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Clinical Research Project Manager Jobs in Illinois

This role works closely with investigators, research associates, or project managers to ensure that ... Apply Good Clinical Practice (GCP) principles in daily work to support regulatory compliance and ...

This role works closely with investigators, research associates, or project managers to ensure that ... Apply Good Clinical Practice (GCP) principles in daily work to support regulatory compliance and ...

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Clinical Research Project Manager information

See Illinois salary details

$48.5K

$83.4K

$127.9K

How much do clinical research project manager jobs pay per year?

As of May 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for clinical research project manager in Illinois is $83,367.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $69,300.00 and $88,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Clinical Research Project Manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Clinical Research Project Manager, you need a solid background in clinical research, project management, and regulatory compliance, typically supported by a degree in life sciences or a related field. Familiarity with tools such as CTMS (Clinical Trial Management Systems), EDC (Electronic Data Capture), and certifications like PMP or ACRP-PM is highly valuable. Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills help you coordinate teams and manage stakeholder expectations. These competencies are crucial to ensure trials are conducted efficiently, ethically, and in line with regulatory standards.

What are some common challenges faced by Clinical Research Project Managers and how can they be addressed?

Clinical Research Project Managers often encounter challenges such as managing complex timelines, ensuring regulatory compliance, and coordinating communication between diverse stakeholders. Balancing the needs of sponsors, research teams, and regulatory bodies requires strong organizational and problem-solving skills. Staying proactive with risk management and fostering clear, consistent communication can help address these challenges effectively. Leveraging project management tools and regularly scheduled check-ins also supports smoother project execution and team collaboration.

What does a Clinical Research Project Manager do?

A Clinical Research Project Manager oversees the planning, execution, and management of clinical research studies. They coordinate teams, ensure regulatory compliance, manage budgets and timelines, and act as a liaison between stakeholders such as sponsors, investigators, and regulatory agencies. Their primary goal is to ensure that clinical trials are conducted efficiently, ethically, and according to protocol. This role requires strong organizational, leadership, and communication skills, as well as a deep understanding of clinical research processes.

What is the difference between Clinical Research Project Manager vs Clinical Research Coordinator?

AspectClinical Research Project ManagerClinical Research Coordinator
CredentialsBachelor's or higher in life sciences, often with project management certificationsBachelor's in health sciences or related field, often with clinical research certifications
Work EnvironmentOversees multiple projects, manages teams, and liaises with sponsorsConducts daily clinical trial activities, interacts directly with participants and site staff
Employer & Industry UsagePharmaceutical companies, CROs, biotech firmsResearch hospitals, clinics, academic institutions

The Clinical Research Project Manager focuses on overseeing entire clinical trials, managing teams, and ensuring project milestones are met. In contrast, the Clinical Research Coordinator handles the day-to-day activities at trial sites, ensuring protocol adherence and participant safety. Both roles are essential but differ in scope and responsibilities.

What are the most commonly searched types of Clinical Research Project jobs in Illinois? The most popular types of Clinical Research Project jobs in Illinois are:
What are popular job titles related to Clinical Research Project Manager jobs in Illinois? For Clinical Research Project Manager jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Illinois are hiring for Clinical Research Project Manager jobs? Cities in Illinois with the most Clinical Research Project Manager job openings:
Clinical Research Project Manager

Clinical Research Project Manager

Northwestern University

Evanston, IL • On-site

$65K - $79.50K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 13 days ago


Northwestern University rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 45 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

92nd of 528 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Department: MED-Cancer Center
Salary/Grade: EXS/7
Target hiring range for this position will be between $65,000-$79,500. Offered salary will be determined by the applicant's education, experience, knowledge, skills and abilities, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data.
Job Summary:
Manages all activities associated with biomedical &/or social-behavioral research studies considered very complex by the inclusion of several of the following: multiple investigators, teams, sites, sub-contracts, participants, longitudinal assessments/ interventions; &/or multi-million dollar budgets. Ensures completion of contract requirements & client specifications. Oversees day-to-day operations including identifying & securing needed resources; creating, implementing, monitoring, & updating project plans; facilitating meetings with appropriate parties; tracking tasks/deliverables to ensure timelines, milestones &/or goals are attained; monitoring & reporting progress as appropriate; & resolving or escalating issues in a timely manner. May co-author scientific papers for presentation & publication & coordinates writing, submission & administration of grants. Ensures that all study activities are completed by strictly following Good Clinical Practices (GCP) & all current local, state, & federal laws, regulations, guidance, policy & procedure developed by the NU Institutional Review Board (IRB), Food & Drug Administration (FDA) Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), & the International Conference on Harmonization (ICH).
Specific Responsibilities:
Technical
  • Provides complex scientific & technical leadership in determining research priorities & the plan, design & execution of research projects ensuring that programs of investigation meet specified objectives.
  • Plans, develops & implements new processes & protocols to support research studies & maximize/extend study capabilities.
  • Oversees completion of study activities per protocol. Collaborating with nursing staff and Principal Investigator (PI) ascertains pretreatment & eligibility requirements; interviews participants & obtains social & medical histories; based on results determines & registers participants with appropriate sponsors; completes informed consent; determines & organizes patient's treatment and test schedules.
  • Ensures that study protocols are in compliance with appropriate rules & regulations & reviews study progress and recommends revisions, amendments, and/or other study changes as necessary to better meet needs of sponsors. Manages conduct of experimental tests & procedures. Closely monitors & documents patient's adverse events; partners with nursing staff in modifying dosages, tests & treatment schedule.
  • Reviews scientific literature & evaluates & recommends applicable techniques & procedures.
Administrative
  • Analyzes, evaluates & interprets data to determine relevance to research.
  • Assists PI in developing statistical methods & models to analyze & report data based upon study requirements.
  • Prepares results & may co-author scientific papers for presentation & publication & disseminates information via seminars, lectures, etc.
  • Creates data for use in grant submission & develop new proposals for research including obtaining financial support.
  • Acts as liaison between sponsoring agencies, collaborating organizations &/or other research &/or educational institutions.
  • Ensures that all study documents associated with current local, state, & federal regulatory guidelines, requirements, laws & research protocols are completed in a timely manner.
Data
  • Manages project data including processing, accuracy, analysis & evaluation of data ensuring that results meet project information and deliverable objectives. Partners with internal/external project and IT staff to create, review, analyze, interpret, summarize and prepare progress & final reports.
  • Provides consultation to internal/external project staff on appropriate data management, methodological issues and analysis of data.
Finance
  • May create &/or manage research study budget which may include deciding on & approving expenditures of funds based on budget.
  • Monitors accounts.
  • Negotiates prices & specifications with vendors.
  • Purchases supplies, materials, equipment & services.
  • Ensures appropriate allocation & compliance.
  • Invoices study sponsors for study tests/procedures.
  • Coordinates & participates in budgetary negotiations with industry sponsors.
Supervision
  • Trains, directs, assigns duties to & may supervise lab EEs, students, residents &/or fellows.
  • Acts as a mentor in regard to education of junior coordinators.
Miscellaneous
Performed other duties
Minimum Qualifications: (Education, experience, and any other certifications or clearances)
  • Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor's or higher degree in a major such as social or health science or related; OR appropriate combination of education and experience and 5 years' research study or other relevant experience required; OR
  • Successful completion of a full course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a master's or higher degree in a major such as social or health science or related; OR appropriate combination of education and experience and 3 years' research study or other relevant experience.
  • Supervisory or project management experience required.
  • Must complete NU's IRB CITI training before interacting with any participants & must re-certify every 3 years.
Minimum Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities.)
  • Computer literate in Microsoft Office, Internet, and database use.
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with physicians, affiliate centers and coworkers.
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills
  • Strong organization and interpersonal skills
Preferred Qualifications: (Education and experience)
  • Knowledge of data management and case report form development preferred
  • Experience collaborating with multiple sites in clinical research
  • Understanding of the clinical trial start-up process
Preferred Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities)
  • Strong regulatory background as demonstrated by knowledge of the Code of Federal Regulations and Good Clinical Practice guidelines.
  • 2 years prior experience coordinating or monitoring therapeutic clinical trials.
  • 2 years prior experience in clinical trial development
  • Experience with data completion or familiarity with data form completion guidelines.
  • Experience in staff education and training activities.
  • Prior experience in a cancer research setting preferred.
Benefits:
At Northwestern, we are proud to provide meaningful and competitive benefits. The available benefits package for this position will include health, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance; paid vacation and holidays; paid medical/sick and parental leave; tuition benefits for the employee and dependents; pre-tax and flex spending accounts for commuting and dependent care; generous retirement savings options; and wellness programs. For a comprehensive overview of available benefits, including eligibility details, visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/index.html to learn more.
Work-Life and Wellness:
Northwestern offers comprehensive programs and services to help you and your family navigate life's challenges and opportunities and adopt and maintain healthy lifestyles.
We support flexible work arrangements where possible and programs to help you locate and pay for quality, affordable childcare and senior/adult care. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/work-life/index.html to learn more.
Professional Growth & Development:
Northwestern supports employee career development in all circumstances whether your workspace is on campus or at home. If you're interested in developing your professional potential or continuing your formal education, we offer a variety of tools and resources. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/learning/index.html to learn more
Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected characteristics, including disability and veteran status. View Northwestern's non-discrimination statement . Job applicants who wish to request an accommodation in the application or hiring process should contact the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance. View additional information on the accommodations process .

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