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Contract Research Associate Jobs in Elgin, IL (NOW HIRING)

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Senior Clinical Research Associate

Chicago, IL

$110K - $138K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Senior Clinical Research Associate - Oncology - Midwest ICON is a global healthcare intelligence ... and contracts negotiations. * Reviews and verifies accuracy of clinical trial data collected ...

ICON

Senior Clinical Research Associate

Chicago, IL · On-site +1

$110K - $138K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Senior Clinical Research Associate - Oncology - Midwest ICON is a global healthcare intelligence ... and contracts negotiations. * Reviews and verifies accuracy of clinical trial data collected ...

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All JobsContract Research Associate JobsContract Research Associate Jobs in Elgin, IL

Contract Research Associate information

See Elgin, IL salary details

$16

$32

$46

How much do contract research associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for contract research associate in Elgin, IL is $32.17, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $25.91 and $36.59 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a contract research associate?

A Contract Research Associate (CRA) is a professional who is typically hired on a contractual basis to support and manage clinical trials or research projects. Their primary responsibilities include monitoring research sites, ensuring compliance with protocols and regulations, collecting and verifying data, and maintaining proper documentation. CRAs play a critical role in ensuring the integrity and safety of clinical studies, often working for pharmaceutical companies, contract research organizations (CROs), or academic institutions. The contract nature of the role means that assignments are usually project-based and may vary in duration and scope.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a contract research associate?

To thrive as a Contract Research Associate, you need a solid background in life sciences or a related field, attention to detail, and experience with clinical research processes. Familiarity with regulatory systems like FDA guidelines, Good Clinical Practice (GCP), data management tools, and electronic data capture (EDC) systems is typically required. Strong organizational skills, effective communication, and the ability to work independently or in teams help set candidates apart. These competencies ensure that clinical trials are conducted accurately, compliantly, and efficiently, supporting successful research outcomes.

What are some typical challenges faced by contract research associates when managing multiple studies simultaneously?

Contract Research Associates often juggle several clinical trials at once, which can pose challenges in time management and prioritization. Balancing the requirements of different sponsors, adhering to varying protocols, and ensuring accurate documentation for each study demand strong organizational skills. Additionally, staying up to date with regulatory changes and effective communication with site staff are crucial to avoid delays and ensure compliance. Developing efficient workflows and leveraging project management tools can help address these challenges.

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

AspectContract Research AssociateClinical Research Coordinator
CredentialsBachelor's degree, often in life sciences; certifications like CCRP beneficialBachelor's degree in health sciences or related field; certifications like CCRP or CCRC advantageous
Work EnvironmentTypically in pharmaceutical or biotech companies, contract research organizations (CROs)Usually in hospitals, clinics, or research sites
Employer & IndustryPharmaceutical companies, CROs, biotech firmsHospitals, academic medical centers, research institutions
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

While both roles support clinical trials, a Contract Research Associate primarily works for pharmaceutical or biotech companies managing trial processes remotely or at sites, often on a contractual basis. A Clinical Research Coordinator typically works directly at research sites, coordinating patient visits and data collection. Both roles require similar credentials and certifications, but their work environments and employer types differ.

What cities near Elgin, IL are hiring for Contract Research Associate jobs?

Cities near Elgin, IL with the most Contract Research Associate job openings:

Contract Research Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Contract Research Associate job openings in Elgin, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 27% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $66,908 per year, or $32.2 per hour.

Research Associate Scientific II

DivIHN Integration Inc

Round Lake, IL • On-site

Contractor

Re-posted 22 days ago

Job description

For further inquiries regarding the following opportunity, please contact our Talent Specialist
Prawin at 224 369 2969 
 
Title: Research Associate Scientific II
Location: Onsite/Hybrid in Round Lake, IL, 3 days onsite and 2 days remote
Duration: 18 Months contract
Work Schedule: 8-hour workdays (between 7-5)
 
Top 3-5 Must-Have Non-Negotiable Skills Required
1. Basic technical understanding of sterilization (Moist Heat, Aseptic, Irradiation)
2. Basic technical understanding of microbiological method validations (sterility, bioburden and bacterial endotoxin) (specific for the Research Associate II)
3. Ability to write, execute and review validation and qualification protocols and reports.
4. Ability to evaluate and interpret technical data and test results
Bachelor’s degree required
 
These roles would be geared towards a Sterility Assurance support role will focuses on Microbiology.
2-4 years of recent experience preferred
 
Nice to Have Skills
1. Understanding of aseptic technique (RAII)
2. Ability to conduct experiments with minimal assistance
3. Knowledge and understanding of GxP and related regulations and guidance
 
 
  • Effectively contribute solid technical knowledge to a variety of projects within the sterility assurance discipline with minimal assistance.
  • Display basic technical understanding of related sterility assurance disciplines, specifically sterilization modalities and/or microbiological test method validation.
  • Without assistance, make sound technical recommendations regarding projects/matters that are more routine than not. Provide some analysis/redesign of key experimental procedures. Independently select techniques and procedures to solve problems within area of responsibility.
  • Employ appropriate techniques/methods to successfully and independently execute routine assignments within negotiated deadlines.
  • Maintain knowledge of relevant Quality System Regulations and safety requirements while building knowledge of other regulatory requirements related to R&D (product development, design and safety) to ensure compliance in all research, data collection and reporting activities.
  • Recommend appropriate designs, techniques and processes for a specified sequence of tasks where needed.
  • In-depth knowledge and understanding of GxP and related regulations and guidance.
  • Provide support to the Sterility Assurance Focal Point for product development or on change controls.
  • Write, execute and review validation and qualification protocols and reports.
  • Evaluate and interpret technical data and test results.
  • The position requires relevant laboratory skills, writing skills, and computer skills plus teamwork/interpersonal skills.
  • Bachelor's Degree  in a scientific discipline with at least 2-4 years lab experience.
  • Background in microbiology
  • somebody that knows the basics of microbiology, aseptic technique has worked with organisms in a lab.
  • Ideally would be somebody that has a sterile assurance.
  • Understanding a little bit of the micro methods and validations required for a pharmaceutical company.
  • it's a research associate 2 level, so has a few years of experience in the lab.
  • And also looking for them to help with report generation. So analyzing data and putting it into a template for report.
  • word, excel basic general understanding of the Microsoft platform would be enough.
  • work will be report generation and data analysis, probably 80% 20%.
  • Bachelors degree 2 years will be ideal
  • Looking for biology or microbiology, but any really of those extensions, if they have lab skills or have done plating and dilution working with microorganisms.
  • Masters, if they have maybe one year of experience would probably be OK, but PHD may be overqualified for this level.
  • Academic lab experience be considerable

Interview process: 2 interviews  (Teams and Onsite, Length, Rounds, Team involved) Teams, one round, two team members involved, 30-45 minutes.