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Principal Clinical Research Associate Jobs (NOW HIRING)

ScholarshipsAds Inc.

$100 - $125/hr

Clinical Research Associate (CRA) Location: Redwood City, CA Length: 6 Month Contract Were seeking a Clinical Research Associate (CRA) with strong clinical monitoring experience to support a growing ...

RevBio, Inc.

Clinical Research Associate

Lowell, MA · On-site

$80 - $100/hr

The Clinical Research Associate will play a key role in site management and study execution ... Support identification and preliminary evaluation of potential new clinical sites and Principal ...

Icon plc

Principal CRA

Blue Bell, PA · On-site

Principal Clinical Research Associate 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 ...

RevBio, Inc.

Clinical Research Associate

Lowell, MA · On-site

The Clinical Research Associate will play a key role in site management and study execution ... the Principal Investigator, site personnel, and RevBio team members, ensuring accurate ...

RevBio, Inc.

Clinical Research Associate

Lowell, MA · On-site

The Clinical Research Associate will play a key role in site management and study execution ... the Principal Investigator, site personnel, and RevBio team members, ensuring accurate ...

RevBio, Inc.

Clinical Research Associate

Lowell, MA · On-site

The Clinical Research Associate will play a key role in site management and study execution ... the Principal Investigator, site personnel, and RevBio team members, ensuring accurate ...

Icon plc

Principal CRA

Blue Bell, PA · On-site

Principal Clinical Research Associate 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 ...

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Principal Clinical Research Associate information

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How much do principal clinical research associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for principal clinical research associate in the United States is $41.13, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $28.85 and $52.64 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a principal clinical research associate?

A Principal Clinical Research Associate (Principal CRA) is a senior-level professional responsible for overseeing and monitoring clinical trials to ensure they are conducted according to regulatory requirements, protocols, and Good Clinical Practice (GCP) guidelines. They often serve as the primary point of contact between the clinical trial sponsor and the investigational sites, providing guidance, training, and support to site staff and less experienced CRAs. Principal CRAs may also contribute to protocol development, site selection, and data review, ensuring the integrity and quality of clinical data collected during a study. Their expertise and leadership play a critical role in the successful execution of complex clinical research projects.

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

To thrive as a Principal Clinical Research Associate, you need deep knowledge of clinical trial protocols, regulatory requirements (such as GCP/ICH), and typically a bachelor's degree in a life science field with significant experience in clinical research. Familiarity with electronic data capture (EDC) systems, CTMS platforms, and relevant certifications like ACRP or SOCRA are commonly required. Exceptional organizational skills, attention to detail, and strong leadership and communication abilities help you effectively manage study sites and teams. These skills are crucial for ensuring clinical trials are conducted ethically, efficiently, and in compliance with all regulatory standards.

How does a principal clinical research associate typically collaborate with cross-functional teams during a clinical trial?

As a Principal Clinical Research Associate (PCRA), you will frequently act as a key liaison between clinical sites, sponsors, and internal departments such as data management, regulatory affairs, and project management. Collaboration often involves leading site monitoring activities, ensuring protocol compliance, and communicating updates or issues to relevant stakeholders. PCRAs may also mentor junior CRAs, contribute to study planning meetings, and help resolve complex site or regulatory challenges, making team coordination and communication crucial aspects of the role.

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

AspectPrincipal Clinical Research AssociateClinical Research Associate
Required credentialsBachelor's degree, often advanced certifications, experience in clinical trialsBachelor's degree, relevant experience, often entry to mid-level
Work environmentLeads multiple sites, oversees study progress, mentors teamMonitors individual sites, ensures protocol compliance
Employer usagePharmaceutical companies, CROs, biotech firmsSame as Principal, often as entry/mid-level role

The Principal Clinical Research Associate typically has more experience, oversees multiple sites, and takes on leadership responsibilities, while the Clinical Research Associate focuses on monitoring individual sites and ensuring protocol adherence. Both roles are essential in clinical trials, but the Principal role involves higher-level oversight and strategic input.

What cities are hiring for Principal Clinical Research Associate jobs?

Cities with the most Principal Clinical Research Associate job openings:

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

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What states have the most Principal Clinical Research Associate jobs?

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Principal Clinical Research Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Principal Clinical Research Associate job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $85,542 per year, or $41.1 per hour.

Principal Clinical Research Associate - Medical Devices (Remote)

Danvers, MA • On-site, Remote

Astrix Inc
Recruiting and Staffing Services • 1 - 5K employees
Learn more about Astrix Incexternal

$65 - $80/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 5 days ago

Job description

Pay Rate Low: 65 | Pay Rate High: 85
We are seeking a high-level, technically proficient Senior or Principal CRA to oversee complex monitoring activities for specialized Medical Device trials. This role requires a "hands-on" expert who possesses the deep clinical intuition and technical skills that only come with years of dedicated field experience.
Job Title: Senior / Principal Clinical Research Associate (Medical Device)
Location: Remote (Midwest or Central Time Zone preferred)
Pay rate: $65-80/hr (Depending on experience)
Term: 6-month Renewable Contract (W-2 with benefits)
Travel: Approximately 60-70% The Role
You will manage site performance across the East Coast and Midwest, focusing on high-enrollment sites and long-term follow-up monitoring.
Core Responsibilities
  • Conduct comprehensive monitoring visits (PSV, SIV, RM, COV) across East Coast and Midwest territories.
  • Manage a high volume of site activities, ensuring adherence to protocols, IDE regulations, and ISO 14155 standards.
  • Drive enrollment and oversee long-term patient follow-up for complex device studies.
  • Act as a primary liaison for clinical sites, fostering strong investigator relationships.
Qualifications
  • Minimum 5+ years of CRA experience (must be at a Senior or Principal level).
  • Direct Medical Device monitoring experience is required.
  • Cardiology therapeutic experience is highly preferred.
  • Experience outside of "Big CRO" environments is preferred; we value versatile talent capable of working independently.
  • Ability to travel 60% of the time (approx. 2 weeks/month).
  • Must be based in the U.S.; Central Time Zone is a plus to bridge Eastern and Western engagements.
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