensureState of New Mexico Licensed Registered Nurse or licensure pending as documented by temporary licensure OR current RN licensure from a state participating in the multistate privilege to practice compact with New Mexico.
Completed degree(s) from an accredited institution that are above the minimum education requirement may be substituted for experience on a year for year basis.
Preferred Qualifications
  • ACLS & BLS Certified
  • Experience working clinic research unit

Additional Requirements
Due to budgetary constraints, we are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.
Campus
Health Sciences Center (HSC) - Albuquerque, NM
Department
CTSC Administration Gen (672B)
Employment Type
Staff
Staff Type
Term - Full-Time
Term End Date
06/30/2027
Status
Exempt
Pay
Monthly: $5,903.73 - $8,450.00
Benefits Eligible
This is a benefits eligible position. The University of New Mexico provides a comprehensive package of benefits including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance. In addition, UNM offers educational benefits through the tuition remission and dependent education programs. See the Benefits home page for a more information.
ERB Statement
As a condition of employment, eligible employees working greater than .25 FTE as determined by the New Mexico Education Retirement Act must make mandatory retirement contributions. For more information, review the Benefits Eligibility at a Glance grid.
Background Check Required
Yes
For Best Consideration Date
8/21/2026
Eligible for Hiring Incentive
Eligible for Remote Work
No
Eligible for Remote Work Statement
Application Instructions
Only applications submitted through the official UNMJobs site will be accepted. If you are viewing this job advertisement on a 3rd party site, please visit UNMJobs to submit an application.
INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED - PLEASE READ ALL APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY BEFORE SUBMITTING.
To receive full consideration, applicants must include:
Completed application submitted through the official UNMJobs site
Current resume
Cover letter (specifically addressing your ability to meet the "Additional Requirements" and "Preferred Qualifications" listed above)
Contact information for three (3) professional references (required at the time of application submission)
Positions posted with a Staff Type of Regular or Term are eligible for the Veteran Preference Program. See the Veteran Preference Program webpage for additional details.
The University of New Mexico is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class.
The University of New Mexico requires all regular staff positions successfully pass a pre-employment background check. This may include, but is not limited to, a criminal history background check, New Mexico Department of Health fingerprint screening, New Mexico Children, Youth, and Families Department fingerprint screening, verification of education credentials, and/or verification of prior employment. For more information about background checks, visit https://policy.unm.edu/university-policies/3000/3280.html. Refer to https://policy.unm.edu/university-policies/3000/3200.html for a definition of Regular Staff.

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