Research Nurse Coordinator Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the constantly evolving healthcare field, the role of research nurse coordinators has become increasingly pivotal.
Healthcare continues to progress, and with every development, the demand for skilled professionals who can conduct, coordinate, and safeguard our healthcare research intensifies.
But let’s delve deeper: What’s genuinely expected from a research nurse coordinator?
Whether you are:
- A job seeker trying to understand the nuances of this role,
- A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
- Or simply intrigued by the intricacies of healthcare research coordination,
You’ve landed in the perfect place.
Today, we present a customizable research nurse coordinator job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.
Let’s dive right in.
Research Nurse Coordinator Duties and Responsibilities
Research Nurse Coordinators use their clinical skills and research acumen to facilitate and coordinate clinical research trials.
They play a pivotal role in ensuring the accuracy, integrity and safety of research studies.
Their duties and responsibilities include:
- Collaborating with principal investigator and other team members to design and conduct clinical research studies
- Recruiting, screening, and enrolling suitable participants for research studies
- Explaining study protocols and obtaining informed consent from study participants
- Monitoring study participants’ health condition and recording clinical data accurately
- Ensuring compliance with all regulatory standards and research protocols
- Collecting and processing lab specimens as required
- Coordinating with various departments and external entities for smooth operation of research studies
- Assisting in data analysis and preparation of study results for publication
- Organizing and maintaining all records related to clinical research studies
- Providing education and training to study participants, their families, and other healthcare professionals as needed
- Reporting any adverse events or side effects promptly to the principal investigator and regulatory authorities
- Working towards continuous improvement in patient care and research quality
Research Nurse Coordinator Job Description Template
Job Brief
We are seeking a dedicated and skilled Research Nurse Coordinator to join our team.
The Research Nurse Coordinator will be responsible for overseeing the daily operations of clinical research and trials, conducting nursing assessments, and ensuring the highest quality care for patients.
The ideal candidate will be experienced in clinical research protocols, patient care and possess excellent organizational and communication skills.
Responsibilities
- Coordinate and manage clinical trials and research studies
- Conduct nursing assessments and patient screenings
- Collaborate with multidisciplinary team to ensure highest quality patient care
- Assist in the recruitment and selection of study participants
- Collect, process, and manage patient data in accordance with research protocols
- Monitor and report adverse events and reactions
- Ensure compliance with ethical, legal, and regulatory standards
- Provide education and support to patients and their families
- Prepare and maintain all necessary documentation and records
- Participate in clinical research meetings and training sessions
Qualifications
- Registered Nurse (RN) license required
- Previous experience as a Research Nurse or in a similar role
- Knowledge of clinical research protocols and procedures
- Strong organizational and project management skills
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Proficiency in electronic medical record systems and databases
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Attention to detail and problem-solving skills
- Degree in Nursing or a related field
Benefits
- 401(k)
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Retirement plan
- Paid time off
- Continuing education opportunities
Additional Information
- Job Title: Research Nurse Coordinator
- Work Environment: Clinical setting with occasional travel for research meetings and seminars.
- 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: $65,000 minimum to $85,000 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 Research Nurse Coordinator Do?
Research Nurse Coordinators work in the healthcare sector and are primarily engaged in clinical research.
They are typically employed by hospitals, research institutions, universities, or pharmaceutical companies.
Their primary responsibility is to coordinate, manage, and conduct clinical trials.
This includes the planning, implementation, and monitoring of research studies.
They work closely with doctors, scientists, and other healthcare professionals to ensure that clinical trials are conducted in accordance with regulatory standards and protocols.
Research Nurse Coordinators are involved in participant recruitment and screening, obtaining informed consent, and ensuring participant safety throughout the trial.
They collect and record data, administer medications or treatments, and monitor patient responses.
They also play a crucial role in data management and analysis, often coordinating with data analysts or biostatisticians to ensure the integrity and accuracy of the data collected.
In addition to these tasks, Research Nurse Coordinators are responsible for providing education to patients and their families about the research study and answering any queries they might have.
They liaise with ethics committees and regulatory bodies, ensuring that the study is conducted ethically and complies with all relevant laws and regulations.
Research Nurse Coordinator Qualifications and Skills
A Research Nurse Coordinator should have the skills and qualifications that align with your job description, such as:
- Advanced knowledge in the principles and methods of clinical research to effectively coordinate and implement clinical research projects.
- Excellent attention to detail and organizational skills to manage multiple projects, ensuring all research is conducted according to protocol and regulations.
- Strong communication skills to liaise with patients, healthcare professionals, and research staff, as well as to report findings clearly and accurately in both written and verbal format.
- Compassionate interpersonal skills to interact with patients who are participating in clinical trials, providing them with information, support and reassurances.
- Problem-solving abilities to identify and address issues that may affect the accuracy of research data or the wellbeing of research participants.
- Understanding of medical terminology, pharmacology, and anatomy to effectively communicate with healthcare providers and interpret patient medical records.
- Ability to maintain patient confidentiality, adhering to ethical guidelines and regulations related to patient care and research.
- Advanced nursing skills to perform physical assessments, administer medications, and assist in medical procedures as required by the research protocol.
Research Nurse Coordinator Experience Requirements
Entry-level Research Nurse Coordinators usually require a minimum of 1 to 2 years of experience, often obtained through an internship or part-time role in a clinical research setting.
These professionals can also gain relevant experience in roles such as Staff Nurse, Clinical Research Associate or other healthcare-related roles.
Candidates with more than 3 years of experience have usually developed their skills and knowledge in earlier Research Nurse or Clinical Research roles.
They may have experience in performing tasks such as coordinating with different departments, maintaining patient data, ensuring protocol compliance, and providing nursing care to research subjects.
Those with over 5 years of experience are generally considered senior and may be prepared for a managerial position.
This experience may include leading teams, overseeing multiple research studies, providing mentorship to junior staff, and working on more complex clinical trials.
Additionally, a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Nursing with a focus on research, and maintaining current state licensure as a Registered Nurse (RN) is typically required.
Some employers may also prefer candidates who are Certified Clinical Research Coordinators (CCRC).
Research Nurse Coordinator Education and Training Requirements
A Research Nurse Coordinator typically requires a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing (BSN) and a valid Registered Nurse (RN) license.
They should have extensive clinical experience, often with a focus in the specific field of study they wish to oversee as a research coordinator.
Many roles may prefer a Master’s degree in Nursing or a related field, especially for complex or specialized research roles.
Certification as a Clinical Research Coordinator (CCRC) or Clinical Research Associate (CCRA) from the Association of Clinical Research Professionals (ACRP) or the Society of Clinical Research Associates (SoCRA) may also be required or preferred.
Additionally, Research Nurse Coordinators should have excellent organizational, leadership, and communication skills, as they are responsible for managing and coordinating clinical trials and research studies.
Continuing education is often necessary as this role requires staying up-to-date with the latest research methodologies, clinical guidelines, and regulatory requirements.
Relevant work experience in a clinical research setting and familiarity with medical terminology, patient care, and data collection is also highly recommended.
Research Nurse Coordinator Salary Expectations
A Research Nurse Coordinator earns an average salary of $77,510 (USD) per year.
This salary may vary depending on factors like experience, education, geographical location, and the institution they work for.
Research Nurse Coordinator Job Description FAQs
What qualifications does a Research Nurse Coordinator need?
A Research Nurse Coordinator must be a Registered Nurse (RN) with a valid license.
They often need a bachelor’s or master’s degree in nursing, but this can vary depending on the employer.
Experience in clinical trials or research is often preferred.
The coordinator will also need knowledge of regulatory affairs and clinical trial protocols.
What skills are required for a Research Nurse Coordinator?
A Research Nurse Coordinator needs to have excellent organizational skills to manage multiple clinical trials and patients simultaneously.
They also need to have good communication skills to interact with the patients, researchers, and other healthcare professionals.
Critical thinking skills are important to interpret data and analyze results.
They should also have good attention to detail to ensure adherence to protocols and for accurate data collection.
What are the daily responsibilities of a Research Nurse Coordinator?
A Research Nurse Coordinator typically oversees clinical research studies.
They participate in patient recruitment, collect and analyze data, manage trial protocols, and ensure compliance with ethical and regulatory standards.
They also communicate with the research team and stakeholders, provide patient care, and maintain detailed records.
How does a Research Nurse Coordinator contribute to a research team?
A Research Nurse Coordinator plays a crucial role in a research team.
They serve as a liaison between the research team and the patients, ensuring patients understand the trials and their rights.
They ensure the trial is conducted ethically and according to regulatory standards, enhancing the integrity of the research.
They also collect and interpret data which contributes to the overall findings of the research.
What makes a good Research Nurse Coordinator?
A good Research Nurse Coordinator is meticulous and organized, ensuring accurate data collection and adherence to protocols.
They have excellent interpersonal skills to build trust and rapport with patients.
They are critical thinkers and problem solvers, capable of interpreting complex data and troubleshooting issues that may arise during the research process.
Furthermore, they are dedicated to ethical practices and patient welfare.
Conclusion
And there you have it.
Today, we’ve unveiled the truth of what it truly entails to be a research nurse coordinator.
What’s the surprise?
It’s not just about conducting research.
It’s about shaping the future of healthcare, one research project at a time.
With our handy research nurse coordinator job description template and real-world examples, you’re fully equipped to take the next step.
But why stop there?
Dive deeper with our job description generator. It’s your best ally in creating precise job listings or refining your resume to perfection.
Remember:
Every research project contributes to the larger picture of healthcare improvement.
Let’s shape that future. Together.
How to Become a Research Nurse Coordinator (Complete Guide)
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