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Lead Clinical Research Associate Jobs (NOW HIRING)

... project lead(s). Assists in preparing sites for audits and in resolving audit action items ... Certifications such as Society of Clinical Research Associates (SoCRA) or Association of Clinical ...

Overview Sr. Clinical Research Associate US remotely and on-site (80% travel) Be Part of One Team ... Clinical Study Manager, Lead CRA, Project Manager, etc.) independently schedules and conducts ...

Overview Sr. Clinical Research Associate Be Part of One Team, One Purpose. At Emmes Group , we're ... Clinical Study Manager, Lead CRA, Project Manager, etc.) independently schedules and conducts ...

Senior Clinical Research Associate- Northeast ICON is a global healthcare intelligence and clinical ... You will lead on clinical trial monitoring tasks requiring technical depth, with a focus on quality ...

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Lead Clinical Research Associate information

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$36K

$81.2K

$156K

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

As of Sep 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for lead clinical research associate in the United States is $81,196.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $60,000.00 and $90,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a lead clinical research associate?

A Lead Clinical Research Associate (Lead CRA) is a senior-level professional responsible for overseeing and coordinating the activities of clinical research associates (CRAs) during clinical trials. They ensure that clinical studies are conducted in compliance with regulatory requirements, study protocols, and Good Clinical Practice (GCP) guidelines. Lead CRAs often act as a liaison between the sponsor, study sites, and internal teams, providing training, guidance, and support to junior CRAs. They may also be involved in monitoring trial progress, resolving issues at study sites, and ensuring data quality and integrity throughout the clinical trial process.

How does a lead clinical research associate typically collaborate with study teams and site staff during a clinical trial?

A Lead Clinical Research Associate (Lead CRA) plays a pivotal role in coordinating communication between the sponsor, clinical trial sites, and internal study teams. They oversee and mentor CRAs, resolve site issues, and ensure compliance with protocols and regulations. Regularly, Lead CRAs participate in team meetings, provide guidance to site staff, and help troubleshoot operational challenges, ensuring smooth study progress and data integrity. This collaborative approach is essential for addressing site concerns swiftly and maintaining high-quality trial standards.

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

To thrive as a Lead Clinical Research Associate, you need expertise in clinical trial management, regulatory compliance, and protocol development, typically supported by a life sciences degree and experience in clinical research. Familiarity with clinical trial management systems (CTMS), electronic data capture (EDC) tools, and Good Clinical Practice (GCP) certification is vital. Strong leadership, attention to detail, and effective communication set top performers apart in this role. These skills ensure that clinical trials are conducted efficiently, ethically, and in compliance with all regulatory standards.

What is the difference between Lead Clinical Research Associate vs Clinical Research Associate?

AspectLead Clinical Research AssociateClinical Research Associate
CredentialsBachelor's degree, often with experience; certifications like CCRP or RACBachelor's degree; certifications like CCRP or RAC
Work EnvironmentLeads study teams, manages site activities, oversees multiple sitesMonitors clinical sites, ensures protocol compliance, reports data
Employer & Industry UsagePharmaceutical companies, CROs, biotech firmsPharmaceutical companies, CROs, biotech firms
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding leadership roles in clinical trialsEntry to mid-level monitoring roles

The Lead Clinical Research Associate typically oversees multiple sites, manages study teams, and ensures protocol adherence, whereas the Clinical Research Associate focuses on monitoring individual sites and collecting data. Both roles require similar credentials and are used across the same industries, but the lead position involves more leadership responsibilities.

What cities are hiring for Lead Clinical Research Associate jobs?

Cities with the most Lead Clinical Research Associate job openings:

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

The most popular types of Lead Clinical Research jobs are:

Who are the top companies hiring for Lead Clinical Research Associate jobs?

The top employers for Lead Clinical Research Associate jobs are:

What states have the most Lead Clinical Research Associate jobs?

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

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

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

Infographic showing various Lead Clinical Research Associate job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $81,196 per year, or $39 per hour.

Clinical Research Associate II or Clinical Research Associate II RN - Bioethics Program

Memphis, TN • On-site

3M HEALTHCARE
10K+ employees

Other

Posted 12 days ago


Job description

The World’s Best Stop at Nothing

There's a reason St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is consistently ranked on Glassdoor’s “Best Places to Work” list. Actually, there are more than 6,500 reasons. At our world-class pediatric research hospital, every one of our 6,500 professionals shares our commitment to making a difference in the lives of the children we serve. There’s a unique bond when you are part of a team that will stop at nothing to advance the treatments and cures of pediatric catastrophic diseases. The result is a collaborative, positive environment where all employees, regardless of their role, receive the resources, support, and encouragement to advance and grow their careers.

The Bioethics Program at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital

The Bioethics Program at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is a multidisciplinary program dedicated to addressing the ethical dimensions of pediatric care and cutting-edge biomedical research. The program is led by two core faculty — Dr. Liza-Marie Johnson, whose scholarship focuses on clinical and research ethics with particular emphasis on informed consent, patient‑provider communication, and the ethics of novel interventions — and Dr. Meaghann Weaver, whose work spans bioethics, palliative care, quality of life, and end‑of‑life decision‑making for seriously ill children. Together with a clinical ethicist and 2.5 clinical research associate FTE, the team provides clinical and research ethics consultation services, produces original scholarship in bioethics, and engages in organizational ethics to help shape institutional policy and culture. Research themes across the program include ethical issues in pediatric genomic sequencing, communication and decision‑making with seriously ill children and their families, the allocation of emerging therapies, and the experience of suffering and end‑of‑life care in pediatric populations. The program operates at the intersection of rigorous bioethical inquiry and complex pediatric care, offering a rich environment for scholarly collaboration and meaningful clinical and organizational impact.

Clinical Research Associate II or Clinical Research Associate II RN

The Clinical Research Associate II or Clinical Research Associate II RN is responsible for performing data abstraction, collection, and entry to support clinical research. Develops, maintains, and/or monitors case report forms. Ensures compliance with prescribed interventions and evaluations of the assigned protocol(s) utilizing quantitative and qualitative methodology. Provides data and reports to the collaborating research organization or study sponsor. Helps to prepare literature searches/summations and assists in grant writing and manuscript preparation/ submission. The research team studies issues related to clinical and research ethics ranging from quality‑of‑life data, ethics analysis, to health system reviews. The CRA II or CRA II RN often partners with pediatric families impacted by serious or chronic illness such as sickle cell disease, pediatric cancer, and childhood neuromuscular disorders. Care models may include palliative, hospice, and bereavement care. This position will work primarily onsite.

Job Responsibilities
  • Act as site study coordinator recruiting participants, conducting informed consent process as designated and assisting with protocol submissions for review by federal or institutional committees (e.g. CTSRC and IRB) as applicable.
  • Develop, maintain, monitor, and/or share assigned/relevant documentation (e.g., investigator files, case report forms, study data).
  • Perform data abstraction, collection, and entry to support clinical research.
  • Conduct interviews and focus‑groups with study participants.
  • Prepare submission for all reportable events (e.g., adverse events, protocol variances, violations).
  • Prepare detailed data reports as required.(As applicable)
  • Provide patient care, education, and management (e.g., routine test conduct; assistance in clinical procedures; medication instruction, monitoring, and documentation; patient care coordination; education on protocol activities).
  • Engages in literature reviews and synthesis the findings.
  • Assists in grant preparation.
  • Participates in research manuscript preparation and submissions.
  • Perform other duties as assigned to meet the goals and objectives of the department and institution.
  • Maintains regular and predictable attendance.
Minimum Education and/or Training
  • For Clinical Research Associate II: Bachelor's degree in relevant area required. Master's degree preferred, ideally in bioethics or related field.
  • For Clinical Research Associate II RN: Bachelor's degree in Nursing required. Master's degree preferred, ideally in bioethics or related field.
Minimum Experience
  • Minimum Requirement: 2+ years of experience in carrying out research preferably in healthcare settings.
  • Experience Exception: Master's degree and some experience preferred, ideally working with patient communities or in bioethics.
  • Experience managing cross‑functional communication, including liaison between site and study teams.
  • Some experience with documentation and tracking systems/processes.
  • Proven performance in earlier role.
Licensure, Registration and/or Certification Required by Law
  • For Clinical Research Associate II: None.
  • For Clinical Research Associate II RN: (LC: RN-TN) Must possess a current Tennessee State Board of Nursing license if primary residence is Tennessee or a Nurse Licensure Non‑Compact state. (LC: RN-MISS, RN-ARK or RN-KY) Must possess a current State Board of Nursing license in the state of primary residence if the state is a Nurse Licensure Compact state.
Compensation

In recognition of certain U.S. state and municipal pay transparency laws, St. Jude is including a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role. This is an estimate offered in good faith and a specific salary offer takes into account factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to skill sets, experience and training, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the salary range and compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case. A reasonable estimate of the current salary range is $70,720–$126,880 per year for the role of Clinical Research Associate II or Clinical Research Associate II RN–Bioethics Program.

Explore our exceptional benefits!St. Jude is an Equal Opportunity EmployerNo Search FirmsSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital does not accept unsolicited assistance from search firms for employment opportunities. Please do not call or email. All resumes submitted by search firms to any employee or other representative at St. Jude via email, the internet or in any form and/or method without a valid written search agreement in place and approved by HR will result in no fee being paid in the event the candidate is hired by St. Jude.

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