Clinical Research Associate (CRA) - Site Focused

Placements24; Bloemfontein; Hybrid; ZAR 480,000 - 720,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Travel allowances

Per diem for site visits

Medical aid

Retirement savings plan

Life insurance

Training opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 in Bloemfontein, Free State, is seeking an experienced Clinical Research Associate (CRA) to join a leading CRO. The role is site-focused with regular visits to trial sites to ensure GCP compliance, data integrity, and patient safety across therapeutic areas.

You will monitor site performance, manage study logistics, train staff, and prepare monitoring reports, while travel within the region is frequent. A life sciences degree and 3–5 years of CRA experience are required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in life science, nursing, or healthcare-related field.
• 3–5 years of CRA or equivalent experience.
• Solid understanding of ICH-GCP guidelines and regulatory requirements.
• Proven experience monitoring clinical trial sites and ensuring data quality.
• Excellent organizational, time-management, and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Conduct site initiation, interim monitoring, and close-out visits per monitoring plan.
• Verify accuracy and completeness of trial data and source documentation at sites.
• Ensure compliance with study protocols and regulatory requirements (GCP, ICH).
• Manage study site logistics, including supplies and patient recruitment.
• Build strong relations with investigators, site staff, and sponsors.
• Identify and resolve site-level issues and discrepancies promptly.
• Train site personnel on procedures, protocol requirements, and data collection.
• Prepare monitoring visit reports and track action items.
• Support safety monitoring and report adverse events as required.
• Ensure timely submission of essential study documents.

Skills

ICH-GCP knowledge

Site monitoring experience

CTMS proficiency

EDC systems

Data quality focus

Travel readiness

Independent work

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in life science/healthcare

Tools

CTMS

EDC systems

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading Contract Research Organization (CRO), is seeking an experienced Clinical Research Associate (CRA) to join their expanding network in the Bloemfontein, Free State, ZA area. This position is primarily site-focused, requiring regular visits to clinical trial sites to ensure adherence to protocols, Good Clinical Practice (GCP), and regulatory requirements. You will play a crucial role in the successful execution of clinical trials by monitoring site performance, patient safety, and data integrity. This role demands a proactive approach, strong organizational skills, and a passion for advancing medical research. The opportunity to work with diverse therapeutic areas and contribute to groundbreaking clinical developments makes this an exciting prospect for motivated professionals in Bloemfontein .

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct site initiation visits, interim monitoring visits, and close-out visits according to the monitoring plan.
• Verify the accuracy and completeness of clinical trial data and source documentation at investigative sites.
• Ensure compliance with study protocols, investigational plans, and applicable regulatory requirements (GCP, ICH).
• Manage study site logistics, including study supplies, equipment, and patient recruitment efforts.
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with investigators, site staff, and study sponsors.
• Identify and resolve site-level issues and discrepancies in a timely manner.
• Train site personnel on study procedures, protocol requirements, and data collection.
• Prepare comprehensive monitoring visit reports and track action items.
• Contribute to the safety monitoring of study participants and report adverse events as required.
• Ensure timely submission of essential study documents.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in a life science, nursing, or healthcare-related field.
• Minimum of 3-5 years of experience as a Clinical Research Associate (CRA) or equivalent role.
• Thorough understanding of ICH-GCP guidelines and regulatory requirements.
• Proven experience in monitoring clinical trial sites and ensuring data quality.
• Excellent organizational, time management, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present information clearly and concisely.
• Proficiency in using clinical trial management systems (CTMS) and electronic data capture (EDC) systems.
• Ability to work independently and manage a remote/travel-based schedule effectively.
• Valid driver's license and willingness to travel frequently within the assigned region.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build rapport with site personnel.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary commensurate with experience, including travel allowances and per diem for site visits. Comprehensive medical aid, a retirement savings plan, and life insurance are provided. We invest in our employees' professional development through ongoing training, opportunities to attend industry conferences, and support for further certifications. This hybrid role allows for flexibility in managing your schedule while ensuring essential on-site presence. Located in the scenic Free State province, this role offers a chance to contribute to vital medical advancements. Our client fosters a supportive and collaborative work culture, emphasizing work-life balance and employee well-being.