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Research Associate Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

RD SOLUTIONS INC

Data Scanning Associate

Storm Lake, IA · On-site

$14 - $18.25/hr

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Research Associate information

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$15

$30

$44

How much do research associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for research associate in Iowa is $30.56, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.62 and $34.76 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Research Associate, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Research Associate, you need a strong background in research methodology, data analysis, and subject-specific knowledge, typically supported by a relevant bachelor's or master's degree. Familiarity with statistical software (such as SPSS, R, or Python), laboratory equipment, and research databases is often essential. Attention to detail, critical thinking, and clear written and verbal communication skills set outstanding Research Associates apart. These skills ensure accurate data collection, effective collaboration, and the production of reliable, impactful research outcomes.

Is CRA an entry level job?

A Clinical Research Associate (CRA) is typically an intermediate to senior role that requires prior experience in clinical research, monitoring, or related fields. Entry-level positions in clinical research may be labeled as Clinical Research Coordinator or Research Assistant, with CRAs often needing relevant certifications and some industry experience. However, some companies offer entry-level CRA roles for candidates with strong educational backgrounds and related skills.

What are Research Associates?

Research Associates are professionals who support research projects in academic, scientific, or business settings. They assist with designing studies, collecting and analyzing data, and preparing reports or publications. Research Associates often work under the supervision of principal investigators or senior researchers, contributing their expertise to advance the goals of the project. Their responsibilities can vary depending on the field, but typically involve both administrative and hands-on research tasks.

How much does a research associate earn?

Research associates typically earn between $40,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on experience, education, and industry. Entry-level positions may start lower, while those with advanced degrees or specialized skills can earn higher salaries. Salaries can also vary based on geographic location and the organization’s size.

What Does a Research Associate Do?

As a research associate, you conduct research and analysis as directed by a senior researcher or project manager. Researchers work in a number of fields, including medical science, the social sciences, natural sciences, finance, management, and academia. Your specific duties and responsibilities differ depending on the field in which you work, but some features of your work are similar across industries. You typically do primary and secondary source research, organize and process data, analyze said data, and report on your findings to lead researchers or clinicians.

What are some typical challenges a Research Associate might face when managing multiple research projects simultaneously?

As a Research Associate, juggling multiple projects often requires strong organizational skills and the ability to prioritize tasks effectively. You might encounter challenges such as balancing deadlines, coordinating with various team members, and adapting to shifting project goals or data requirements. Effective communication and proactive time management are essential to ensure each project progresses smoothly and meets its milestones. Many teams use project management tools and regular check-ins to help mitigate these challenges and support collaboration.

What is the difference between Research Associate vs Research Scientist?

AspectResearch AssociateResearch Scientist
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's degree in relevant fieldMaster's or PhD in relevant field
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, research institutions, universitiesLaboratories, research institutions, industry settings
Employer & Industry UsageAcademic, government, non-profitAcademic, industry, biotech, pharma
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

The main difference between a Research Associate and a Research Scientist lies in their educational requirements and level of experience. Research Associates typically hold a bachelor's or master's degree and assist in research projects, while Research Scientists usually have a PhD and lead research efforts. Both roles work in similar environments like labs and research institutions, but Research Scientists often have more independence and responsibility.

What is the work of a research associate?

A research associate conducts experiments, collects and analyzes data, and supports the development of research projects in academic, scientific, or industry settings. They often use specialized tools and follow protocols to ensure accurate results and may assist in preparing reports or publications.

What qualifications do you need to be a research associate?

Research associates typically need a bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as science, engineering, or social sciences. Many positions prefer or require a master's degree or higher, along with strong analytical skills, proficiency with research tools, and experience in data collection and analysis.
More about Research Associate jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Research jobs in Iowa? The most popular types of Research jobs in Iowa are:
What are popular job titles related to Research Associate jobs in Iowa? For Research Associate jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Research Associate jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Research Associate jobs in Iowa are:
What cities in Iowa are hiring for Research Associate jobs? Cities in Iowa with the most Research Associate job openings:
Research Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Research Associate job openings in Iowa as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 67% Full Time, 29% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $63,575 per year, or $30.6 per hour.
Clinical Trials Research Associate - Radiology

Clinical Trials Research Associate - Radiology

University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics

Iowa City, IA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 7 days ago

University Of Iowa Health Care rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 61 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

301st of 885 rated healthcare providers

Job description

Description
The University of Iowa Health Care Department of Radiology is seeking a Clinical Trials Research Associate to support the planning, coordination, and execution of clinical research studies and trials. This position is responsible for assisting with the design, development, implementation, administration, and maintenance of clinical trial protocols while ensuring compliance with regulatory and institutional requirements. The Clinical Trials Research Associate will screen, recruit, enroll, and obtain informed consent from research participants, coordinate study activities, manage and maintain regulatory documentation, and assist in the development and testing of clinical research data systems. This role plays a vital part in advancing innovative research that supports improvements in patient care and medical discovery.
Position Responsibilities
Research/Clinical Activities; Subject Recruitment and Enrollment
  • Educates study participants on the scope of the study, potential risks and benefits, possible alternatives, and requirements for participants
  • Screens, recruits, consents, enrolls, assesses and monitors subjects for both general research and clinical trial projects.
  • Oversees the recruitment of subjects and scheduling off trial-related procedures
  • Educates study participants on the scope of the study, potential risks and benefits, possible alternatives, and requirements for participants
  • Relays information to the principal investigator and verify study participant eligibility
  • Identifies potential participants through clinics, imaging reports, and procedure schedules
  • Conducts eligibility screening and maintain screening and enrollment logs
  • Coordinates and documents informed and retention strategies
  • Maintains confidentiality and comply with HIPAA requirements
  • Participates in clinical research visits, which includes Epic documentation, checking vitals, precision of research questionnaires, patient education, and coordination of future research visits
  • Coordinates day-to-day clinical trial operations withing the procedural environment
  • Serves as primary liaison among participants, investigators, clinical staff, sponsors, CROs, and imaging core labs
  • Schedules and coordinates study visits procedures, imaging, laboratory testing, and follow-up appointments
  • Prepares and manages investigational devices, procedural kits, and study supplies
  • Supports informed consent process per protocol and institutional policy
  • Coordinates post-procedure monitoring, discharge instructions, and follow-up care
  • Collects and documents clinical assessments, labs, imaging, radiation exposure, and contrast use
  • Tracks and reports adverse events, serious adverse events, and unanticipated problems
  • Provides patient education related to procedures, medications, and follow-up requirements
Data Collection and Monitoring
  • Participates in the design, development and testing of clinical research trials data systems
  • Validates data, query resolution, and make recommendations for resolution
  • Revises and implements change in data collection
  • Coordinates the processing of data from various sites/centers/studies
  • Collects, enters, and verifies source data and electronic case report forms
  • Ensures accurate documentation of procedural device, and imaging data
  • Responds to data queries and maintain data quality
  • Prepares for and participates in monitoring visits and audits
  • Maintains drug/device accountability and reconciliation logs
Regulatory Guidelines and Documents
  • Manages and organizes regulatory documentation from site and regulatory authorities; Prepares regulatory submissions
  • Performs on-site audits of research and clinical data
  • Monitors compliance with regulatory guidelines and proper maintenance of documents
  • May recommend corrective action for reportable events
  • May communicate with IRB staff and investigators
  • Maintains complete and up-to-date regulatory binders and investigator site files
  • Prepares and submits IRB applications, amendments, continuing reviews, and safety reports
  • Ensures compliance with GCP, FDA regulations, and institutional policies
  • Maintains training and delegation documentation
  • Supports regulatory audits and inspections
Protocol Development/Management and Study Responsibilities
  • Assists in the design, development, execution administration, and maintenance of protocols and clinical studies
  • Assists in study design and protocol development and provide input into descriptions of complex research procedures
  • Oversees CRF development
  • Reviews query reports
  • Resolves all monitoring visit issues
  • Performs and monitors randomizations
  • Develops complex study materials
  • Serves as a liaison to local health care practitioners, agencies, and sponsors
  • Manages and maintains protocols
  • Researches, changes, and submits protocol amendments for IRB approval
  • Prepares IRB documents for protocol approval, modifications and yearly renewals
  • Monitors protocol status as it is process through the IRB
  • Conducts training of new protocols and changes to existing protocols
  • Completes feasibility assessments and study start-up activities
  • Reviews protocols for operational feasibility and workflow integration
  • Coordinates site initiation, investigator meetings, and sponsor communications
  • Tracks study milestones, enrollment targets, and budgets
  • Conducts study close-out activities and document archiving
Human Resources/Leadership
  • May provide functional and/or administrative supervision; Mentor new staff under direction
  • Coordinates multidisciplinary teams and clinical workflows
  • Prepares for and participates in monitoring visits and audits
  • Supports leadership with staffing, coverage planning, and resource needs

The information contained herein is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities required of individuals performing this job.
University of Iowa Health Care - recognized as one of the best hospitals in the United States-is Iowa's only comprehensive academic medical center and a regional referral center. Each day more than 12,000 employees, students, and volunteers work together to provide safe, quality health care and excellent service for our patients. Simply stated, our mission is: Changing Medicine. Changing Lives. ®
Percent of Time: 100%
Schedule: Mon - Fri 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
Location: Iowa City, IA
Pay Grade: 4A https://hr.uiowa.edu/pay/guide-pay-plans
Benefits Highlights:
  • Regular salaried position located in Iowa City, Iowa.
  • Fringe benefit package including paid vacation; sick leave; health, dental, life and disability insurance options; and generous employer contributions into retirement plans.
  • For more information about Why Iowa? Click here

Qualifications
Education Requirements
  • A Bachelor's degree in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math) or related educational field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience
Experience Requirements
  • Considerable (2-4 years) experience with and participation on clinical trials
  • Experience with research protocol management
  • Experience with protocol and medical research data management
  • Experience working with patients in a hospital or clinical setting including providing care and reviewing medical information
  • Knowledge of IRB regulatory guidelines and procedures
  • Knowledge of Microsoft Office Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Adobe Acrobat
  • Excellent written, verbal communication, interpersonal and organizational skills
  • Ability to fluctuate occasionally working nights and weekends to enroll patients and/or monitor study patients as may be required by the enrollment protocol of the study
Desirable Qualifications
  • Experience with medical research data management
  • Experience working with Epic, RedCap, Clinicaltrials.gov and IRB submission systems
  • ACRP or SoCRA Certification
  • Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities or studies at one time.
Application Process
To be considered, applicants must upload a resume and a cover letter (under submission relevant materials) that clearly address how they meet the listed required and desired qualifications of this position. For questions, please reach out to Lori Steffens at lori-steffens@uiowa.edu.
  • Job openings are posted for a minimum of 14 calendar days or until position is filled
  • Successful candidates will be required to self-disclose any conviction history and will be subject to a criminal background check

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