Clinical Research Assistant in Chicago

Energy Jobline ZR; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 52,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Cedar Crosse Research Center in Chicago, IL seeks a Clinical Research Assistant to support study teams across Phase I–IV trials. You will assist CRCs and Investigators by performing protocol-driven visits, collecting data, and maintaining trial documentation in an inspection-ready state.

The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, patient-focused, with at least 1 year in clinical, medical-office, or research settings, and comfortable with phlebotomy, vital signs, ECGs, and lab specimen handling.

Qualifications

• Must have/have access to healthcare or research setting experience.
• Familiarity with phlebotomy, vital signs, and ECG techniques.
• Strong attention to detail and documentation accuracy.
• Ability to work on-site full time, Monday–Friday.
• Desirable: EDC/CTMS/eSource experience and GCP training.

Responsibilities

• Welcome and support participants during study visits with professionalism.
• Perform protocol-required procedures and data collection per SOPs.
• Label, ship and manage lab specimens and inventory.
• Assist with pre-screening, scheduling, and retention activities.
• Document data accurately and support audits and monitoring.
• Maintain regulatory binders and study logs for inspections.

Skills

Phlebotomy

Vital signs

ECG

Attention to detail

Documentation

Communication

MS Office

Teamwork

Education

Associate's or bachelor's degree in health science or related field

Clinical research experience at a site

Certification CCMA/CPT/CET

ICH-GCP/CITI training

IATA shipping training

Bilingual English/Spanish

Tools

EDC

CTMS

eSource

Job description

Job Description

Cedar Crosse Research Center Full-time Monday-Friday On-site, Chicago, IL (800 S. Wells St.)

Reports to: Director of Clinical Operations / Clinical Research Coordinators

Position Summary

Cedar Crosse Research Center is seeking a detail-oriented, patient-focused Clinical Research Assistant to support our study teams in conducting Phase I-IV industry-sponsored clinical trials. Working under the direction of our Clinical Research Coordinators (CRCs) and Investigators, the Research Assistant helps run safe, protocol-compliant participant visits, collects accurate source data, and keeps study documentation inspection-ready. This is an excellent role for a medical assistant, phlebotomist, or health-science graduate who wants to build a career in clinical research.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Welcome, prepare, and support participants throughout study visits, providing a professional, respectful, and participant-centered experience.
• Perform protocol-required clinical procedures as trained and delegated, including vital signs, height/weight and body measurements, 12-lead ECGs, and phlebotomy.
• Process, label, package, and ship laboratory specimens according to protocol lab manuals and IATA/shipping requirements; maintain lab kit and supply inventory.
• Assist with participant pre-screening, phone screens, scheduling, reminder calls, and retention activities.
• Support the informed consent process under CRC and Investigator direction, as delegated.
• Record clear, accurate, contemporaneous source documentation (ALCOA+) and enter data into EDC, eSource, and CTMS systems within required timelines; help resolve data queries.
• Help collect information on adverse events and concomitant medications and promptly escalated safety concerns to the CRC and Investigator.
• File and maintain study documents, logs (screening, enrollment, training, temperature, equipment), and regulatory binders to support audit and monitoring readiness.
• Prepare exam rooms, visit materials, and equipment before and after participant encounters; support equipment calibration and maintenance logs.
• Assist with monitoring visits, site-initiation visits, and sponsor/CRO requests as directed.
• Support recruitment and community outreach events and update recruitment trackers.
• Protect participant privacy and confidentiality in accordance with HIPAA, ICH-GCP, IRB requirements, and Cedar Crosse SOPs.
• Perform other study-related duties consistent with training, qualifications, and delegation.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• At least 1 year of experience in a clinical, medical-office, or research setting (medical assistant, phlebotomist, EMT, CNA, or similar).
• Phlebotomy, vital signs, and ECG skills, or the ability to be trained and competency-verified quickly.
• Strong attention to detail, organization, and documentation accuracy.
• Professional written and verbal communication skills and a patient-focused approach.
• Comfort with computers, Microsoft Office, and learning new research systems.
• Ability to work on-site full time, Monday through Friday.

Qualifications

• Associate's or bachelor's degree in a health science, biology, or related field.
• Clinical research experience at a research site, including EDC, CTMS, or eSource use.
• Certification as CCMA, CPT (phlebotomy), or CET (EKG).
• Current ICH-GCP and/or CITI Human Subjects Protection training.
• IATA dangerous-goods shipping training.
• Bilingual in English and Spanish.

Success in This Role

• Participant visits run on time, follow the protocol, and leave participants feeling well cared for.
• Specimens are collected, processed, and shipped correctly the first time.
• Source documents and data entry are accurate, complete, and monitor-ready.
• Safety concerns are noticed and escalated without delay.
• The study team can count on dependable, collaborative support.

About Cedar Crosse Research Center

Cedar Crosse Research Center is an independent clinical research site in Chicago with more than 30 years of experience conducting hundreds of clinical trials across areas including obesity/weight management, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, migraine, asthma, COPD, and other cardiometabolic conditions. Our long-tenured, multidisciplinary team is committed to participant-centered care, high-quality data, ethical research conduct, and dependable sponsor partnership.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Cedar Crosse Research Center is an equal opportunity employer. Employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, and business needs, without unlawful discrimination or harassment. This description summarizes the role's primary functions and is not an exhaustive list of duties. Duties may change based on study assignments, regulatory requirements, and organizational needs.