Medical Research Coordinator Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the era of modern healthcare, the role of medical research coordinators is increasingly significant.
Scientific advancements persist, and with each development, the demand for skilled individuals who can manage, streamline, and safeguard our medical research operations grows stronger.
But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a medical research coordinator?
Whether you are:
- A job seeker trying to decipher the complexities of this role,
- A hiring manager drafting the perfect job requisition,
- Or merely fascinated by the intricacies of medical research coordination,
You’ve come to the right place.
Today, we present a customizable medical research coordinator job description template, crafted for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.
Let’s dive in.
Medical Research Coordinator Duties and Responsibilities
Medical Research Coordinators play a critical role in ensuring the smooth running of medical research studies.
They are involved in every aspect of research projects, ensuring compliance with regulations and protocols, and facilitating communication between all parties involved.
Medical Research Coordinators are responsible for the following duties and responsibilities:
- Coordinating and managing the day-to-day operations of clinical trials or research studies
- Assisting in the design, preparation, and submission of research protocols and other study documents
- Recruiting, screening, and enrolling study participants, and ensuring their informed consent
- Collecting, processing, and managing research data while ensuring its accuracy and integrity
- Organizing and maintaining all research information for accessibility, such as patient files, databases, and research documents
- Monitoring the progress of research activities and ensuring compliance with applicable guidelines and regulations
- Communicating with study staff, researchers, and participants to address issues and provide updates
- Ensuring participant safety and reporting any adverse events or side effects to the research team and ethics committee
- Coordinating with the finance department for budgeting, payments, and financial reporting of research studies
- Participating in audits and inspections of the research study, and implementing corrective actions as needed
Medical Research Coordinator Job Description Template
Job Brief
We are seeking a detail-oriented and highly organized Medical Research Coordinator to join our expanding team.
The role involves overseeing the daily activities of clinical trials, ensuring compliance with protocols, and summarizing study data.
The ideal candidate will have experience in managing all aspects of a study, from data collection to reporting results.
Responsibilities
- Coordinate the daily activities of clinical research studies
- Ensure compliance with protocols and overall clinical objectives
- Prepare progress reports and contribute to the development of research papers
- Manage study-related data, including collection, organization, and validation
- Recruit, screen, and monitor study participants
- Liaise with ethics committees and relevant regulatory bodies
- Participate in patient visits, ensuring they meet protocol guidelines
- Coordinate and organize meetings and communications with study team, investigators, sponsors, and other stakeholders
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in healthcare or related field
- Previous experience in clinical research or healthcare management
- Knowledge of medical terminology, clinical procedures, and regulatory requirements
- Excellent communication and organizational skills
- Ability to interpret clinical data and maintain strict confidentiality
- Proficiency in using data management systems
- Certification in clinical research (CCRP or equivalent) is a plus
Benefits
- 401(k)
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Retirement plan
- Paid time off
- Professional development opportunities
Additional Information
- Job Title: Medical Research Coordinator
- Work Environment: Clinical setting, hospital or healthcare facility. May require some travel for training or meetings.
- Reporting Structure: Reports to the Director of Clinical Research.
- Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
- Pay Range: $50,000 minimum to $75,000 maximum
- Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
- Employment Type: Full-time
- Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
- Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].
What Does a Medical Research Coordinator Do?
Medical Research Coordinators work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, laboratories, universities, and pharmaceutical companies.
They often collaborate with scientists, doctors, and researchers in conducting clinical trials and studies.
Their primary role is to oversee the day-to-day activities of a study or trial.
This includes designing and executing study protocols, recruiting and screening study participants, and ensuring all aspects of the study comply with regulatory requirements and ethical standards.
They are responsible for data collection and management, which involves monitoring the progress of the study, documenting results, and managing databases.
Additionally, they perform statistical analysis and interpret the results.
Medical Research Coordinators also serve as a bridge between the study participants and the research team, addressing any concerns from the participants and communicating them to the team.
Furthermore, they prepare progress reports, complete study-related paperwork and documents, and liaise with regulatory bodies to maintain study approvals.
Overall, Medical Research Coordinators play a crucial role in ensuring the successful execution of research studies and trials, contributing significantly to the advancement of medical knowledge and treatments.
Medical Research Coordinator Qualifications and Skills
A proficient Medical Research Coordinator should possess the following qualifications and skills to perform their role effectively:
- Medical knowledge and understanding to comprehend research studies and effectively coordinate the necessary activities.
- Organizational skills to manage multiple research projects concurrently, ensuring each research study is conducted efficiently and within set timelines.
- Excellent communication skills to liaise with different stakeholders like doctors, patients, researchers and sponsors, and to explain complex medical terms in a simplified manner.
- Data analysis skills to accurately review medical data, identify patterns and trends, and draw conclusions that are essential for the research study.
- Attention to detail to ensure the validity of data collected and to maintain thorough documentation of research findings and processes.
- Interpersonal skills to build relationships with research subjects and maintain a comfortable environment for them throughout the research process.
- Problem-solving abilities to identify and address challenges that may arise during the research process, ensuring the research study continues to run smoothly.
- A strong ethical understanding to protect patient information and ensure that research is conducted in accordance with ethical guidelines and regulations.
Medical Research Coordinator Experience Requirements
Entry-level Medical Research Coordinators often have 1 to 2 years of experience, usually gained through an internship or part-time role in a related field such as clinical research or healthcare administration.
This early experience is essential in learning the basics of medical research protocol and administrative tasks.
Candidates with 2 to 3 years of experience are expected to have honed their skills in research methods, ethics, regulations, and the ability to manage various aspects of the clinical trial process, from participant recruitment to data collection and analysis.
Medical Research Coordinators with more than 3 years of experience are often proficient in overseeing and coordinating research projects, maintaining compliance with regulatory bodies, ensuring the protection of study participants, and managing research budgets.
Those with over 5 years of experience often have developed leadership abilities and are qualified to handle more complex research studies.
They may also have some managerial experience in their background, making them ready for senior Medical Research Coordinator roles or other supervisory positions within the healthcare research field.
Advanced roles often require a deeper understanding of medical terminology, data management, and the ability to work closely with physicians, nurses, and other healthcare personnel.
They may also require advanced degrees or certifications such as Certified Clinical Research Coordinator or Certified Clinical Research Professional.
Medical Research Coordinator Education and Training Requirements
Medical Research Coordinators typically hold a bachelor’s degree in a science-related field such as biology, chemistry, or nursing.
These programs provide foundational knowledge in the field of medicine and also develop the analytical skills necessary for research.
Many Medical Research Coordinators also hold a master’s degree in a related field like public health, clinical research or healthcare administration.
In terms of certification, Medical Research Coordinators can obtain the Certified Clinical Research Professional (CCRP) certification through the Society of Clinical Research Associates (SoCRA) or the Certified Clinical Research Coordinator (CCRC) certification through the Association of Clinical Research Professionals (ACRP).
It’s also beneficial for Medical Research Coordinators to have a background in statistics and data analysis, due to the research-based nature of the role.
Finally, work experience in a clinical research setting or as a research assistant is often required, with employers favoring candidates who have gained hands-on experience in medical research.
Continuing education and training opportunities are important in this role due to the rapidly evolving nature of the medical field.
Medical Research Coordinator Salary Expectations
The average salary for a Medical Research Coordinator is $59,425 (USD) per year.
However, the actual income can differ based on factors such as years of experience, specialization in the field, geographic location, and the funding resources of the employing institution.
Medical Research Coordinator Job Description FAQs
What skills does a Medical Research Coordinator need?
A Medical Research Coordinator should possess strong organizational skills, as they are often tasked with managing multiple research projects simultaneously.
They also need to have excellent communication and interpersonal skills, as they often interact with researchers, medical staff, and participants.
Attention to detail is essential due to the careful collection and recording of data required.
Furthermore, analytical skills can aid in interpreting data and findings.
Do Medical Research Coordinators need a specific degree?
Medical Research Coordinators usually hold a bachelor’s degree in a science-related field, such as biology, chemistry, or nursing.
Some employers may require a master’s degree.
Additionally, certification as a Clinical Research Coordinator can be beneficial and sometimes essential, depending on the employer’s requirements.
What should you look for in a Medical Research Coordinator’s resume?
In a Medical Research Coordinator’s resume, look for educational qualifications in a relevant scientific field.
It’s also important to check for experience in clinical research or medical settings.
Skills such as data collection, project management, and participant interaction should be highlighted.
Any certifications related to clinical research coordination should also be listed.
What qualities make a good Medical Research Coordinator?
A good Medical Research Coordinator is detail-oriented, ensuring all data is accurately recorded and analyzed.
They are also good communicators, able to articulate complex medical terms to patients and other non-medical staff.
A good coordinator is also ethical, considering the welfare of research participants at all times.
They also need to be flexible and adaptable, as research conditions can change rapidly.
What are the main responsibilities of a Medical Research Coordinator?
Medical Research Coordinators oversee the day-to-day activities of a clinical trial or research project.
They are responsible for participant recruitment and consent, data collection and management, regulatory compliance, and communication with the research team and other stakeholders.
They may also liaise with ethics committees and work on the development of research protocols.
Do Medical Research Coordinators need to have a background in medicine?
While a background in medicine can be beneficial, it is not always necessary.
Many Medical Research Coordinators have degrees in fields such as biology or chemistry, while others may have a nursing background.
What is important is a broad understanding of scientific principles, the ability to understand and interpret medical research, and excellent organizational and communication skills.
Conclusion
And there you have it.
Today, we’ve delved into the intricate world of a Medical Research Coordinator.
Surprising, right?
It’s not just about conducting research.
It’s about orchestrating the future of healthcare, one research study at a time.
With our comprehensive Medical Research Coordinator job description template and real-world examples, you’re more than ready to take the leap.
But why stop there?
Dive deeper with our job description generator. It’s your next step to crafting accurate job listings or polishing your resume to perfection.
Remember:
Every research project contributes to the bigger picture.
Let’s shape that future. Together.
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