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Clinical Research Lab Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Lab Technician Job Summary: The Clinical Trials Institute (CTI) has an exciting opportunity for a full-time Clinical Research Lab Technician to join our growing team. The ideal candidate is detail ...

$23.50 - $31.25/hr

The Clinical Research Coordinator under the direction of the Site Manager/Director and the ... May perform basic lab procedures per protocol, such as: blood specimen collection, centrifuge ...

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Clinical Research Lab information

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$49K

$107.3K

$189K

How much do clinical research lab jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for clinical research lab in the United States is $107,336.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $81,000.00 and $122,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Which clinical research jobs pay the most?

Senior roles in clinical research, such as Clinical Research Directors and Principal Investigators, tend to have the highest salaries, often exceeding six figures. These positions typically require extensive experience, advanced degrees, and strong project management skills. Specialized roles like Clinical Data Managers and Regulatory Affairs Managers also offer higher compensation due to their technical expertise and responsibilities.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in a Clinical Research Lab, and why are they important?

To thrive in a Clinical Research Lab, you need a solid background in biological sciences or related fields, experience with laboratory techniques, and often at least a bachelor’s degree in science. Familiarity with laboratory information management systems (LIMS), data analysis software, and regulatory compliance certifications such as Good Clinical Practice (GCP) is typically required. Strong attention to detail, effective teamwork, and clear communication skills are essential soft skills in this environment. These competencies ensure accurate data collection, regulatory adherence, and successful collaboration on research projects.

How can I work in clinical research?

To work in clinical research, you typically need a relevant degree such as a bachelor's in life sciences, nursing, or related fields. Gaining experience through internships or entry-level positions and obtaining certifications like the Certified Clinical Research Professional (CCRP) can improve job prospects. Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and familiarity with regulatory guidelines are also important for success in this field.

What qualifications are needed for clinical research?

Clinical research professionals typically need a bachelor's degree in a health-related field such as biology, nursing, or pharmacy. Relevant skills include attention to detail, good communication, and knowledge of Good Clinical Practice (GCP) guidelines. Some roles may require certification, such as the Certified Clinical Research Professional (CCRP).

What is a clinical research lab?

A clinical research lab is a specialized facility where scientific studies involving human participants are conducted to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of medications, medical devices, diagnostics, or treatment protocols. These labs play a crucial role in advancing medical knowledge by generating data that supports regulatory approvals and clinical practice guidelines. The work in such labs is highly regulated to ensure the integrity of the research and the safety of participants. Clinical research labs often collaborate with hospitals, universities, and pharmaceutical companies to conduct these studies.

What is the difference between Clinical Research Lab vs Clinical Research Coordinator?

AspectClinical Research LabClinical Research Coordinator
CredentialsTypically requires laboratory science degrees or certificationsRequires clinical research certifications and healthcare-related degrees
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, research facilitiesClinics, hospitals, research sites
Employer & IndustryResearch institutions, biotech companiesHospitals, clinical trial sites
Job FocusLaboratory testing, sample analysisParticipant management, study coordination

While both roles are essential in clinical research, a Clinical Research Lab focuses on laboratory testing and analysis, whereas a Clinical Research Coordinator manages participant recruitment and study logistics. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in a clinical research lab, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in a clinical research lab often encounter challenges such as strict regulatory requirements, tight project timelines, and the need for meticulous attention to detail. Maintaining accurate documentation and adhering to protocols is crucial, which can be demanding under pressure. Effective communication within multidisciplinary teams—such as clinicians, data managers, and laboratory technicians—is essential for smooth workflow. Proactively seeking mentorship, staying updated on regulatory changes, and participating in team meetings can help mitigate these challenges and foster a collaborative environment.

Who makes more, CRC or CRA?

In the clinical research field, CRAs (Clinical Research Associates) generally have higher average salaries than CRCs (Clinical Research Coordinators). CRAs often require more experience, certifications, and may work remotely or oversee multiple sites, which can contribute to higher compensation. Salary differences can vary based on location, experience, and employer, but CRAs typically earn more than CRCs.
More about Clinical Research Lab jobs
What cities are hiring for Clinical Research Lab jobs? Cities with the most Clinical Research Lab job openings:
What states have the most Clinical Research Lab jobs? States with the most job openings for Clinical Research Lab jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Clinical Research Lab jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Clinical Research Lab jobs are:
Clinical Research Lab Technician

Clinical Research Lab Technician

University of Wisconsin-Madison

Madison, WI • On-site

$20.19/hr

Full-time

Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


University Of Wisconsin-Madison rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 56 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

97th of 546 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Current Employees: If you are currently employed at any of the Universities of Wisconsin, log in to Workday to apply through the internal application process.
Job Category: University Staff
Employment Type: Regular
Job Profile: Lab Technician
Job Summary:
The Clinical Trials Institute (CTI) has an exciting opportunity for a full-time Clinical Research Lab Technician to join our growing team. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, highly organized, adaptable, and motivated to support high-quality clinical research operations in a collaborative and fast-paced environment. This role will work closely with Clinical Research Coordinators, investigators, research participants, and laboratory personnel to support research specimen collection, processing, handling, storage, packaging, transport, and shipment in accordance with study protocols, laboratory manuals, institutional policies, Good Clinical Practice (GCP), and clinical research industry standards.
Responsibilities include assisting with research specimen processing and laboratory operations across multiple clinical research studies and research teams across UWSMPH. The individual will occasionally perform phlebotomy procedures for research participants and will ensure accurate specimen handling and documentation throughout the specimen lifecycle. The position will also support the maintenance, calibration, and oversight of laboratory and research processing equipment including refrigerators, freezers, centrifuges, incubators, pipettors, and additional equipment as needed. This role will assist with temperature monitoring systems and associated troubleshooting, coordinate with vendors regarding equipment maintenance and service needs, and retrieve temperature logs, maintenance records, and certifications required for research studies and regulatory purposes.
In addition, this individual will contribute to broader research operations by assisting with development of laboratory processing guides, templates, standardized workflows, data entry activities, and other research-related tasks as
assigned. The Clinical Research Lab Technician will also support ongoing efforts to establish and maintain standardized best practices across CTI research laboratory spaces and research processing operations.
This is a fully onsite position with standard business hours expected during the workweek. However, flexibility is essential, as occasional early mornings, evenings, or weekends may be required to support study activities and research participant schedules. This role will also require travel between research sites within the greater Madison area. If you are passionate about supporting innovative clinical research and contributing to operational excellence in a collaborative environment, we encourage you to apply today!
  • This position requires work to be completed onsite, at a designated campus work location.
  • This position has been identified as a position of trust with access to vulnerable populations.The selected candidate will be required to pass an initial caregiver check to be eligible for employment under the Wisconsin Caregiver Law and every four years.
  • Must provide a valid driver's license. Employees may use their own transportation or receive approval for University Car Fleet usage. Employment is conditional pending the results of a Pre-hire Driver Authorization Check. See https://businessservices.wisc.edu/managing-risk/driver-authorization-and-insurance/driver-authorization/#become-authorized-driver (click on "Become an authorized driver;" then click on "Required criteria").
  • Candidates who demonstrate the following knowledge, skills, and abilities will be given first consideration: phlebotomy, processing human research specimens in a lab setting.

Key Job Responsibilities:
  • Coordinates and participates in a variety of routine technical duties by providing assistance to research and/or laboratory staff in testing and experiments
  • Performs quality control, acknowledges documents, performs document reviews and/or writes and revises documents as assigned
  • Completes and acknowledges trainings
  • Supports clinical trial data entry per study-specific requirements and guidelines.
  • Uses, maintains, calibrates, and sets up lab equipment and apparatuses according to established policies and procedures and documents activities
  • Performs phlebotomy as needed for research participants.
  • Sets up, prepares, and cleans laboratory glassware, instruments, equipment, and laboratory work spaces

Department:
School of Medicine and Public Health, UW Clinical Trials Institute
Compensation:
The starting hourly wage for the position is $20.19 hourly but is negotiable based on experience and qualifications.
Employees in this position can expect to receive benefits such as generous vacation, holidays, and sick leave; competitive insurances and savings accounts; retirement benefits. For more information, refer to the campus benefits webpage.
SMPH University Staff Benefits Flyer 2026
Required Qualifications:
  • Candidate must have a minimum of one (1) year of phlebotomy experience within the last 12 months
  • Demonstrated prior experience processing human research specimens in a lab setting

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Prior experience supporting clinical trials, clinical research, or translational research activities;
  • Experience performing equipment maintenance, calibration oversight, and temperature monitoring for laboratory or clinical research equipment.
Education:
High School Diploma preferred
How to Apply:
For the best experience completing your application, we recommend using Chrome or Firefox as your web browser.
To apply for this position, select either "I am a current employee" or "I am not a current employee" under Apply Now. You will then be prompted to upload your application materials.
Important: The application has only one attachment field. Upload the following documents in that field, either as a single combined file or as multiple files in the same upload area.
• Cover letter
• Resume
Your cover letter should address how your training and experience aligns with the required and preferred qualifications listed above. Application reviewers will rely on these written materials to determine which applicants move forward in the process. References will be requested from final candidates. All applicants will be notified once the search concludes and a candidate is selected
University sponsorship is not available for this position, including transfers of sponsorship and TN visas.The selected applicant will be responsible for ensuring their continuous eligibility to work in the United States (i.e. a citizen or national of the United States, a lawful permanent resident, a foreign national authorized to work in the United States without the need of an employer sponsorship) on or before the effective date of appointment.This position is an ongoing position that will require continuous work eligibility.
The department will not be able to support a request for a J-1 waiver. If you choose to pursue a waiver and apply for our position, neither the UW nor UWMF will reimburse you for your legal or waiver fees.
Contact Information:
Rochelle Rannow, rochelle.rannow@wisc.edu
Relay Access (WTRS): 7-1-1. See RELAY_SERVICE for further information.
Institutional Statement on Diversity:
Diversity is a source of strength, creativity, and innovation for UW-Madison. We value the contributions of each person and respect the profound ways their identity, culture, background, experience, status, abilities, and opinion enrich the university community. We commit ourselves to the pursuit of excellence in teaching, research, outreach, and diversity as inextricably linked goals.
The University of Wisconsin-Madison fulfills its public mission by creating a welcoming and inclusive community for people from every background - people who as students, faculty, and staff serve Wisconsin and the world.
The University of Wisconsin-Madison is an Equal OpportunityEmployer.
Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to, including but not limited to, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, or status as a protected veteran and other bases as defined by federal regulations and UW System policies. We promote excellence by acknowledging skills and expertise from all backgroundsand encourage all qualified individuals to apply. For more information regarding applicant and employee rights and to view federal and state required postings, visit the Human Resources Workplace Poster website.
To request a disability or pregnancy-related accommodationfor any step in the hiring process (e.g., application, interview, pre-employment testing, etc.), please contact the Divisional Disability Representative (DDR)in the division you are applying to.Please make your request as soon as possible to help the university respond most effectively to you.
Employment may require a criminal background check. It may also require your references to answer questions regarding misconduct, including sexual violence and sexual harassment.
The University of Wisconsin System will not reveal the identities of applicants who request confidentiality in writing, except that the identity of the successful candidate will be released. See Wis. Stat. sec. 19.36(7).
The Annual Security and Fire Safety Report contains current campus safety and disciplinary policies, crime statistics for the previous 3 calendar years, and on-campus student housing fire safety policies and fire statistics for the previous 3 calendar years. UW-Madison will provide a paper copy upon request; please contact the University of Wisconsin Police Department.

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About University of Wisconsin

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The University of Wisconsin, based in Madison, WI, US, functions in the educational industry and is a renowned and respected institution for higher education. Its official website is wisc.edu. Established in 1848, this public research university is recognized globally for its innovative approach to education, research, creativity, and public service. It embodies a strong commitment to academic freedom and academic excellence. As a major contributor to the Wisconsin Idea, it aims to accomplish its mission of generating well-rounded individuals who will contribute substantially to society, the local community, and the global economy.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Madison, WI, US

Year founded

2005