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Graduate Research Associate Jobs in Willowbrook, IL

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Clinical Research Associate II

Chicago, IL

$91K - $114K/yr

Clinical Research Associate - Oncology - Chicago ICON is a global healthcare intelligence and ... A graduate with a Bachelor's degree in Life Sciences or equivalent preferred, or a qualified RN * ...

ICON

Clinical Research Associate II

Chicago, IL · On-site +1

$91K - $114K/yr

Clinical Research Associate - Oncology - Chicago ICON is a global healthcare intelligence and ... A graduate with a Bachelor's degree in Life Sciences or equivalent preferred, or a qualified RN * ...

ICON

Clinical Research Associate - Cross TA

Chicago, IL · On-site +1

$75K - $94K/yr

Clinical Research Associate - Cross Therapeutic Area - Chicago ICON is a global healthcare ... A graduate with a Bachelor's degree in Life Sciences or equivalent, or a qualified RN * Eligible to ...

The University of Chicago

Research Assistant

Chicago, IL · On-site

$50K - $70K/yr

... numerous graduate students and post-doctoral fellows. The Department has a staff of 220 advanced practice providers, administrators, research administrators, clinical research associates, and ...

Dominican University

Graduate Recruiter

River Forest, IL · On-site

$55K - $60K/yr

Partner with the Executive Director to research and develop relationships with professional ... Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, Dominican University offers associate, baccalaureate ...

Dominican University

Graduate Recruiter

River Forest, IL · On-site

$55K - $60K/yr

Partner with the Executive Director to research and develop relationships with professional ... Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, Dominican University offers associate, baccalaureate ...

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All JobsGraduate Research Associate JobsGraduate Research Associate Jobs in Willowbrook, IL

Graduate Research Associate information

See Willowbrook, IL salary details

$16

$32

$46

How much do graduate research associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average hourly pay for graduate research associate in Willowbrook, IL is $32.18, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $25.91 and $36.63 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a graduate research associate?

Graduate Research Associates are graduate students, often pursuing a master's or doctoral degree, who assist faculty members or research teams with academic research projects. Their responsibilities can include collecting and analyzing data, conducting literature reviews, preparing research reports, and sometimes co-authoring publications. These positions help students gain practical research experience and develop skills relevant to their academic and professional careers.

What are some typical challenges graduate research associates face when balancing research responsibilities with coursework or teaching duties?

Graduate Research Associates often juggle multiple commitments, including research, coursework, and sometimes teaching assistantships. Managing time effectively can be challenging, especially when project deadlines and academic requirements overlap. Many associates develop strong organizational and communication skills to handle shifting priorities, and it's common to coordinate closely with advisors to set realistic goals and expectations. Proactively seeking support from peers and utilizing university resources can also help in maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

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

To thrive as a Graduate Research Associate, you need a solid academic background in your field, strong analytical skills, and experience with research methodologies, typically supported by enrollment in a relevant graduate program. Familiarity with data analysis software (such as SPSS, R, or MATLAB), literature databases, and possibly lab equipment or coding languages is often required. Excellent written and verbal communication, attention to detail, and time management are critical soft skills for producing high-quality research and collaborating with faculty and peers. These skills are vital for conducting rigorous research, contributing to academic publications, and advancing both individual and institutional research goals.

What is the difference between Graduate Research Associate vs Research Assistant?

AspectGraduate Research AssociateResearch Assistant
Required CredentialsTypically enrolled in a graduate program; may have a bachelor's degreeUsually holds a bachelor's degree; some roles require a master's
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, academic institutions, or industry R&D departmentsResearch labs, academic settings, or fieldwork environments
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, research institutes, and industry R&D teamsUniversities, government agencies, and private companies

The Graduate Research Associate role generally involves advanced research responsibilities within academic or industry settings and often requires enrollment in a graduate program. Research Assistants typically support research projects with less independent responsibility and may have fewer educational prerequisites. Both roles are essential for research projects but differ mainly in educational status and scope of responsibilities.

What are the most commonly searched types of Graduate Research jobs in Willowbrook, IL?

The most popular types of Graduate Research jobs in Willowbrook, IL are:

What cities near Willowbrook, IL are hiring for Graduate Research Associate jobs?

Cities near Willowbrook, IL with the most Graduate Research Associate job openings:

Graduate Research Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Graduate Research Associate job openings in Willowbrook, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 25% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $66,943 per year, or $32.2 per hour.

Clinical Research Associate II

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Chicago, IL

$91K - $114K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 6 days ago

Job description

Clinical Research Associate - Oncology - Chicago

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:

  • Serve as the primary point of contact between investigational sites and the sponsor

  • Conduct all types of site visits, including selection, initiation, routine monitoring, and close-out

  • Ensure site compliance with ICH-GCP, SOPs, and regulations

  • Maintain up-to-date documentation in CTMS and eTMF systems

  • Support and track site staff training and maintain compliance records

  • Monitor patient safety, ensuring timely and accurate AE/SAE/PQC reporting

  • Support subject recruitment and retention efforts at the site level

  • Oversee drug accountability and ensure proper storage, return, or destruction

  • Resolve data queries and drive timely, high-quality data entry

  • Document site progress and escalate risks or issues to the clinical team

  • Assist in tracking site budgets and ensuring timely site payments (as applicable)

  • Collaborate with cross-functional partners including CTAs, LTMs, and CTMs

You are:

  • A graduate with a Bachelor's degree in Life Sciences or equivalent preferred, or a qualified RN

  • Eligible to work in United States without visa sponsorship

  • A clinical research professional with 2+ years of on-site monitoring experience in the pharmaceutical or CRO industry

  • Experience monitoring Oncology clinical trials required, preferably heme/onc

  • Proficient in ICH-GCP, local regulatory requirements, and clinical systems like CTMS and eTMF

  • A clear communicator, problem-solver, and collaborative team player

  • Willing and able to travel up to 50% for on-site monitoring visits across southeast region; preference given to candidates residing in Chicago near major HUB airports to support efficient regional travel


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

$91,336.00-$114,170.00

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

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