Life Science
Clinical Research Associate Jobs
Your next CRA role starts here. Explore opportunities with leading life sciences organisations worldwide.
Your Ambition, Our Expertise
Clinical Research Associate Areas of Expertise
Explore Clinical Research Associate opportunities across leading therapeutic areas and innovative fields of research.
Cardiovascular
Monitor trials investigating treatments for heart disease, hypertension, heart failure and stroke. CRAs in this therapeutic area work across complex, often large-scale studies with rigorous safety monitoring requirements and high-volume site networks.
CNS & Neurology
Support studies across conditions including Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, epilepsy, depression and multiple sclerosis. CNS trials often involve sensitive patient populations and complex assessment schedules, requiring CRAs with strong site relationship skills and attention to protocol detail.
Infectious Disease
Work on trials spanning antibiotics, antivirals, HIV, and emerging infectious threats. This fast-moving area can involve urgent study timelines, diverse global site networks, and close collaboration with public health bodies and regulatory agencies.
Rare & Orphan Diseases
Monitor studies for conditions affecting small patient populations, where every recruited participant matters. CRAs in this space work closely with specialist centres and patient advocacy groups, often on adaptive trial designs with close regulatory engagement.
Medical Devices
Oversee clinical investigations for devices ranging from implantables and diagnostics to digital health technologies. Regulatory frameworks differ from pharmaceutical trials, making this a specialist area with strong demand for CRAs who understand ISO 14155 and MDR requirements.
Vaccines
Support clinical trials across preventive and therapeutic vaccine programmes, including large-scale Phase III efficacy studies. Vaccine trials often involve high site volumes, community-based recruitment, and accelerated timelines that require experienced, adaptable CRAs.
Oncology
Support clinical trials developing innovative cancer therapies across solid tumours, haematological malignancies, immuno-oncology and targeted treatments. Oncology CRAs often work with complex protocols, specialist investigative sites and long-term patient follow-up, making this one of the most in-demand areas within clinical research.
Immunology & Inflammation
Monitor studies focused on autoimmune, inflammatory and immune-mediated conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, IBD and lupus. CRAs in this area support advanced therapies and biologics programmes, working across complex endpoints, specialist sites and evolving treatment pathways.
Cell & Gene Therapy
Oversee trials at the cutting edge of personalised medicine, including CAR-T, gene editing and regenerative therapies. Cell and gene therapy CRAs often support highly specialised sites, complex patient journeys and strict protocol requirements across some of the most innovative areas of life sciences.
Clinical Research Associate Jobs
CRAs are at the heart of every successful clinical trial. They monitor site activity, ensure protocol compliance, safeguard patient safety, and maintain data integrity across every phase of development. Whether you're working on early-phase studies or large global trials, your expertise directly impacts the speed and safety of bringing new treatments to patients.
At Orion, we recruit for a wide range of CRA and clinical operations positions, including:
Clinical Research Associate (CRA)
A Clinical Research Associate monitors investigator sites to ensure clinical trials are conducted in accordance with the protocol, ICH-GCP guidelines, and applicable regulatory requirements. They are the primary point of contact between the sponsor and the site team.
Senior Clinical Research Associate (SCRA)
A Senior CRA manages more complex or higher-risk sites independently, often mentoring junior colleagues and taking on additional sponsor-facing responsibilities. Typically requires four or more years of monitoring experience.
Lead CRA / Study Monitor Lead
A Lead CRA acts as the primary operational contact for a clinical study, coordinating monitoring activities across a team of CRAs, managing site escalations, and liaising directly with project management to maintain timelines and quality.
Clinical Research Coordinator (CRC)
A Clinical Research Coordinator works site-side, supporting the day-to-day running of clinical trials within a hospital or research centre. They assist with patient recruitment, data entry, and regulatory submissions at the investigator site level.
Clinical Trial Manager (CTM)
A Clinical Trial Manager oversees the end-to-end operational delivery of one or more clinical studies, managing CRA teams, vendor relationships, budgets, and timelines to ensure trials are completed on time and within scope.
Regulatory Affairs Associate
A Regulatory Affairs Associate prepares and manages submissions to regulatory authorities, ensuring that clinical programmes meet the requirements needed to progress from trial approval through to product authorisation.
Benefits Of Working As A Clinical Research Associate
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1. Competitive salaries and contractor day rates.
Earn strong compensation packages that reflect the specialist skills and responsibility required in clinical research.
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2. Career progression from CRA through to CTM and beyond
Build a clear career path with opportunities to progress into senior monitoring, leadership and clinical operations roles.
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3. Global demand from pharma, biotech and CRO sectors
Roles available in the North Sea, Middle East, Gulf of Mexico, Africa, and Asia.
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4. Work at the forefront of drug development and medical innovation
Contribute to clinical trials that help bring new treatments, therapies and technologies to patients worldwide.
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5. Flexible working arrangements
Enjoy greater work-life balance through home-based, hybrid and travel-based roles tailored to different lifestyles.
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FAQs about Clinical Research Associate Jobs
What qualifications do I need to become a Clinical Research Associate?
Most CRA roles require a life science degree in a subject such as biology, pharmacy, nursing or biochemistry, alongside a current GCP certification. Practical experience, gained through site coordination, data management or a graduate placement is increasingly valued alongside qualifications. Familiarity with EDC systems such as Medidata Rave is a bonus in many roles.
How much do Clinical Research Associates earn?
In the UK, entry-level CRAs typically earn between £30,000 and £38,000, while Senior and Lead CRAs can expect £45,000–£65,000. Contract CRAs command strong day rates, with demand consistent across domestic and international markets. Our recruiters can provide up-to-date guidance on current rates based on your experience and target role.
Can I work as a CRA remotely or from home?
Remote and home-based monitoring is now well-established, with many sponsors and CROs offering hybrid or fully remote roles. On-site visits are still required for initiations, close-outs and certain study phases, so most positions involve some travel. The balance varies by sponsor and study type, our team can help you find the right fit.
What therapeutic areas are most in demand for CRAs right now?
Oncology remains the highest-demand area globally, followed by rare diseases, CNS and cardiovascular. Medical device trials are growing in the UK and Europe following EU MDR changes, and pharmacovigilance roles are increasingly active. Our recruiters can give you a current picture based on your background.
Can contractors build long-term careers in clinical research?
Yes, many of the most experienced professionals in the industry have built their careers through contracting, gaining broad therapeutic exposure and strong earning potential. Orion supports contractors beyond placement, helping with compliance, market positioning and identifying the next opportunity when a contract concludes.
How can Orion Group help me find Clinical Research Associate jobs?
Our specialist Life Sciences recruiters understand the clinical research market and work closely with leading pharmaceutical companies, biotech organisations and CROs worldwide. Whether you're looking for your first CRA role or your next career move, we can provide access to relevant opportunities, salary guidance and ongoing support throughout the recruitment process.
Apply for Clinical Research Associate Jobs with Orion Group
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