Clinical Research Associate - Start up - Cross TA

ICON Strategic Solutions; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 75,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Various annual leave entitlements

Health insurance offerings

Retirement planning offerings

Global Employee Assistance Programme (

Job summary

ICON plc is seeking a Clinical Research Associate (Start-up) in Illinois to work on multiple trials within Cross Therapeutic Areas. The role involves site activation, SQVs, and strong collaboration with country operations to meet timelines and regulatory requirements.

The candidate should have 2–3 years of pharmaceutical industry trial monitoring experience, knowledge of ICH-GCP, and the ability to manage contracts and regulatory documents. On-site in Illinois with potential audits support.

Qualifications

• B.S., RN, or equivalent degree in biological sciences or related field.
• Must be located in Illinois near a major airport.
• 2–3 years' experience monitoring pharmaceutical industry clinical trials.
• 1–3 years' experience monitoring cross-therapeutic area start-up trials.
• Knowledge of several therapeutic areas and start-up processes.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate site qualification visits (SQVs) to assess site eligibility.
• Identify, select, and activate trial sites per project timelines.
• Act as main point of contact for sites and study teams.
• Ensure adherence to ICH-GCP, SOPs, and local regulations.
• Manage investigator contracts, regulatory documents, and site start-up activities.
• Provide regular status updates to stakeholders and monitor KPIs related to site activation.

Skills

ICH-GCP knowledge

Regulatory compliance

Site activation & start-up

Cross-therapeutic area experience

Communication & stakeholder management

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent (Biological Sciences or Nursing)

Tools

CTMS

EDC

eTMF

IWRS

Data dashboards

Job description

Clinical Research Associate (Start up) - Cross Therapeutic Area - Illinois

ICON plc is a world-leading healthcare intelligence and clinical research organization. We're proud to foster an inclusive environment driving innovation and excellence, and we welcome you to join us on our mission to shape the future of clinical development.

What will you be doing?

• Works on multiple trials within the Cross Therapeutic areas - Start up focus


• Collaborate with country operations teams to identify, select, and activate clinical trial sites in accordance with project timelines and requirements.


• Perform Site Qualification Visits (SQVs) to assess the eligibility of sites for participation in specific clinical studies.


• Build strong relationships with site personnel to facilitate a smooth onboarding process.


• Ensure that all activities adhere to ICH-GCP guidelines, local regulatory standards, and internal Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).


• Coordinate with the country operations team to collect essential documents (such as regulatory approvals and contracts) to enable timely site activation.


• Act as the main point of contact for sites, study teams, and external stakeholders throughout the start-up process.


• Work closely with the country operations team to manage investigator contracts, regulatory documents, and site-specific start-up activities.


• Provide regular status updates to both internal and external stakeholders, ensuring alignment with important project milestones.


• Monitor, report on, and analyze key performance indicators (KPIs) related to site selection and start-up timelines.


• Proactively identify and address any issues that may delay study initiation or affect trial deliverables.


• Maintain precise documentation to ensure readiness for inspections.


• Support sites during the activation phase until they achieve \"Green Light\" status for site opening.


• Facilitate coordination with site staff to ensure all pre-study requirements, including contracts, budgets, and essential documentation, are met.


• Possibly assist in audit and inspection preparations to guarantee compliance with regulatory and ethical standards.

What do you need to have?

• Have a minimum of a B.S., R.N., or equivalent degree, preferably in Biological Sciences


• Must be located in the Ilinois; near a major airport.


• Must have 2 -3 years' experience in monitoring pharmaceutical industry clinical trials


• Have a minimum of 1-3 years' experience monitoring cross therapeutic area clinical trials


• Knowledge of several therapeutic areas


• Study start up experience as a CRA


• Analytical/risk-based monitoring experience is an asset


• Ability to actively drive patient recruitment strategies at assigned sites


• Ability to partner closely with investigator and site staff to meet all of our study timelines


• Ability to operate and use various systems and databases (e.g. CTMS, EDC, eTMF, various dashboards/metrics, IWRS, safety reporting).


• Possess strong communication and influencing skills to effectively manage study sites both remotely and face to face. Strong team member and self-starter with the ability to work independently.


• Have an in-depth knowledge of Good Clinical Practice, ICH guidelines and local regulatory requirements.


• To qualify, applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States, and should not require, now or in the future, sponsorship for employment visa status.

What ICON Can Offer You

Our success depends on the quality of our people. That's why we've made it a priority to build a diverse culture that rewards high performance and nurtures talent.

In addition to your competitive salary, ICON offers a range of additional benefits. Our benefits are designed to be competitive within each country and are focused on well-being and work life balance opportunities for you and your family.

Our Benefits Examples Include

• Various annual leave entitlements


• A range of health insurance offerings to suit you and your family's needs.


• Competitive retirement planning offerings to maximize savings and plan with confidence for the years ahead.


• Global Employee Assistance Programme, LifeWorks, offering 24-hour access to a global network of over 80,000 independent specialized professionals who are there to support you and your family's well-being.


• Life assurance


• Flexible country-specific optional benefits, including childcare vouchers, bike purchase schemes, discounted gym memberships, subsidized travel passes, health assessments, among others.

At ICON, inclusion & belonging are fundamental to our culture and values. We're dedicated to providing an inclusive and accessible environment for all candidates. ICON is committed to providing a workplace free of discrimination and harassment. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.

If, because of a medical condition or disability, you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process, or in order to perform the essential functions of a position, please let us know or submit a request here