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Clinical Study Lead Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Clinical Study Lead

Boston, MA ยท Hybrid

$121K - $151K/yr

Clinical Study Lead ICON is a global healthcare intelligence and clinical research organisation united by a mission to bring new medicines and treatments to patients faster. As a values-driven ...

Clinical Study Lead

Warren, NJ ยท Hybrid

$121K - $151K/yr

Clinical Study Lead ICON is a global healthcare intelligence and clinical research organisation united by a mission to bring new medicines and treatments to patients faster. As a values-driven ...

Clinical Study Lead

Boston, MA ยท Hybrid

$121K - $151K/yr

Clinical Study Lead ICON is a global healthcare intelligence and clinical research organisation united by a mission to bring new medicines and treatments to patients faster. As a values-driven ...

Clinical Study Lead

Warren, NJ ยท On-site +1

$121K - $151K/yr

Clinical Study Lead ICON is a global healthcare intelligence and clinical research organisation united by a mission to bring new medicines and treatments to patients faster. As a values-driven ...

May lead/oversee the planning and management of a clinical study in an assigned region(s) in alignment with the global study plans and may contribute to global planning and management of the study

New

May lead/oversee the planning and management of a clinical study in an assigned region(s) in alignment with the global study plans and may contribute to global planning and management of the study

New

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Showing results 1-20

Clinical Study Lead information

See salary details

$36K

$81.2K

$156K

How much do clinical study lead jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for clinical study lead in the United States is $81,196.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $60,000.00 and $90,000.00 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, understanding of Good Clinical Practice (GCP), and often a relevant degree. Entry-level roles in clinical research may include Clinical Trial Assistant or Clinical Research Coordinator, with CRAs generally needing several years of experience before advancing to that role.

How does a Clinical Study Lead typically coordinate with cross-functional teams during a clinical trial?

A Clinical Study Lead regularly collaborates with various cross-functional teams, including clinical operations, data management, regulatory affairs, and biostatistics, to ensure the successful execution of clinical trials. They facilitate communication between departments, organize project meetings, and address any operational challenges that arise. By fostering strong relationships and clear communication, the Study Lead helps keep the study on track with timelines, compliance, and quality standards. This role requires proactive problem-solving and adaptability to effectively manage the dynamic environment of clinical research.

What jobs pay $10,000 a week?

In the field of clinical research, senior roles such as Clinical Study Lead or Principal Investigator can earn high weekly salaries, especially with extensive experience, specialized skills, and leadership responsibilities. These positions often require advanced degrees, certifications, and a strong track record in managing complex studies, which can lead to compensation reaching or exceeding $10,000 per week in certain organizations or consulting arrangements.

What is the difference between Clinical Study Lead vs Clinical Research Associate?

AspectClinical Study LeadClinical Research Associate
ResponsibilitiesOversees entire clinical study, manages teams, ensures protocol adherenceMonitors site activities, collects data, ensures compliance at sites
Required CredentialsTypically requires a degree in life sciences, experience in clinical trialsUsually requires a degree or background in health sciences, some certifications
Work EnvironmentLeads study teams, interacts with sponsors, manages multiple sitesWorks at clinical sites, monitors progress, reports to study managers

While both roles are essential in clinical trials, the Clinical Study Lead has a broader leadership and oversight role, whereas the Clinical Research Associate focuses on site monitoring and data collection. Both positions require relevant experience and knowledge of clinical trial processes, but the Study Lead typically has more managerial responsibilities.

What is a clinical study lead?

A clinical study lead is a professional responsible for overseeing the planning, execution, and management of clinical trials to ensure they meet regulatory standards and study protocols. They coordinate with cross-functional teams, monitor progress, and ensure data integrity, often requiring knowledge of Good Clinical Practice (GCP) and relevant software tools.

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 working remotely or traveling frequently, while CRCs manage day-to-day trial activities at a single site, including patient recruitment and data collection. Both roles require knowledge of Good Clinical Practice (GCP) and relevant certifications, but they differ in scope and responsibilities within the clinical research process.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Clinical Study Lead, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Clinical Study Lead, you need a strong background in clinical research, project management, and regulatory compliance, typically supported by a degree in life sciences or a related field. Familiarity with clinical trial management systems (CTMS), electronic data capture (EDC) platforms, and certifications such as GCP (Good Clinical Practice) are commonly required. Excellent leadership, organizational, and communication skills help coordinate cross-functional teams and ensure study milestones are met. These skills and qualifications are crucial for maintaining study integrity, meeting regulatory standards, and delivering successful clinical trial outcomes.
More about Clinical Study Lead jobs
Infographic showing various Clinical Study Lead job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $81,196 per year, or $39 per hour.
Clinical Study Lead

Clinical Study Lead

Icon plc

Boston, MA โ€ข Hybrid

$121K - $151K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

Clinical Study Lead

ICON is a global healthcare intelligence and clinical research organisation united by a mission to bring new medicines and treatments to patients faster.


As a values-driven organisation, integrity, collaboration, agility, and inclusion are at the heart of how we work and interact with each other, customers, patients and suppliers.


What you will be doing

  • Vendor (e.g., CRO, Biometrics, IXRS, PK/Central Lab, eTMF, Safety) oversight for adherence to budget, timelines and organizational objectives of individual protocols/programs.
  • Develops strong vendor and site relationships and ensures continuity of relationships through all phases of the trial.
  • Obtains and maintains in-depth understanding of the study protocol and related procedures in order to contribute strongly to study team knowledge by sharing best practices, making recommendations for continuous improvement and providing training as appropriate/required.
  • Coordinates & manages various tasks in collaboration with other sponsor roles to achieve site readiness, such as study materials and approval for drug shipping/receipt according to procedure.
  • Performs timely review of monitoring reports from CRO and associated deliverables demonstrating sponsor oversight.
  • Perform periodic reviews of the CRO eTMF/TMF to ensure adherence with standards and compliance with the relevant regulations and guidelines.
  • Works with vendors to revise scope of service agreements, budgets, plans and detailed timelines, and ensure that performance expectations are met.
  • Supports financial management of the study which includes review and approval of site and vendor invoices.
  • Supports risk Management initiatives
  • Supports audit/inspection activities as needed.
  • Maintain clinical trial registry entry/updates, as required.
  • Provides mentorship/guidance to junior team members or cross-functional colleagues on study processes/study requirements.


Your profile

  • Undergraduate degree or its international equivalent preferably in clinical, science, or health related field from an accredited institution; a licensed health-care professional, i.e., registered nurse
  • 5 years of relevant experience including 3 years of experience in clinical trial management
  • Reads, writes and speaks fluent English; fluent in language of host country.
  • This is a hybrid role - office based three days per week in Warren, NJ, Armonk, NY or Cambridge, MA

Employment with ICON is contingent upon having the legal right to work in the country where the role is based.


Rewards & Benefits

ICON offers a competitive and comprehensive total rewards package designed to support your health, wellbeing, and career development.


Benefits may include:

  • Competitive base salary and performance related incentives
  • Health and wellbeing programmes including medical, dental, and vision coverage where applicable
  • Retirement and pension plans
  • Life assurance and disability coverage
  • Employee assistance programmes and wellbeing resources
  • Learning and development opportunities through structured training and career pathways

Benefits may vary depending on role and location.


Visit our careers site to read more about the benefits ICON offers.


Inclusion and Accessibility

ICON is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to building an inclusive and accessible workplace where everyone feels valued and supported.


If you require reasonable accommodations during the recruitment process, please let us know or submit a requesthere.

Salary Range

$121,576.00-$151,970.00

Are you a current ICON Employee? Please click here to apply