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Clinical Research Operations Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Clinical Research Operations information

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$49K

$107.3K

$189K

How much do clinical research operations jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for clinical research operations 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.

Is CRA an entry level job?

A Clinical Research Associate (CRA) is typically not an entry-level position; it usually requires prior experience in clinical research, monitoring, or related healthcare fields. Entry-level roles in clinical research often include Clinical Trial Assistants or Coordinators, with CRAs generally needing knowledge of Good Clinical Practice (GCP) and relevant certifications such as CCRP or RAC.

What is the difference between Clinical Research Operations vs Clinical Research Coordinators?

AspectClinical Research OperationsClinical Research Coordinators
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in life sciences, certifications like CCRP or RACOften requires a bachelor's degree in health sciences or related field, with certifications like CCRP beneficial
Work EnvironmentOversees multiple studies, manages teams, and collaborates with sponsors and regulatory bodiesWorks directly with study participants, manages data collection, and ensures protocol adherence
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in pharmaceutical companies, CROs, and research institutionsCommonly employed in hospitals, clinics, and research sites

Clinical Research Operations professionals focus on managing entire research programs, budgets, and teams, while Clinical Research Coordinators handle day-to-day study activities and participant interactions. Both roles are essential but differ in scope and responsibilities within the clinical research field.

What are some common challenges faced in clinical research operations and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in clinical research operations often encounter challenges such as managing complex regulatory requirements, coordinating across multidisciplinary teams, and ensuring adherence to strict timelines. Successfully addressing these challenges typically involves strong project management skills, effective communication with stakeholders, and staying updated on regulatory changes. Leveraging technology for data management and fostering a collaborative work environment can also help streamline processes and improve trial outcomes.

What is clinical research operations?

Clinical research operations refer to the planning, execution, and management of clinical trials and studies that test new medical treatments, drugs, or devices. This field ensures that studies are conducted ethically, efficiently, and in compliance with regulatory guidelines. Professionals in clinical research operations coordinate activities such as patient recruitment, data collection, regulatory submissions, and quality control. Their work is essential for advancing medical knowledge and ensuring the safety and effectiveness of new healthcare interventions.

What is the highest paying job in clinical research?

In clinical research operations, senior roles such as Clinical Research Director or Vice President of Clinical Operations typically have the highest salaries, often exceeding six figures. These positions require extensive experience, leadership skills, and often advanced certifications like RAC or CCRP, and they oversee multiple projects or departments within pharmaceutical or biotech companies.

Is CRC an entry level position?

A Clinical Research Coordinator (CRC) position is often considered entry level, suitable for individuals with a bachelor's degree in health or science fields. Prior experience or certifications like Good Clinical Practice (GCP) can enhance job prospects, but many organizations hire CRCs with minimal experience and provide on-the-job training.

Is CRA better than CRC?

A Clinical Research Associate (CRA) and a Clinical Research Coordinator (CRC) are different roles in clinical trials. CRAs typically oversee multiple sites, monitor study progress, and ensure compliance, often requiring travel and certification such as ACRP or SOCRA. CRCs manage day-to-day trial activities at a single site, handle patient interactions, and coordinate study procedures, often working closely with the site team and requiring strong organizational skills.

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

To thrive in Clinical Research Operations, you need a strong understanding of clinical trial protocols, regulatory guidelines (such as ICH-GCP), and project management, typically supported by a degree in life sciences or a related field. Familiarity with electronic data capture (EDC) systems, clinical trial management systems (CTMS), and certifications like ACRP or SOCRA are often required. Exceptional organizational skills, attention to detail, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for coordinating teams and ensuring compliance. These competencies are vital for maintaining data integrity, meeting regulatory standards, and successfully managing complex clinical studies.
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What states have the most Clinical Research Operations jobs? States with the most job openings for Clinical Research Operations jobs include:
Clinical Research Program Director

Clinical Research Program Director

Elevance Health

Iselin, NJ • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago


Elevance Health rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 346 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

180th of 277 rated insurance


Job description

Anticipated End Date:

2026-07-18

Position Title:

Clinical Research Program Director

Job Description:

Clinical Research Program Director

Hybrid 2:This role requires associates to be in-office 3 days per week, fostering collaboration and connectivity, while providing flexibility to support productivity and work-life balance. This approach combines structured office engagement with the autonomy of virtual work, promoting a dynamic and adaptable workplace.Alternate locations may be considered if candidates reside within a commuting distance from an office.

Please note that per our policy on hybrid/virtual work, candidates not within a reasonable commuting distance from the posting location(s) will not be considered for employment, unlessan accommodationis granted as required by law.

As the research arm of Elevance Health, Carelon Research is a full-service CRO with more than three decades' experience integrating data, clinical expertise, and scientific rigor with patient perspectives to accelerate impact. When studies are designed with the power of real-world health data and patient insights,decisions become clearer, connections stronger, and outcomes more meaningful.

TheClinical Research Program Directoris responsible forthe development and ongoing management of one or more external client-facing clinical research programs that are multi-state, multi-function, and multi-year in scope. This role serves as a strategic leader across clinical research operations, business development, proposal development, and client engagement activities. The Program Director supports business growth by helping secure new research opportunities, fostering client relationships, representing the organization at industry conferences, and ensuring successful execution of externally funded clinical research programs.

How You Will Make an Impact

Primary duties may include, but are not limited to:

  • Assists with project budgets, proposal budgets, forecasting, and business planning activities to support clinical research program growth and operational performance.

  • Develops project proposals, capabilities presentations, and client-facing materials while engaging sponsors and prospective clients to discuss clinical research capabilities and opportunities.

  • Attends industry conferences, scientific meetings, and client events to promote the clinical research line of business, develop relationships, and support business development efforts.

  • Provides subject matter expertise regarding clinical research operations, regulatory considerations, and industry best practices while staying informed of emerging trends impacting research organizations and sponsors.

  • Manages external client-facing relationships, serves as a point of escalation, and partners with cross-functional teams to ensure successful delivery of clinical research programs and high levels of client satisfaction.

  • Leads strategic initiatives focused on process improvement, operational effectiveness, adoption of new tools and technologies, and enhancement of clinical research capabilities.

  • Develops presentations, reporting materials, and executive-level communications to support program oversight, client meetings, business development efforts, and performance tracking.

  • Typically reports to an executive.

  • Program directors typically manage external client-facing programs that require coordinating activities and resources across multiple departments, business areas, sponsors, and research stakeholders.

MinimumRequirements:

Requires a BA/BS and minimum of 10years experiencein external client facing program management, project management; complex business processes, strategic and business planning; or any combination of education and experience, which would provide an equivalent background.

Preferred Skills, Capabilities, & Experiences:

  • Clinical research experience within a Contract Research Organization (CRO), life sciences company, academic research organization, or sponsor-funded research environment preferred.

  • Demonstrated experience leading complex clinical research programs and serving as a strategic partner to clients, sponsors, investigators, and research stakeholders preferred.

  • Experience supporting business development activities, including proposal development, capabilities presentations, client engagement, and pursuit of new research opportunities preferred.

  • High level of working knowledge of GCP, ICH, FDA regulations, and the clinical research regulatory environment preferred.

  • Strong consultative communication, relationship management, and presentation skills with the ability to represent an organization at industry conferences, scientific meetings, and client-facing events preferred.

  • Experience working with pharmaceutical, biotechnology, medical device, or other life sciences organizations while supporting externally funded clinical research programs preferred.

For candidates working in person or virtually in the below location(s), the salary* range for this specific position is $114,400.00 to $197,340.00.

Locations: Columbus, OH; Illinois; Massachusetts; New Jersey; & Virginia.

In addition to your salary, Elevance Health offers benefits such as a comprehensive benefits package, incentive and recognition programs, equity stock purchase and 401k contribution (all benefits are subject to eligibility requirements). The salary offered for this specific position is based on a number of legitimate, non-discriminatory factors set by the Company. The Company is fully committed to ensuring equal pay opportunities for equal work regardless of gender, race, or any other category protected by federal, state, and local pay equity laws.

*The salary range is the range Elevance Health in good faith believes is the range of possible compensation for this role at the time of this posting. This range may be modified in the future and actual compensation may vary from posting based on geographic location, work experience, education and/or skill level. Even within the range, the actual compensation will vary depending on the above factors as well as market/business considerations. No amount is considered to be wages or compensation until such amount is earned, vested, and determinable under the terms and conditions of the applicable policies and plans. The amount and availability of any bonus, commission, benefits, paid time off, stock, or any other form of compensation and benefits that are allocable to a particular employee remains in the Company's sole discretion unless and until paid and may be modified at the Company's sole discretion, consistent with the law.

Job Level:

Director Equivalent

Workshift:

Job Family:

BSP > Program/Project

Please be advised that Elevance Health only accepts resumes for compensation from agencies that have a signed agreement with Elevance Health. Any unsolicited resumes, including those submitted to hiring managers, are deemed to be the property of Elevance Health.


Who We Are

Elevance Health is a health company dedicated to improving lives and communities - and making healthcare simpler. We are a Fortune 25 company with a longstanding history in the healthcare industry, looking for leaders at all levels of the organization who are passionate about making an impact on our members and the communities we serve.


How We Work

At Elevance Health, we are creating a culture that is designed to advance our strategy but will also lead to personal and professional growth for our associates. Our values and behaviors are the root of our culture. They are how we achieve our strategy, power our business outcomes and drive our shared success - for our consumers, our associates, our communities and our business.


We offer a range of market-competitive total rewards that include merit increases, paid holidays, Paid Time Off, and incentive bonus programs (unless covered by a collective bargaining agreement), medical, dental, vision, short and long term disability benefits, 401(k) +match, stock purchase plan, life insurance, wellness programs and financial education resources, to name a few.


Elevance Health operates in a Hybrid Workforce Strategy. Unless specified as primarily virtual by the hiring manager, associates are required to work at an Elevance Health location at least once per week, and potentially several times per week. Specific requirements and expectations for time onsite will be discussed as part of the hiring process.


The health of our associates and communities is a top priority for Elevance Health. We require all new candidates in certain patient/member-facing roles to become vaccinated against COVID-19 and Influenza. If you are not vaccinated, your offer will be rescinded unless you provide an acceptable explanation. Elevance Health will also follow all relevant federal, state and local laws.


Elevance Health is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, citizenship status, color, creed, disability, ethnicity, genetic information, gender (including gender identity and gender expression), marital status, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, veteran status or any other status or condition protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. Applicants who require accommodation to participate in the job application process should submit the following form: Accessibility Accommodation Request Form and a member of the team will be in contact. Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with all federal, state, and local laws, including, but not limited to, the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance and the California Fair Chance Act.


Prospective employees required to be screened under Florida law should review the education and awareness resources at HB531 | Florida Agency for Health Care Administration.


NOTE: Workday keeps job postings active through 11:59:59 PM on the day before the listed end date. Example: If the end date is 3/13, the posting will automatically come down on 3/12 at 11:59:59 PM. In other words - the job is posted until 3/13, not through 3/13.


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About Elevance Health

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Elevance Health is a health company dedicated to improving lives and communities - and making healthcare simpler. A Fortune 20 company with a longstanding history in the healthcare industry, we are looking for leaders at all levels of the organization who are passionate about making an impact on our members and the communities we serve. You will thrive in a complex and collaborative environment where you take action and ownership to solve problems and lead change. Do you want to be part of a larger purpose and an evolving, high-performance culture that empowers you to make an impact?

Industry

Health care and social assistance

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Indianapolis, IN, US

Year founded

2004

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