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Policy Research Associate Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

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Policy Research Associate information

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$16

$33

$48

How much do policy research associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for policy research associate in Chicago, IL is $33.55, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $27.02 and $38.17 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a policy research associate do?

A Policy Research Associate is responsible for gathering, analyzing, and presenting data and information related to public policies. They support policy development by conducting research on social, economic, or political issues, evaluating policy impacts, and preparing reports or briefs for stakeholders. Their work helps organizations, government agencies, or advocacy groups make informed decisions and craft effective policies. They often collaborate with experts, attend policy meetings, and stay updated on relevant legislation or trends.

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

To thrive as a Policy Research Associate, you need strong analytical abilities, research skills, and a relevant degree in public policy, political science, or a related field. Experience with data analysis tools, statistical software (such as SPSS or Stata), and policy databases is typically required. Exceptional written and verbal communication, attention to detail, and critical thinking are vital soft skills for this position. These skills are essential for producing accurate, influential policy analyses and supporting informed decision-making in government or nonprofit organizations.

What are common challenges policy research associates face when working on multiple projects?

Policy Research Associates often juggle several projects at once, each with different deadlines, stakeholders, and areas of focus. Managing competing priorities and adapting to shifting policy landscapes can be challenging, especially when new research requests arise unexpectedly. Successful associates develop strong time-management and organizational skills, regularly communicate with team members, and remain flexible to adjust their workload as project needs evolve. Collaboration and clear documentation also help ensure research quality is maintained across all assignments.

What is the difference between Policy Research Associate vs Policy Analyst?

AspectPolicy Research AssociatePolicy Analyst
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in public policy, political science, or related field; some roles prefer master'sBachelor's or master's degree in public policy, political science, or related field
Work EnvironmentResearch-focused, often in think tanks, NGOs, or government agenciesAnalysis and policy development, often in government, think tanks, or advocacy groups
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in research organizations, NGOs, government agenciesWidely used in government, think tanks, and policy consulting firms

Policy Research Associates primarily focus on gathering and analyzing data to support policy development, while Policy Analysts interpret data to recommend specific policy actions. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds and often work in overlapping environments, but their core functions differ in emphasis on research versus analysis.

What are the most commonly searched types of Policy Research jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Policy Research jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What are popular job titles related to Policy Research Associate jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Policy Research Associate jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Policy Research Associate jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Policy Research Associate jobs in Chicago, IL are:

Infographic showing various Policy Research Associate job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, 8% Part Time, 3% Temporary, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 90% In-person, 3% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $69,155 per year, or $33.2 per hour.

Clinical Research Associate (CRA) - Immunology-Remote

MSD

Chicago, IL โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 20 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Act as primary site contact and site manager throughout all phases of a clinical research study.

  • Perform remote and on-site monitoring activities to ensure data accuracy, subject safety, and protocol compliance.

  • Develop and expand site relationships, participate in site selection, validation, and contribute to site performance management.


Job description

Job Description

CANDIDATE MUST RESIDE IN ONE OF THE FOLLOWING LOCATIONS:

Texas, Illinois, Arizona, Florida, California, NY, Colorado

The role is accountable for performance and compliance for assigned protocols and sites in a country.

Under the oversight of the CRA-Manager the person ensures compliance of study conduct with ICH/GCP and country regulations, our company's policies and procedures, quality standards and adverse event reporting requirements internally and externally.

Acts as primary site contact and site manager throughout all phases of a clinical research study, taking overall responsibility of allocated sites.

Actively develops and expands the territory for clinical research, finding and developing new sites.

Participates in internal meetings and workstreams as SME for monitoring processes and Systems.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

  • Develops strong site relationships and ensures continuity of site relationships through all phases of the trial.

  • Performs clinical study site management/monitoring activities in compliance with ICH-GCP, Sponsor SOPs, Local Laws & Regulations, Protocol, Site Monitoring Plan and associated documents.

  • Gains an in-depth understanding of the study protocol and related procedures.

  • Coordinates & manages various tasks in collaboration with other sponsor roles to achieve Site Ready.

  • Participates & provides inputs on site selection and validation activities.

  • Performs remote and on-site monitoring & oversight activities using various tools to ensure:

  • Data generated at site are complete, accurate and unbiased.

  • Subjects' right, safety and well-being are protected.

  • Conducts site visits including but not limited to validation visits, initiation visits, monitoring visits, close-out visits and records clear, comprehensive and accurate visit & non-visit contact reports appropriately in a timely manner.

  • Collects, reviews, and monitors required regulatory documentation for study start-up, study maintenance and study close-out.

  • Communicates with Investigators and site staff on issues related to protocol conduct, recruitment, retention, protocol deviations, regulatory documentation, site audits/inspections and overall site performance.

  • Identifies, assesses and resolves site performance, quality or compliance problems and escalates per defined CRA Escalation Pathway as appropriate in collaboration with CRA-Manager, CRM, TA Head and CRD as needed.

  • Works in partnership with GCTO country operations, finance, regulatory affairs, pharmacovigilance, legal and regional operations, HQ functional areas and externally with vendors and IRB/IECs and Regulatory Authorities in support of assigned sites.

  • Manages and maintains information and documentation in CTMS, eTMF and various other systems as appropriate and per timelines.

  • Contributes to CRA team knowledge by acting as process Subject Matter Expert (SME), buddy/mentor and sharing best practices as appropriate/required.

  • Supports and/or leads audit/inspection activities as needed.

  • Performs co-monitoring visits where appropriate.

  • Following the country strategy defined by CRD and/or CRA-Manager, contributes to the identification of new potential sites and works closely with them to develop strong clinical research capabilities.

Extent of Travel:

  • Ability to travel domestically and internationally approximately 65%-75% of working time.

  • Expected travelling ~2-3 days/week.

  • Current driver's license required.

CORE Competency Expectations:

  • Fluent in Local Languages and English (verbal and written) and excellent communication skills, including the ability to understand and present technical information effectively.

  • Good understanding and working knowledge of clinical research, phases of clinical trials, current GCP/ICH & country clinical research law & guidelines.

  • Good understanding of Global, Country/Regional Clinical Research Guidelines and ability to work within these guidelines.

  • Hands on knowledge of Good Documentation Practices.

  • Proven Skills in Site Management including management of site performance and patient recruitment.

  • Demonstrated high level of monitoring skill with independent professional judgment.

  • Good IT skills (Use of MS office, use of various clinical IT applications on computer, tablet and mobile devices) and ability to adapt to new IT applications on various devices.

  • Ability to understand and analyze data/metrics and act appropriately.

  • Capable of managing complex issues, works in a solution-oriented manner.

  • Performs root cause analysis and implements preventative and corrective action.

Behavioral Competency Expectations:

  • Effective time management, organizational and interpersonal skills, conflict management, problem solving skills.

  • Demonstrated high level of monitoring skill with independent professional judgement.

  • Able to work highly independently across multiple protocols, sites and therapy areas.

  • High sense of accountability / urgency. Ability to set priorities and handle multiple tasks simultaneously in a changing environment.

  • Works effectively in a matrix multicultural environment. Ability to establish and maintain culturally sensitive working relationships.

  • Demonstrates commitment to Customer focus.

  • Works with high quality and compliance mind-set.

  • Positive mindset, growth mindset, capable of working independently and being self-driven.

  • Demonstrates and projects professional demeanor and communication consistent with organizational policies and practices.

Experience and Educational Requirements:

  • Associate's degree, certificate or equivalent in a scientific / healthcare discipline together with at least 5 years of relevant experience in the healthcare field, including at least 2 years of direct site management (monitoring) experience in a bio / pharma / CRO.

Or

  • Bachelor's degree (or above) together with at least 2 years of direct site management (monitoring) experience in a bio / pharma / CRO.

#clinicaltrialjobs

#eligibleforERP

Required Skills:

Adverse Event Reporting System, Clinical Research Methods, Clinical Site Management, Clinical Study Management, Clinical Trial Planning, Clinical Trials, Clinical Trials Monitoring, Core Competencies, Early Clinical Development, Policy Development, Preventive Action, Protocol Adherence, Regulatory Affairs Compliance, Regulatory Compliance, Site Management, Training Team Members

Preferred Skills:

Current Employees apply HERE

Current Contingent Workers apply HERE

US and Puerto Rico Residents Only:

Our company is committed to inclusion, ensuring that candidates can engage in a hiring process that exhibits their true capabilities. Please click here if you need an accommodation during the application or hiring process.

As an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, we provide equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.As a federal contractor, we comply with all affirmative action requirements for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. For more information about personal rights under the U.S. Equal Opportunity Employment laws, visit:

EEOC Know Your Rights

EEOC GINA Supplement

We are proud to be a company that embraces the value of bringing together, talented, and committed people with diverse experiences, perspectives, skills and backgrounds. The fastest way to breakthrough innovation is when people with diverse ideas, broad experiences, backgrounds, and skills come together in an inclusive environment. We encourage our colleagues to respectfully challenge one another's thinking and approach problems collectively.

Learn more about your rights, including under California, Colorado and other US State Acts

The salary range for this role is

$96,200.00 - $151,400.00

This is the lowest to highest salary we in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting. An employee's position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, geographic location, government requirements, and business or organizational needs.

The successful candidate will be eligible for annual bonus and long-term incentive, if applicable.

We offer a comprehensive package of benefits. Available benefits include medical, dental, vision healthcare and other insurance benefits (for employee and family), retirement benefits, including 401(k), paid holidays, vacation, and compassionate and sick days. More information about benefits is available at https://jobs.merck.com/us/en/compensation-and-benefits.

You can apply for this role through https://jobs.merck.com/us/en (or via the Workday Jobs Hub if you are a current employee). The application deadline for this position is stated on this posting.

San Francisco Residents Only:We will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records for employment in compliance with the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance

Los Angeles Residents Only:We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles' Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance

Search Firm Representatives Please Read Carefully
Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA, also known as Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC, Rahway, NJ, USA, does not accept unsolicited assistance from search firms for employment opportunities. All CVs / resumes submitted by search firms to any employee at our company without a valid written search agreement in place for this position will be deemed the sole property of our company. No fee will be paid in the event a candidate is hired by our company as a result of an agency referral where no pre-existing agreement is in place. Where agency agreements are in place, introductions are position specific. Please, no phone calls or emails.

Employee Status:

Regular

Relocation:

No relocation

VISA Sponsorship:

No

Travel Requirements:

75%

Flexible Work Arrangements:

Remote

Shift:

Not Indicated

Valid Driving License:

Yes

Hazardous Material(s):

n/a

Job Posting End Date:

08/29/2026

*A job posting is effective until 11:59:59PM on the day BEFOREthe listed job posting end date. Please ensure you apply to a job posting no later than the day BEFORE the job posting end date.