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Clinical Trials Research Associate Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Clinical Trials Research Coordinator

Madison, WI · On-site

$24.50 - $32.50/hr

Clinical Research Coordinator I Job Summary: The Department of Medicine (DOM) Clinical Trials team, within the DOM Office of Research Services (ORS), is seeking to hire multiple Clinical Research ...

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Clinical Trials Research Associate information

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$36K

$94.3K

$143.5K

How much do clinical trials research associate jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for clinical trials research associate in the United States is $94,314.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $62,500.00 and $128,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a clinical trials research associate do?

A Clinical Trials Research Associate (CRA) is responsible for monitoring clinical trials to ensure they are conducted, recorded, and reported in accordance with protocols, regulatory requirements, and good clinical practice guidelines. CRAs often act as the main line of communication between clinical trial sites and the sponsoring company. Their duties include site selection, training site staff, verifying data accuracy, and ensuring patient safety. They play a crucial role in the development of new drugs and medical devices by ensuring the integrity and quality of clinical research data.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a clinical trials research associate?

To thrive as a Clinical Trials Research Associate, you need a solid background in life sciences, knowledge of clinical research methodologies, and often a degree in a related field. Familiarity with regulatory guidelines (such as GCP), clinical trial management systems (CTMS), and certifications like ACRP or SOCRA are commonly required. Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and strong communication abilities help you collaborate effectively with study teams and ensure accurate documentation. These competencies are crucial for maintaining compliance, data integrity, and the overall success of clinical research projects.

What challenges do clinical trials research associates face when coordinating multiple studies?

Clinical Trials Research Associates often juggle several studies at once, which requires exceptional organizational and time-management skills. One common challenge is ensuring each study complies with regulatory standards and timelines, while also maintaining accurate documentation across all projects. Balancing communication between investigators, sponsors, and regulatory bodies can also be demanding, but strong collaboration and proactive problem-solving help manage these complexities. Staying adaptable and detail-oriented is key to successfully overseeing multiple trials.

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

AspectClinical Trials Research AssociateClinical Data Coordinator
CredentialsBachelor's degree in life sciences or related field; often requires clinical research certificationsBachelor's degree in health sciences, biology, or related; may also hold clinical research certifications
Work EnvironmentClinical trial sites, hospitals, research organizationsData management departments, clinical research offices
Employer & IndustryPharmaceutical companies, CROs, academic institutionsPharmaceutical companies, CROs, healthcare organizations
Search & Comparison IntentOften compared for roles in clinical trial management and site coordinationCompared for roles focusing on data accuracy and database management

The Clinical Trials Research Associate primarily oversees trial conduct at sites, ensuring protocol adherence, while the Clinical Data Coordinator manages and verifies trial data. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds and certifications, but they focus on different aspects of clinical research—site management versus data management.

How hard is it to get a clinical trials research associate job?

Securing a clinical trials research associate position typically requires a relevant bachelor's degree in health sciences, biology, or a related field, along with some experience or training in clinical research. Competition can be moderate, and having certifications like the Certified Clinical Research Professional (CCRP) can improve job prospects. Strong organizational skills and familiarity with regulatory guidelines are also important for success in this role.

How much does a clinical trials research associate get paid?

A clinical trials research associate typically earns between $50,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the complexity of trials. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced associates or those with specialized skills can earn higher salaries. Compensation often includes benefits such as health insurance and paid time off.

Is a clinical trials research associate a good career?

A clinical trials research associate (CRA) is a valuable role in the healthcare and pharmaceutical industries, responsible for monitoring and managing clinical trial processes to ensure compliance and data integrity. The position offers opportunities for career growth, requires attention to detail, and often involves collaboration with medical professionals and regulatory agencies. It typically requires a background in life sciences and may benefit from certifications such as SOCRA or ACRP.

What cities are hiring for Clinical Trials Research Associate jobs?

Cities with the most Clinical Trials Research Associate job openings:

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

The most popular types of Clinical Trials Research jobs are:

What states have the most Clinical Trials Research Associate jobs?

States with the most job openings for Clinical Trials Research Associate jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Clinical Trials Research Associate jobs?

For Clinical Trials Research Associate jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Clinical Trials Research Associate job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $94,314 per year, or $45.3 per hour.

Clinical Trials Research Assistant/Associate - Pediatric Medical Genetics

Iowa City, IA • On-site

The University Of Iowa
Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools • 10K+ employees

$47K - $79K/yr

Full-time

Posted 12 days ago


University Of Iowa rating

6.9

Company rating: 6.9 out of 10

Based on 85 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

The Stead Family Department of Pediatrics, Division of Medical Genetics, is seeking to hire a Clinical Trials Research Assistant or a Clinical Trials Research Associate to manage and coordinate clinical trials related to lysosomal storage disorders and other medical genetic disorders.  This is a Specified Term position. This position is not eligible for university sponsorship for employment authorization.

Duties include: 

  • Assist with clinical and data coordination for research activities.
  • Screen, recruit, enroll and obtain informed consent for clinical trials.
  • Assist the PI in the completion of regulatory submission and close-out processes.
  • Track study participant data, study drugs, biological specimens, and study procedures.
  • Maintain and disseminate a list of open protocols and informed consents.
  • Prepare regulatory documents for sponsor approval.
  • Consult with researchers to assist in developing a data management plan; design forms to facilitate the collection. Design and coordinate field tests for data collection forms and assisting in design of certification procedures.
  • Perform daily activities for clinical trials; respond to clinical site questions regarding data collection and data entry issues.
  • Coordinate scheduling a preparation of trial-related procedures and subject visits.
  • Work closely with clinical trial home infusion company to coordinate subject visits and documentation.
  • Develop brochures or other materials for providers to support recruitment of study participants.
  • Attend training sessions as needed for the implementation of clinical trials.

For a full job description, please email pedsuichildrens@healthcare.uiowa.edu. 

About the Department of Pediatrics:

The Stead Family Department of Pediatrics is a national leader pediatric medicine.  The Department's mission is to provide outstanding care to the children of Iowa and beyond by being a leader in state-of-the-art clinical care to children, performing cutting-edge research to find new treatments and cures for childhood illnesses and educating the next generation of pediatric health care providers.  The Department comprises the medical and research staff of UI Stead Family Children's Hospital.  UI Stead Family Children's Hospital is one of the nation's top-ranked pediatric care and research institutions, and Iowa's only comprehensive children's hospital.

PRV1 Required Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's degree in related field or an equivalency of education and/or related experience
  • Six months to one year of experience in clinical research.
  • Demonstrated excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
  • Knowledge of Institutional Review Board procedures, FDA regulations, GCP and study sponsor guidelines related to clinical trial research.
  • Demonstrated high attention to detail with strong organizational skills.

Highly Desirable Qualifications:

  • Six months to one year of experience in clinical trial protocol management.
  • Six months to one year of experience in data entry and management.
  • Demonstrated knowledge of or experience with medical genetic and lysosomal storage disorders.
  • Willingness and ability to travel. 

PRV2 Required Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's degree in related field or an equivalency of education and/or related experience
  • Minimum of two years of experience in clinical trial protocol management, including but not limited to preparation of regulatory submissions, recruitment of eligible patients, and reporting of study data
  • Demonstrated excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
  • Knowledge of Institutional Review Board procedures, FDA regulations, GCP and study sponsor guidelines related to clinical trial research.
  • Demonstrated high attention to detail with strong organizational skills.

    Highly Desirable Qualifications:

  • One to three years of experience in clinical trial protocol management.
  • One to three years  of experience in data entry and management.
  • Demonstrated knowledge of or experience with medical genetic and lysosomal storage disorders.
  • Willingness and ability to travel. 
  • CRC (Certified Clinical Research Coordinator)  or CCRP (Certified Clinical Research Professional) certification, or a Master's degree in a related field (e.g. MPH)

Position and Application Details:

In order to be considered for an interview, applicants must upload the following documents and mark them as a "Required File" to the submission:

  • Resume
  • Cover Letter

Pediatrics will be filling this position at one of two levels.  The Clinical Trials Research Assistant position 3A salary range is $43,240-$66,199, and the Clinical Trials Research Associate position 4A salary range is $47,380-$79,386.  You must indicate in your cover letter the level of classification (3A/4A) you wish to be considered for or indicate both.  See required qualifications for additional information.  

Job openings are posted for a minimum of 14 calendar days and may be removed from posting and filled any time after the original posting period has ended.

Successful candidates will be required to self-disclose any conviction history and will be subject to a criminal background check and credential/education verification. Up to 5 professional references will be requested at a later step in the recruitment process.

For additional questions, please contact Bradley at Pedsuichildrenshr@healthcare.uiowa.edu. 

This position is not eligible for university sponsorship for employment authorization.

Additional Information
  • Classification Title: Clin Trials Rsrch Associate
  • Appointment Type: Professional and Scientific
  • Schedule: Full-time
  • Work Modality Options: On Campus
Compensation
  • Pay Level: 4A
  • Starting Salary Minimum: 47,380
  • Starting Salary Maximum: 79,386
Contact Information
  • Organization: Healthcare
  • Contact Name: Lisa Dismang
  • Contact Email: pedsuichildrenshr@healthcare.uiowa.edu

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