1

Study Start Up Specialist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Study Start Up Associate II

Cary, NC ยท On-site

$31 - $42.50/hr

Study Start-Up Specialist (Sponsor Dedicated) ICON is a global healthcare intelligence and clinical research organisation united by a mission to bring new medicines and treatments to patients faster.

New

Study Start Up Associate II

Philadelphia, PA ยท On-site

$33.75 - $46.25/hr

Study Start-Up Specialist (Sponsor Dedicated) ICON is a global healthcare intelligence and clinical research organisation united by a mission to bring new medicines and treatments to patients faster.

New

Drive and facilitate efficient study start-up processes to contribute to the delivery of clinical trials. * Enable innovative clinical trial delivery and address study start-up needs across various ...

Study Start Up Associate II

Cary, NC ยท On-site

$31 - $42.50/hr

Study Start-Up Specialist (Sponsor Dedicated) ICON is a global healthcare intelligence and clinical research organisation united by a mission to bring new medicines and treatments to patients faster.

New

Study Start Up Associate II

North Wales, PA ยท On-site

$32.50 - $44.25/hr

Study Start-Up Specialist (Sponsor Dedicated) ICON is a global healthcare intelligence and clinical research organisation united by a mission to bring new medicines and treatments to patients faster.

New

Study Start Up Associate II

Pittsburgh, PA ยท On-site

$32.50 - $44.50/hr

Study Start-Up Specialist (Sponsor Dedicated) ICON is a global healthcare intelligence and clinical research organisation united by a mission to bring new medicines and treatments to patients faster.

New

Lead the operational execution of clinical studies from start-up through close-out, including site initiation, enrollment, monitoring, and close-out activities. Develop and manage study timelines ...

This group plays a key role in the study start-up/site activation process at Medpace by communicating with research sites (doctor's offices, universities, hospitals, etc.) to collect all essential ...

Study Start Up Associate II

Cary, NC ยท On-site

$70 - $95/hr

Study Start-Up Specialist (Sponsor Dedicated) ICON plc is a world-leading healthcare intelligence and clinical research organization. We're proud to foster an inclusive environment driving innovation ...

New

Showing results 21-40

Study Start Up Specialist information

See salary details

$11

$36

$74

How much do study start up specialist jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for study start up specialist in the United States is $36.04, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.88 and $39.66 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a study start up specialist?

A Study Start Up (SSU) Specialist is responsible for managing the initial stages of clinical trials, including regulatory submissions, ethics committee approvals, site contract negotiations, and essential document collection. They work closely with sponsors, clinical research organizations (CROs), and investigative sites to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and timelines. Their role is critical in minimizing delays and ensuring that clinical trials start efficiently and successfully. Strong attention to detail, knowledge of regulatory guidelines, and effective communication skills are essential for success in this position.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a study start up specialist?

A Study Start Up Specialist is primarily responsible for coordinating and facilitating all activities required to initiate clinical trials, including preparing regulatory submissions, managing essential documents, and ensuring timelines are met for site activation. You'll routinely interact with clinical research sites, regulatory authorities, and cross-functional teams to address submission queries, resolve compliance issues, and track progress. This role often involves reviewing site contracts, budgets, and regulatory binders, as well as updating systems to reflect study milestones. Candidates who excel in this position are highly organized, thrive in a fast-paced setting, and enjoy troubleshooting regulatory or operational challenges to keep studies moving forward.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the study start up specialist position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Study Start Up Specialist, you need a background in clinical research, project management, and regulatory compliance, often supported by a bachelor's degree in life sciences or a related field. Familiarity with clinical trial management systems (CTMS), electronic trial master files (eTMF), and knowledge of ICH-GCP guidelines and regulatory requirements are essential. Outstanding organizational skills, attention to detail, and proactive communication help candidates excel in this collaborative, deadline-driven environment. These skills ensure smooth study initiation, regulatory accuracy, and effective coordination across stakeholders to keep drug development projects on track.

More about Study Start Up Specialist jobs

What cities are hiring for Study Start Up Specialist jobs?

Cities with the most Study Start Up Specialist job openings:

What states have the most Study Start Up Specialist jobs?

States with the most job openings for Study Start Up Specialist jobs include:

Infographic showing various Study Start Up Specialist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 63% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 19% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $74,970 per year, or $36 per hour.

Study Start Up Associate II

Icon plc

Cary, NC โ€ข On-site

$31 - $42.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 2 days ago

New


Job description

Study Start-Up Specialist (Sponsor Dedicated)

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 values-driven organisation, integrity, collaboration, agility, and inclusion are at the heart of how we work and interact with each other, customers, patients and suppliers.


What you will be doing

  • Support the day-to-day operations of assigned activities within SSU to ensure completion per established goals and objectives in compliance with applicable GCP/ICH guidelines and other regulatory requirements. This includes effective communication and coordination with key business stakeholders (e.g., study teams) to support timely completion of both drug and non-drug program goals and objectives

  • Generate and provide accurate and up-to-date project status and financial information (where appropriate) within relevant tracking systems/tools

  • Proactively identify and escalate issues that arise related to support SSU deliverables

  • Effectively execute against assigned activities within SSU

  • Support implementation of standards for global SSU team

  • This may include:

  • Oversight of site level SSU activities from receipt of a potential site list to site activation under the direction of a Global SSU Manager including CDA and questionnaire collection, ICF negotiations, IRB/EC submissions, IMP Release and other site activation requirements

  • Implementation of the SSU Strategy for assigned region during the study start up period

  • Building relationships with internal counterparts and site staff to support successful site activation strategies

  • Projecting site activation timelines and appropriately escalating when things get off track

  • Adhering to process and tools designed to the support of the SSU team with day-to-day activities

  • Leading the preparation of study level essential document templates

  • Aiding in the preparation of content for Regulatory submissions

  • Handling ICF negotiations and facilitating any required escalations

  • Preparation and submission of IMP Release Packages

  • Maintaining accurate and timely information in relevant clinical systems

  • Responsible for complying with regulations and guidelines and ensuring adherence in support of assigned clinical trials. This position has no direct reports but may provide guidance/oversight to contract staff.

Your profile

  • BS/BA degree or Associates degree with 2 years of experience in clinical trial related start-up experience.

  • ICF negotiation experience

  • Must have knowledge of clinical trial conduct

  • General knowledge of drug development and ICH/GCP guidelines

  • Requires proven project management skills

  • Must have excellent interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills, administrative skills and computer ability.

  • Fluent in English.

  • Minimal (0-5%) travel required


Employment with ICON is contingent upon having the legal right to work in the country where the role is based.


Rewards & Benefits

ICON offers a competitive and comprehensive total rewards package designed to support your health, wellbeing, and career development.


Benefits may include:

  • Competitive base salary and performance related incentives
  • Health and wellbeing programmes including medical, dental, and vision coverage where applicable
  • Retirement and pension plans
  • Life assurance and disability coverage
  • Employee assistance programmes and wellbeing resources
  • Learning and development opportunities through structured training and career pathways

Benefits may vary depending on role and location.


Visit our careers site to read more about the benefits ICON offers.


Inclusion and Accessibility

ICON is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to building an inclusive and accessible workplace where everyone feels valued and supported.


If you require reasonable accommodations during the recruitment process, please let us know or submit a requesthere.

Are you a current ICON Employee? Please click here to apply