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Clinical Trials Associate Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

$502K - $650K/yr

Responsible for expanding the clinical trials program in the Hampton Roads region. * Associate Vice President of Research (Riverside Health): Brings extensive experience in healthcare, clinical ...

High level of competency or experience in providing contextual information on the clinical trials, connects stakeholder to the investigative sites and strengthens AbbVie's positioning. * Aligns ...

High level of competency or experience in providing contextual information on the clinical trials, connects stakeholder to the investigative sites and strengthens AbbVie's positioning. * Aligns ...

High level of competency or experience in providing contextual information on the clinical trials, connects stakeholder to the investigative sites and strengthens AbbVie's positioning. * Aligns ...

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Clinical Trials Associate information

See Virginia salary details

$17

$39

$69

How much do clinical trials associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for clinical trials associate in Virginia is $39.64, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $31.92 and $43.61 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a clinical trials associate?

Clinical Trials Associates (CTAs) are professionals who support the planning, coordination, and administration of clinical research studies, often working under the supervision of Clinical Research Coordinators or Managers. Their responsibilities typically include maintaining study documentation, ensuring regulatory compliance, assisting with data collection, and communicating with study sites. CTAs play a critical role in ensuring that clinical trials run smoothly and adhere to strict protocols and guidelines. Their work helps bring new medical treatments and therapies to market safely and efficiently.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a clinical trials associate, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Clinical Trials Associate, you need a solid understanding of clinical research protocols, regulatory compliance, and data management, typically supported by a life sciences degree. Familiarity with systems such as electronic data capture (EDC), clinical trial management systems (CTMS), and knowledge of Good Clinical Practice (GCP) guidelines or related certifications is important. Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and effective communication help you excel in coordinating study activities and collaborating with diverse teams. These skills ensure accurate trial execution, regulatory adherence, and successful study outcomes.

What are some common challenges faced by clinical trials associates, and how can they be managed effectively?

Clinical Trials Associates often face challenges such as coordinating with multiple stakeholders, managing tight deadlines, and ensuring strict compliance with regulatory guidelines. Balancing administrative tasks with participant communication requires strong organizational skills and attention to detail. Staying proactive in communication, utilizing project management tools, and seeking guidance from senior team members can help manage these challenges effectively while fostering a collaborative team environment.

What is the difference between Clinical Trials Associate vs Clinical Research Coordinator?

AspectClinical Trials AssociateClinical Research Coordinator
CredentialsBachelor's degree, often in life sciences; certifications like ACRP or SOCRA are commonBachelor's degree in health sciences or related field; certifications like CCRP are advantageous
Work EnvironmentTypically works in clinical trial sites, pharmaceutical companies, or CROsWorks directly at clinical sites, hospitals, or research centers
Job FocusSupports trial setup, data entry, and regulatory complianceManages patient recruitment, scheduling, and data collection

While both roles support clinical research, Clinical Trials Associates primarily focus on trial logistics and compliance, whereas Clinical Research Coordinators handle patient interactions and site management. Both positions require similar educational backgrounds and certifications, often working in the same environments, but their daily responsibilities differ.

Is a clinical trials associate a good career?

A clinical trials associate is a valuable role in the healthcare and pharmaceutical industries, responsible for coordinating and monitoring clinical trial activities. It offers opportunities for career growth, requires attention to detail, and often involves working with regulatory guidelines and data management tools. The role can be stable and rewarding for those interested in medical research and patient safety.

What do I need to be a clinical trials associate?

To become a clinical trials associate, candidates typically need a bachelor's degree in life sciences, healthcare, or a related field. Relevant skills include knowledge of Good Clinical Practice (GCP), attention to detail, and experience with clinical trial management systems or regulatory documentation. Certifications such as the Certified Clinical Research Professional (CCRP) can enhance job prospects.

What are the most commonly searched types of Clinical Trials jobs in Virginia?

The most popular types of Clinical Trials jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Clinical Trials Associate jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Clinical Trials Associate job openings:

Infographic showing various Clinical Trials Associate job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $82,456 per year, or $39.6 per hour.

Director, Clinical Trials Unit

Charlottesville, VA • On-site


University of Virginia
Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools • 10K+ employees

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 35 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

211th of 627 rated colleges and universities

People enjoy working here

Good employer

Recommended by students


Full-time

Posted 15 days ago


Job description

The University of Virginia School of Medicine (SOM) seeks a Director for its Clinical Trials Unit (CTU). The Director provides executive oversight, management, and strategic direction for all administrative and operational aspects of the CTU, including compliance, financial, and personnel matters affecting clinical research activities across the School of Medicine. The Director independently develops long-range strategic plans with clear performance metrics, translates those plans into operational programs and policies, and evaluates their effectiveness on an ongoing basis. The Director also serves as a key liaison between the CTU, investigators, sponsors, and University leadership on matters of clinical research strategy and operations. This position reports to the Associate Dean for Clinical Research.
Responsibilities
  • Direct all administrative, budgetary, and fiscal operations of the Clinical Trials Unit, preparing analyses to inform both immediate decision-making and long-range management planning.
  • Monitor and evaluate clinical research activities at UVA, identifying opportunities to improve efficiency. Coordinate the implementation and evaluation of clinical research process improvement efforts, ensuring that UVA competes on quality, consistency, and efficiency. Advise senior administrators in implementing programs, new initiatives, and special projects.
  • Translate strategic and tactical business plans into clinical research operational plans.
  • Develop, maintain, and foster partnerships throughout the University. Ensure all programs, activities, and series comply with university, state, and federal regulations.
  • Serve as the primary liaison between the CTU and investigators, sponsors, contract research organizations, the IRB, regulatory agencies, and University leadership on matters of clinical research operations and compliance.
  • Provide leadership and supervision to Clinical Trials Unit (CTU) staff, establishing performance standards and accountability while promoting professional development, continuous learning, and career growth.
  • Establish the strategic direction, goals, performance metrics, implementation strategy, and policies of the Clinical Trials Unit.
  • Develop and implement clinical research policies and standard operating procedures for clinical research activities performed within the School of Medicine.
  • Provide the oversight and management of clinical research mentoring, training and continuing education for all research personnel, including investigators, clinical research coordinators and any ancillary personnel involved in clinical research activities.
  • Provide oversight of the clinical research billing process for clinical research conducted within the SOM utilizing Medical Center services, ensuring compliance with CMS regulations. Identify and implement training needs of the SOM clinical research staff.
  • Recruit, lead, and manage a team of clinical research regulatory coordinators, providing fee-for-service regulatory support to investigators across the institution.
  • Recruit, lead, and manage a team of Clinical Research Coordinators (CRCs), providing fee-for-service, subject-facing clinical research support to investigators across the institution.
  • Recruit, lead, and manage a team of budget and billing coordinators, providing fee-for-service budget development, budget negotiation, and invoicing support to investigators across the institution.
  • Recruit, lead, and manage a team of project managers, providing fee-for-service multi-site management support to investigators serving as lead PI on multi-site studies.
  • Oversee the operation and management of the Clinical Research Units.
  • Participate in the development and implementation of clinical research infrastructure, processes, and training necessary to expand clinical research operations at the UVA community affiliate sites.
  • Provide the infrastructural and end-user support for the clinical systems used to support clinical research at UVA, such as the CTMS and the eRegulatory systems.
  • Assist research teams with Clinicaltrials.gov, the mandatory trial registration process, ongoing record maintenance and final results submissions.
  • Provide infrastructural support and clinical research expertise to the clinical investigative staff throughout the institution which includes, but is not limited to, protocol and informed consent development, IND/IDE submissions, FDA inspections, and general operational and/or compliance questions.
  • Develop and manage the Clinical Trials Unit operating budget, demonstrating sound financial stewardship and accountability for resources.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications
  • Education: Bachelor's degree in health, science, or business
  • Experience: Ten years of progressively responsible experience in clinical research, preferably within an academic medical center or large hospital system, including direct experience supervising clinical research staff and managing administrative teams. Master's degree may substitute for some experience. Relevant exempt level experience may substitute for a degree.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Master's degree or PhD in health, science, or business
  • Substantial experience leading and developing multidisciplinary clinical research teams
  • Proven experience with change management
  • Deep understanding of clinical research lifecycles, human subjects' protection, and grant/contract administration
  • Experience with OnCore and Huron
  • Certification through ACRP (e.g., CCRC, CCRA) or SOCRA (CCRP), or an equivalent clinical research credential
  • Demonstrated financial acumen, including development and oversight of complex, multi-funding-source operating budgets
  • Highly collaborative individual who can work in a matrixed environment

Physical Demands
This is primarily a sedentary job involving extensive use of desktop computers. The job does occasionally require traveling some distance to attend meetings, and programs.
Salary will be commensurate with education and experience.
This is an exempt-level, benefited position. Learn more about UVA benefits .
This is a restricted position, which is dependent on funding and is contingent upon funding availability.
This position is based in Charlottesville, VA, and must be performed fully on-site.
To learn more about UVA and the Charlottesville area, visit UVA Life and Embark CVA .
Application review will begin after September 1, 2026.
Background checks and pre-employment health screenings will be conducted on all new hires prior to employment.
This position will not consider candidates who require immigration sponsorship now or in the future.
How to Apply
Please apply online , by searching for requisition number R0086301. Complete an application with the following documents:
  • Resume
  • Cover letter that describes your career progression through increasingly responsibly clinical research roles

Upload all materials into the resume submission field. You can submit multiple documents into this one field or combine them into one PDF. Applications without all required documents will not receive full consideration.
Internal applicants: Search and apply for jobs on the UVA Internal Careers website .
Reference checks will be completed by UVA's third-party partner, SkillSurvey, during the final phase of the interview. Five references will be requested, with at least three responses required.
For questions about the application process, please contact Jessica Russo, Senior Recruiter, sxv9zv@virginia.edu.
Job Profile
J1004 - Academic Administration Management 4
Career Stream and Level
Management-M4
The University of Virginia is an equal opportunity employer. All interested persons are encouraged to apply, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Learn more about UVA's commitment to non-discrimination and equal opportunity employment .

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About University of Virginia

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The University of Virginia is distinctive among institutions of higher education. Founded by Thomas Jefferson in 1819, the University sustains the ideal of developing, through education, leaders who are well-prepared to shape the future of the nation.

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Colleges, universities, and professional schools

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Headquarters location

Charlottesville, VA, US

Year founded

1819


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