Clinical Research Coordinator III-21902

Rush University Medical Center; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 40,000 - 59,000; Full time

Job summary

Rush University Medical Center in Chicago is seeking a Clinical Research Coordinator III to independently manage the full scope of complex, multi-site trials. You will ensure regulatory compliance, coordinate investigators and sponsors, and resolve operational challenges with minimal supervision.

The role requires a Bachelor’s degree and 3+ years of coordinating clinical trials, including independent site management.

Qualifications

• Regulatory Knowledge - Understands and applies GCP and research documentation rules; guides others on best practices for complex or multi-site studies.
• Regulatory Compliance - Knows NIH, FDA, and IRB rules for high-complexity studies; helps interpret policies when needed.
• Project & Time Management - Manages multiple studies with little oversight; sets priorities and keeps study tasks on track.
• Problem-Solving & Critical Thinking - Solves complex problems using good judgment and understanding of study protocols and regulations.
• Detail & Organization - Keeps regulatory documents, source notes, and data well-organized and accurate; helps prepare for audits.
• Participant & Vendor Interaction - Communicates effectively with participants, sponsors, and vendors; protects privacy and follows study rules.
• Communication Skills - Shares study information clearly with sponsors, team members, and junior staff in writing and speech.
• Teamwork & Leadership - Works independently but supports CRC I and II staff with guidance and collaboration.
• Flexibility - Willing to adjust schedule for visits, deadlines, or sponsor meetings.
• Travel Readiness - Can travel nearby for site support, meetings, or training if needed.

Responsibilities

• Coordinates all aspects of the study including recruitment, consent, screening, scheduling, and tracking, ensuring updates throughout the conduct of the study.
• Ensures data is entered into the study’s electronic data capture system and that queries are resolved in a timely manner.
• Manages preparation and submission of study-related documents to the IRB per policy.
• Maintains accurate regulatory documentation in compliance with guidelines and regulations.
• Oversees source documentation and data entries across studies to ensure alignment with protocol and audit readiness.
• Oversee collection, processing, and shipment of potentially biohazardous specimens, if applicable.
• Oversee administration of tests and questionnaires per study protocols using related technology if applicable.
• Reviews and finalizes summary reports for distribution to stakeholders and sponsors.
• Prepares for audits or monitoring visits and responds to monitoring queries.
• Ensures unanticipated problems are documented and reported promptly.
• Provides training and mentorship to less experienced staff.
• May summarize and share research updates during presentations; stays current on clinical research trends.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills

Regulatory Knowledge

Regulatory Compliance

Project & Time Management

Problem-Solving & Critical Thinking

Detail & Organization

Participant & Vendor Interaction

Communication Skills

Teamwork & Leadership

Flexibility

Travel Readiness

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

Location: Chicago, Illinois

Business Unit: Rush Medical Center

Hospital: Rush University Medical Center

Department: Neurological Sciences-Res Adm

Work Type: Full Time (Total FTE between 0.9 and 1.0)

Shift: Shift 1

Work Schedule: 8 Hr (8:00:00 AM - 4:00:00 PM)

Rush offers exceptional rewards and benefits learn more at our Rush benefits page (https://www.rush.edu/rush-careers/employee-benefits).

Pay Range: $29.36 - $42.61 per hour

Rush salaries are determined by many factors including, but not limited to, education, job-related experience and skills, as well as internal equity and industry specific market data. The pay range for each role reflects Rush's anticipated wage or salary reasonably expected to be offered for the position. Offers may vary depending on the circumstances of each case.

Summary

The Clinical Research Coordinator III (CRC III) independently manages the full scope of clinical research study execution for complex, multi-site, or longitudinal protocols. This role is responsible for ensuring compliance with regulatory and institutional requirements, coordinating communication with investigators and sponsors, and resolving operational challenges. The CRC III is distinguished by their ability to work with limited oversight, provide peer mentorship, and serve as a departmental resource. The CRC III guides others in best practices, supports quality improvement efforts, and contributes to a culture of research excellence.

Exemplifies the Rush mission, vision and values and acts in accordance with Rush policies and procedures.

Education

• Bachelor's degree

Experience

• 3+ years of experience in coordinating clinical trials
• Independent site management experience

OR

Experience (in lieu of a degree)

• 4 years total experience in coordinating clinical trials with increasing complexity

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Regulatory Knowledge - Understands and applies GCP and research documentation rules; able to guide others on best practices for complex or multi-site studies.
• Regulatory Compliance - Knows and applies NIH, FDA, and IRB rules for high-complexity studies; helps interpret policies when needed.
• Project & Time Management - Manages multiple studies with little oversight; sets priorities and keeps study tasks on track.
• Problem-Solving & Critical Thinking - Solves complex problems using good judgment and a deep understanding of study protocols and regulations.
• Detail & Organization - Keeps regulatory documents, source notes, and data well-organized and accurate; helps prepare for audits.
• Participant & Vendor Interaction - Communicates effectively and respectfully with participants, sponsors, and vendors; protects privacy and follows study rules.
• Communication Skills - Shares study information clearly with sponsors, team members, and junior staff in both writing and speech.
• Teamwork & Leadership - Works independently but also supports CRC I and II staff by offering guidance and collaboration.
• Flexibility - Willing to adjust schedule when needed for study visits, deadlines, or sponsor meetings.
• Travel Readiness - Can travel nearby for site support, meetings, or training if the study requires it.
• Other duties as assigned.

Experience

Preferred Job Qualifications:

• 3-5 years' experience in clinical research conduct and regulatory management, or hold a valid research administration certification
• Managing NIH, pharmaceutical or device clinical trials
• Relevant certification strongly preferred: Certified Clinical Research Professionals (CCRP), Certified Clinical Research Associate (CCRA), Certified Clinical Research Coordinator (CCRC), or Certified IRB Professional (CIP)

Job Responsibilities

• Coordinates all aspects of the study including recruitment, consent, screening, scheduling, and tracking, and ensures study updates are provided throughout the conduct of the study.
• Ensures data is entered into the study’s electronic data capture system and that queries are responded to and resolved in a timely manner.
• Manages the preparation and submission of study-related documents, protocols, and amendments to the IRB per policy and procedure.
• Maintains accurate and complete procedural documentation in compliance with institutional, local, state, and federal guidelines and regulations related to clinical research.
• Oversees and audits source documentation and data entries across studies to ensure full alignment with protocol and 100% source documentation verification; provides coaching and correction to staff as needed to maintain audit readiness.
• Oversee the collection, processing, and shipment of potentially biohazardous specimens, if applicable.
• Oversee administration of structured tests and questionnaires according to research study protocols, including utilizing study-related technology and equipment as part of assessment procedures, if applicable.
• Reviews and finalizes summary report(s) for distribution to PI, Administrator, department stakeholders, Sponsor, and Compliance, and ensures accurate study updates throughout the conduct of the study.
• Prepares for internal and external audits or monitoring visits and responds to monitoring queries to ensure compliance with applicable guidelines.
• Ensures unanticipated problems (e.g., protocol deviations, adverse events, and serious adverse events) are documented and reported in a timely manner.
• Provides recommendations to proactively address complex issues and/or protocol variances related to study activities.
• Delivers peer training, mentorship, and coaching to less experienced staff and supports onboarding of CRC I and II staff; models regulatory and procedural best practices in daily study operations.
• May summarize and share relevant research updates during internal or external presentations; maintains current knowledge of clinical research trends, policies, and best practices.
• Other duties as assigned.

Rush is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics.