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Research Operations Assistant Jobs in Chicago, IL

Research Coordinator

Chicago, IL · On-site

$24.04 - $28.85/hr

Job Summary The Research Coordinator will assist with day to day operations of funded projects that involve working with LGBTQ and criminal justice involved (CJI) individuals. They will oversee ...

Research Assistant

Chicago, IL · On-site

$19.23 - $24.04/hr

Job Summary The Research Assistant will assist the PI, Director of ED HIV and STI Screening, and ... Assists with and performs various administrative and operational tasks as assigned under direct ...

Showing results 21-40

Research Operations Assistant information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$11

$20

$31

How much do research operations assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for research operations assistant in Chicago, IL is $20.02, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.53 and $22.60 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a research operations assistant?

Research Operations Assistants are professionals who provide administrative and logistical support to research teams, helping ensure studies and projects run smoothly. They may handle tasks such as scheduling, maintaining research documentation, coordinating meetings, managing supplies, and assisting with compliance and data entry. Their work allows researchers to focus on conducting experiments and analyzing results by managing the behind-the-scenes operations. Research Operations Assistants often work in academic, clinical, or corporate research environments, collaborating with scientists, project managers, and other staff.

How does a research operations assistant typically support collaboration between research teams and other departments?

A Research Operations Assistant plays a key role in facilitating smooth communication and coordination between research teams and other departments such as IT, HR, or finance. They often help schedule meetings, manage documentation, and ensure that all logistical needs for research projects are met. By handling administrative tasks and acting as a central point of contact, they enable researchers to focus on their core work and help resolve cross-departmental issues efficiently. This collaborative support is crucial in maintaining project timelines and promoting a productive research environment.

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

To thrive as a Research Operations Assistant, you need strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and a background in research administration or a related field, often supported by a bachelor’s degree. Familiarity with project management tools, data management systems, and compliance software is commonly required. Excellent communication, problem-solving abilities, and adaptability help you efficiently support research teams and handle shifting priorities. These skills ensure smooth research processes, regulatory compliance, and effective collaboration within research environments.

What is the difference between Research Operations Assistant vs Research Coordinator?

AspectResearch Operations AssistantResearch Coordinator
CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor's degree in a related field; certifications are a plusUsually holds a bachelor's or master's degree; certifications in research management are common
Work EnvironmentSupports research teams in labs or office settings, handling administrative and logistical tasksManages research projects, coordinates activities, and liaises with stakeholders
Employer & Industry UsageFound in academic, healthcare, and corporate research settingsCommon in clinical, academic, and industry research projects

The Research Operations Assistant primarily provides administrative and logistical support within research teams, focusing on day-to-day operations. In contrast, the Research Coordinator manages research projects, oversees compliance, and coordinates between teams and stakeholders. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds but differ in scope and responsibilities.

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

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

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Research Operations Assistant jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Research Operations Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Research Operations Assistant job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,456 per year, or $20.4 per hour.

Clinical Research Coordinator III - Team Lead

Insight

Chicago, IL • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 28 days ago


Insight Enterprises rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 21 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

45th of 226 rated it services


Job description

JOB DESCRIPTION
Job Title: Clinical Research Coordinator III - Team Lead
Department: Clinical Research Operations
Location: On-site (Insight Hospital & Medical Center Chicago)
Schedule: Full-time, Monday through Friday (8AM-5PM) -additional flexibility required to meet job requirements
Reports To: Director of Clinical Trials
Position Summary
The Clinical Research Coordinator III - Team Lead is a senior-level hybrid role responsible for leading the coordination of complex clinical trials while supervising and mentoring the on-site research team. This position functions as a "player/coach," combining direct study coordination with oversight of Clinical Research Coordinators and Clinical Research Assistants. The CRC III - Team Lead ensures operational excellence, regulatory compliance, and a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.
This role also collaborates closely with the Patient Recruitment department to support enrollment success through candidate prescreening, outreach, and community engagement. In addition, the CRC III - Team Lead supports regulatory and quality functions directly with the team and in collaboration with centralized regulatory and quality resources.
Core Competencies
  • Advanced knowledge of clinical trial operations, GCP, FDA regulations, and IRB processes
  • Strong leadership and coaching skills with a collaborative, solutions-oriented mindset
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities across diverse stakeholders
  • High attention to detail, time management, and multitasking capabilities
  • Commitment to quality, compliance, and participant safety

Key Responsibilities
Study Leadership and Coordination
  • Serve as lead coordinator on high-priority or complex trials, managing all phases from startup to closeout
  • Provide backup coverage and operational support for other coordinators during absences or escalations
  • Ensure protocol adherence, timely data entry, and accurate documentation across assigned studies

Team Supervision and Mentorship
  • Supervise and mentor Clinical Research Coordinators I and II and Clinical Research Assistants
  • Lead onboarding, training, and ongoing development for study staff
  • Conduct regular team huddles, protocol reviews, and best practice sessions

Regulatory and Quality Support
  • Support regulatory and quality functions directly with the team and in collaboration with centralized regulatory and quality resources
  • Ensure accurate completion, review, and submission of IRB documents, amendments, and safety reports
  • Maintain essential regulatory files and sponsor communications
  • Participate in internal audits, monitoring visits, and CAPA implementation

Patient Recruitment and Engagement
  • Partner with the Patient Recruitment department to develop and execute enrollment strategies
  • Conduct candidate prescreening and outreach activities to support recruitment goals
  • Participate in community engagement efforts to raise awareness and build trust with potential participants

Operational Collaboration
  • Serve as liaison between the research team, investigators, sponsors, and institutional departments
  • Assist in resource planning, visit scheduling, and workload balancing
  • Contribute to SOP development, workflow optimization, and quality improvement initiatives

Qualifications and Requirements
  • Education: Bachelor's degree in life sciences, nursing, or a related field
  • preferred
  • Experience: Minimum 4 to 6 years of clinical research coordination experience, including leadership or mentorship responsibilities
  • Certification: Clinical research certification (e.g., ACRP, SOCRA) preferred
  • Technical Skills: Proficiency in CTMS, E-Source, E-Reg, EDC platforms, and regulatory systems; strong computer literacy (Microsoft Office Suite, electronic communication tools)
  • Knowledge Base: Advanced understanding of clinical trial operations, GCP, FDA regulations, and IRB processes
  • Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to interact effectively with investigators, sponsors, staff, and participants
  • Leadership: Demonstrated ability to supervise, mentor, and develop staff while fostering accountability and collaboration
  • Organizational Skills: High attention to detail, time management, and multitasking capabilities; ability to prioritize competing demands
  • Flexibility: Willingness to adjust schedule to accommodate study visits, meetings, and events that may occur earlier, later, or on weekends
  • Travel: Ability to travel to training meetings, conferences, satellite sites and other Insight Health System locations as required
  • Professional Standards: Commitment to quality, compliance, participant safety, and continuous improvement

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