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Clinical Research Associate (Start Up) - Oncology - Illinois

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ICON
1-3 years
Not Disclosed
Downers Grove, United States
10 Feb. 19, 2026
Job Description
Job Type: Remote Education: B.Sc./ M.Sc./ M.Pharm/ B.Pharm/ Life Sciences Skills: Causality Assessment, Clinical SAS Programming, Communication Skills, CPC Certified, GCP guidelines, ICD-10 CM Codes, CPT-Codes, HCPCS Codes, ICD-10 CM, CPT, HCPCS Coding, ICH guidelines, ICSR Case Processing, Interpersonal Skill, Labelling Assessment, MedDRA Coding, Medical Billing, Medical Coding, Medical Terminology, Narrative Writing, Research & Development, Technical Skill, Triage of ICSRs, WHO DD Coding

Clinical Research Associate (Start-Up) – Oncology | Illinois

Location: Downers Grove (Greater Chicago Area)
Job Reference: JR144442
Company: ICON plc
Division: ICON Strategic Solutions
Department: Clinical Monitoring – Study Start-Up
Work Model: Remote (Illinois-Based, Travel Required)

Job Overview

ICON Strategic Solutions is seeking a Clinical Research Associate (Start-Up) – Oncology to support oncology clinical trial site activation and regulatory start-up activities across Illinois. This role focuses on accelerating site selection, regulatory approvals, and investigator activation to ensure timely study launch within oncology programs.

The CRA (Start-Up) will collaborate with country operations teams, investigators, and sponsors to drive efficient study initiation while maintaining full compliance with ICH-GCP and US regulatory requirements.

This opportunity is ideal for oncology CRAs with start-up expertise who are seeking growth within a global CRO environment.

Key Responsibilities

  • Manage oncology clinical trial start-up activities across multiple protocols

  • Conduct Site Qualification Visits (SQVs) to assess site feasibility and eligibility

  • Identify, select, and activate clinical trial sites aligned with study timelines

  • Coordinate collection of essential regulatory documents, contracts, and approvals

  • Serve as primary point of contact for sites during the start-up phase

  • Monitor and report key performance indicators (KPIs) related to site activation timelines

  • Ensure compliance with ICH-GCP, FDA regulations, and sponsor SOPs

  • Proactively identify and mitigate start-up risks or delays

  • Maintain inspection-ready documentation and audit preparedness

  • Support sites through activation until “Green Light” status is achieved

  • Assist with audit and inspection preparation as required

Required Experience

  • Minimum 2–3 years of monitoring experience within the pharmaceutical or CRO industry

  • At least 1–3 years of oncology clinical trial experience required

  • Hands-on experience in study start-up, site activation, and regulatory document collection

  • Strong understanding of ICH-GCP, FDA regulations, and US clinical trial requirements

  • Experience using CTMS, EDC, eTMF, IWRS, safety reporting systems, and trial dashboards

  • Analytical or risk-based monitoring experience preferred

Educational Qualifications

  • Bachelor of Science degree in Biological Sciences, Life Sciences, or related field preferred

  • Registered Nurse (RN) qualification may be considered

Eligibility & Travel Requirements

  • Must reside in Illinois, preferably near a major airport for regional travel

  • Willingness to travel as required for site qualification and activation visits

  • Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without visa sponsorship

Core Competencies

  • Strong oncology start-up and site activation expertise

  • Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills

  • Ability to drive patient recruitment strategies at the site level

  • Strong organizational and documentation management skills

  • Self-motivated with the ability to work independently and collaboratively

Why Join ICON plc?

ICON plc is a leading global clinical research organization delivering outsourced development and commercialization services to pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and medical device companies worldwide. ICON supports full-service clinical development, from start-up and monitoring through regulatory submission and post-marketing studies.

Employees benefit from:

  • Competitive compensation structure

  • Comprehensive health insurance plans

  • Retirement savings and long-term planning programs

  • Annual leave entitlements

  • Global Employee Assistance Programme (LifeWorks)

  • Life assurance coverage

  • Flexible, country-specific employee benefits

ICON is committed to fostering an inclusive and compliant workplace, offering equal employment opportunities and career advancement within the clinical research industry.

Apply now through ThePharmaDaily.com to advance your oncology clinical research career in study start-up and site activation management.