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Clinical Research Associate Jobs

Clinical Research Associates (CRAs) are the backbone of clinical trials, ensuring that studies are conducted safely and effectively. They work closely with healthcare professionals and sponsors to monitor and manage the progress of trials, from planning to completion.

Open roles
4
Hiring companies
1
View 4 live roles → Get an alert

Clinical Research Associates (CRAs) play a crucial role in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries by overseeing the conduct of clinical trials. These professionals ensure that trials adhere to regulatory standards and that data is collected accurately and ethically. CRAs work with a range of stakeholders, including healthcare professionals, sponsors, and regulatory bodies, to ensure the safety and efficacy of new treatments. Whether in early-phase studies or large-scale trials, CRAs are essential for advancing medical research and bringing new therapies to market.

What the role does

Inside the role of a Clinical Research Associate

A typical week for a CRA is a mix of site visits, data review, and coordination with various teams.

  1. 01
    Conduct site visits to monitor trial progress and compliance.
  2. 02
    Review and validate clinical data for accuracy and completeness.
  3. 03
    Communicate with site staff to address any issues or concerns.
  4. 04
    Prepare and submit reports to sponsors and regulatory bodies.
  5. 05
    Attend team meetings to discuss trial status and next steps.
  6. 06
    Stay updated on regulatory changes and industry best practices.
Skills & tools

What hiring managers ask for

% of 4 listings posted in the last 12 months that mention each skill, extracted from job descriptions.

Flow Cytometry
100%
GCLP
100%
Immunophenotyping
100%
FCS Express
100%
Spectral Flow Cytometry
75%
LIMS
75%
PBMC
50%
Data Analysis
50%
Quality Control
50%
Cytek Aurora
50%
PBMC Isolation
50%
Ex Vivo Assays
50%
Career ladder

From Junior to Principal

A typical UK progression for clinical research associates. Years are guidance — strong people move faster, and many senior folks sidestep into research, product or management.

  1. Level 1

    Junior Clinical Research Associate

    0–2 yrs

    Assists in the planning and execution of clinical trials, focusing on data collection and basic monitoring tasks.

  2. Level 2

    Clinical Research Associate

    2–5 yrs

    Takes on more responsibility for site management and data validation, ensuring trials meet regulatory standards.

  3. Level 3

    Senior Clinical Research Associate

    5–8 yrs

    Leads site visits and trial management, providing guidance to junior CRAs and ensuring high-quality data collection.

  4. Level 4

    Principal Clinical Research Associate

    8+ yrs

    Oversees multiple trials, manages a team of CRAs, and plays a key role in strategic planning and regulatory compliance.

Pathway

How to become a Clinical Research Associate

There's no single route, but most people follow some version of these steps.

  1. 1

    Entry-Level Position

    Start as a Junior CRA, learning the basics of clinical trial management and data collection.

  2. 2

    Develop Expertise

    Gain experience in site management and data validation, becoming a reliable Clinical Research Associate.

  3. 3

    Leadership Role

    Advance to a Senior CRA position, leading site visits and mentoring junior team members.

  4. 4

    Strategic Management

    Transition to a Principal CRA role, overseeing multiple trials and contributing to high-level strategic decisions.

  5. 5

    Specialisation

    Consider specialising in a specific therapeutic area or type of clinical trial to deepen your expertise.

  6. 6

    Consultancy or Management

    Explore opportunities in consultancy or management, leveraging your extensive experience to guide clinical research initiatives.

Live jobs

4 live roles

Moderna logo

Principal Research Associate, Clinical Biomarker Laboratory, Flow Cytometry

This role involves leading high-parameter spectral flow cytometry activities in a GCLP-compliant clinical laboratory, generating immunophenotyping and functional immune profiling data from PBMC and whole blood samples to support mRNA-based clinical development. The scientist will independently execute and analyze complex assays, contribute to assay development and validation, and ensure regulatory compliance while leveraging advanced platforms like the Cytek Aurora. Opportunities exist to engage with digital tools and generative AI for data interpretation and workflow optimization within a collaborative, innovation-driven environment.

Moderna Oxford, United Kingdom
Hybrid Permanent
Moderna logo

Principal Research Associate, Clinical Biomarker Laboratory, Flow Cytometry

This role involves generating and analyzing high-parameter flow cytometry data from clinical trial samples to support immunology research in a GCLP-compliant environment. The scientist will operate advanced spectral flow platforms like the Cytek Aurora, perform ex vivo immune functional assays, and ensure data integrity through rigorous documentation and compliance. Emphasis is placed on innovation through AI-enabled tools, assay development, and mentoring within a collaborative, regulated laboratory setting.

Moderna
Hybrid Permanent
Moderna logo

(Fixed Term) Senior Research Associate, Clinical Biomarker Laboratory, Flow Cytometry

This role involves working as a technical expert in the Clinical Flow Cytometry group at Moderna's Harwell facility, generating high-quality clinical trial data through advanced flow cytometry assays. Responsibilities include executing clinical sample testing, conducting immune profiling, and ensuring data integrity and compliance with GCLP standards.

Moderna Oxford, United Kingdom
On-site Contract
Moderna logo

(Fixed Term) Senior Research Associate, Clinical Biomarker Laboratory, Flow Cytometry

This role involves working as a technical expert in the Clinical Flow Cytometry group at Moderna's Harwell facility, focusing on generating high-quality clinical trial data through advanced flow cytometry assays. Responsibilities include executing clinical sample testing, conducting immune profiling, and ensuring data integrity and compliance with GCLP standards.

Moderna
On-site Contract
Hiring locations

Where this role is hiring

The locations with the most live listings for this role today.

Oxford

Location
2 open
FAQs

Common questions

  • A bachelor’s degree in a life science or healthcare field is typically required, along with relevant experience or certification in clinical research.

  • Key skills include attention to detail, strong communication, project management, and a thorough understanding of regulatory requirements.

  • CRAs monitor trial sites for compliance with Good Clinical Practice (GCP) guidelines and ensure that all adverse events are reported and managed appropriately.

  • Salaries for CRAs can vary based on experience and location. For more detailed salary information, please refer to the salary section on this page.

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