2

Entry Level Cra Jobs in Massachusetts (NOW HIRING)

Entry Level Cra information

See Massachusetts salary details

$13

$44

$76

How much do entry level cra jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level cra in Massachusetts is $44.91, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $31.49 and $57.50 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an entry level CRA?

Entry Level Clinical Research Associates (CRAs) are professionals who help manage and monitor clinical trials to ensure they are conducted according to regulatory guidelines and study protocols. They typically assist with site visits, data verification, and documentation. Entry level CRAs often work under the supervision of more experienced team members while learning the responsibilities of the role. Their work is essential to ensuring the safety of participants and the integrity of clinical trial data.

What does an entry level CRA do?

As an entry-level clinical research associate (CRA), you monitor the daily operation of clinical trials and research. Your responsibilities include a mix of administrative duties, such as ordering supplies and coordinating schedules, and research functions, such as collecting data, getting informed consent to investigate human subjects, and ensuring that the set up of the experiment or trial is correct. Clinical research associates may work in teaching hospitals, for pharmaceutical companies, or for other private businesses that focus on clinical trials. As an entry-level CRA, you may have some limited supervisory duties, such as coordinating clinical technicians.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level CRA, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Clinical Research Associate (CRA), you generally need a bachelor's degree in life sciences or a related field, strong attention to detail, and foundational knowledge of clinical trial processes. Familiarity with electronic data capture (EDC) systems, Good Clinical Practice (GCP) guidelines, and regulatory documentation is typically required, and GCP certification is often preferred. Excellent organizational skills, effective communication, and the ability to work independently are important soft skills for this role. These skills and qualifications ensure accurate data collection, regulatory compliance, and successful collaboration with research teams and site staff.

What are some common challenges faced by entry level CRAs and how can they be addressed?

Entry-level Clinical Research Associates (CRAs) often face challenges such as managing multiple study sites, adapting to frequent travel, and staying compliant with complex regulatory requirements. To overcome these hurdles, it's crucial to develop strong organizational skills, seek mentorship from experienced colleagues, and proactively communicate with site staff and project managers. Building a solid understanding of Good Clinical Practice (GCP) guidelines and leveraging available training resources can also help new CRAs navigate the learning curve more effectively.

What is the difference between Entry Level Cra vs Entry Level Clinical Research Associate?

AspectEntry Level CraEntry Level Clinical Research Associate
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in life sciences or related field; some roles may require certificationBachelor's degree in life sciences or related field; certification preferred but not mandatory
Work EnvironmentClinical trial sites, hospitals, research facilitiesMonitoring clinical trials at sites, coordinating with sponsors and investigators
Employer & Industry UsagePharmaceutical companies, CROs, biotech firmsPharmaceutical companies, CROs, research organizations
Common Search & ComparisonEntry Level Cra vs Entry Level Clinical Research Associate

Both roles typically require a bachelor's degree in a related field. Entry Level Cra and Entry Level Clinical Research Associate are often used interchangeably, focusing on monitoring clinical trials, ensuring compliance, and supporting research activities within pharmaceutical and biotech industries. The main difference lies in terminology preference, but responsibilities and work environments are very similar.

What are the most commonly searched types of Cra jobs in Massachusetts?

The most popular types of Cra jobs in Massachusetts are:

Infographic showing various Entry Level Cra job openings in Massachusetts as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $93,422 per year, or $44.9 per hour.

Clinical Research Associate (CRA) - Temporary 6 Month Contract

Lighthouse Lab Services

Waltham, MA • On-site

$45/hr

Other

Posted 8 days ago


Job description

Job Description
Job Description

Clinical Research Associate (CRA) – Temporary

Location: Waltham, MA
Schedule: Flexible hours, about 20 hours a week
Employment Type: 6 month-1 year Temporary/Contract

Pay Rate: $45/hour

Position Overview

Lighthouse Lab Services is seeking an experienced Clinical Research Associate (CRA) for a temporary opportunity in Waltham, MA. The Clinical Research Associate will be responsible for monitoring clinical studies and ensuring study execution is conducted in accordance with applicable laws, Good Clinical Practice (GCP), Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and company standards.

The CRA will serve as a primary point of contact for assigned clinical partners and investigator sites, supporting study enrollment, monitoring, data quality, protocol compliance, and study close-out activities. This position will work closely with Regulatory Affairs and other members of the clinical study team to ensure studies are completed on time and to the required quality standards.

Responsibilities

  • Ensure proper conduct of clinical studies in accordance with SOPs, applicable laws, ICH/GCP guidelines, FDA regulations, and company standards.
  • Manage assigned operational aspects of clinical studies from study start through database lock, ensuring timelines and quality deliverables are met.
  • Serve as the primary point of contact for assigned clinical partners and investigator sites during study conduct.
  • Facilitate communication and information flow between clinical partners, investigators, vendors, and internal study team members.
  • Attend investigator meetings, either virtually or in person, as required.
  • Support patient enrollment and recruitment initiatives by identifying and addressing recruitment challenges with investigator sites.
  • Conduct remote/electronic monitoring activities and study close-out activities as needed.
  • Ensure monitoring activities are conducted in accordance with SOPs and are appropriately adjusted based on emerging study issues and technologies.
  • Monitor adverse events (AEs) and serious adverse events (SAEs), working with the study team to resolve outstanding issues and ensure required information is documented.
  • Maintain accurate and timely Trial Master File (TMF) documentation and study records.
  • Track and submit required reports, documentation, updates, and metrics, including protocol deviations, patient recruitment, clinical supplies, and overall study progress.
  • Resolve data queries and ensure close-out activities are completed within established timelines.
  • Ensure appropriate oversight of investigational products, including receipt, handling, accountability, storage conditions, and destruction.
  • Support database release activities as needed.
  • May perform responsibilities associated with an unblinded monitor when appropriate.
  • Collaborate with the Regulatory Affairs Manager and other study team members on study start-up, execution, and close-out activities.
  • Identify and resolve protocol-related issues to support successful study execution.

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in a life science or related field, or a professional degree such as nursing, pharmacy, medicine, or equivalent.
  • Minimum of 3 years of relevant clinical research experience, including site monitoring experience.
  • Oncology clinical research experience preferred, with approximately 2 years of oncology monitoring experience strongly preferred.
  • Extensive knowledge of clinical study methodologies, ICH/GCP guidelines, and FDA regulations.
  • Experience with clinical site monitoring, study documentation, and clinical trial operations.
  • Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
  • Fluent in English.
  • Valid driver's license required.

About us:

At Lighthouse Lab Services, we offer solutions to help start, grow, and run clinical laboratories. Our recruiting team has over 21 years of proven success placing job seekers in positions ranging from entry-level Medical Technologists to seasoned Laboratory Directors. We recruit nationwide, for permanent and travel positions with clients ranging from small hospitals to large reference laboratories.
It is the policy of Lighthouse Lab Services to provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. Lighthouse Lab Services is committed to working and providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities, including persons with disabilities.
If at any time during the application process, you need an accommodation, please contact recruiting@lighthouselabservices.com for assistance.
Lighthouse Lab Services | 844-974-1929 | https://www.lighthouselabservices.com/

#LLS2