Clinical Research Specialist

University Staff Description

University of Colorado Anschutz

Colorado School of Public Health | Lifecourse Epidemiology of Adiposity & Diabetes Center

Clinical Research Specialist
Position #: 00852681 - Requisition #: 40969

Job Summary:

Join the Colorado School of Public Health as a Clinical Research Specialist (Open Rank Research Services Intermediate - Senior Professional). This position is a key member of the school's Lifecourse Epidemiology of Adiposity and Diabetes (LEAD) Center, a multidisciplinary research center that investigates and seeks to understand the developmental origins of health and disease, particularly obesity, type 1 and type 2 diabetes, and the complex interplay of environmental exposures, genetic, and epigenetic processes in critical developmental periods across the lifecourse.

The Clinical Research Specialist will support NIH-funded clinical research studies in varying capacities, including the Investigating Brain Plasticity and GLP-1 Receptor Agonists in the Treatment of Obesity (PLASTIC) Trial and the Diabetes Prevention Program Outcomes Study (DPPOS). Responsibilities will include recruiting, screening, scheduling, and coordinating study visits; obtaining informed consent; collecting biological specimens through phlebotomy and intravenous (IV) placement; conducting Mixed Meal Tolerance Tests (MMTTs); obtaining anthropometric measurements and physical assessments; administering standardized neurocognitive and cognitive assessments, questionnaires, and other study procedures; performing medical record abstraction; and collecting, entering, and maintaining accurate study data.

The ideal candidate will possess strong clinical, organizational, and interpersonal skills, have exceptional attention to detail, and be able to effectively manage diverse research responsibilities while contributing to the successful execution of complex clinical and epidemiologic research programs.

Key Responsibilities:

• Obtain informed consent process or ensure that the informed consent process has occurred, is properly documented, and that informed consent form documents are filed as required.

• Recruit, schedule, and coordinate study visits for participants, acting as a primary contact for study participants.

• Collect urine biospecimens and other biospecimens via venipuncture and intravenous (IV) lines; follow biospecimen processing protocols; process samples and ship to central lab.

• Administer intensive neurocognitive batteries and health-related questionnaires according to study protocols.

• Conduct mixed meal tolerance tests, neurological, physical function, and neuropathy assessments according to study protocols.

• Document, organize, and synthesize data collection procedures outlined in the manual of operations.

• Ensure that necessary supplies and equipment for studies are in stock and ready for use.

• Participate in recruitment/retention efforts and offsite clinic events as needed.

This is a full-time (1.0 FTE) position that reports to the PLASTIC Trial project manager.

Work Location:

Why Join Us:

On Site - This role is expected to work onsite and is located at the CU Anschutz Campus in Aurora, CO.

The Colorado School of Public Health (ColoradoSPH) is a unique and collaborative graduate school that combines the collective expertise of three Colorado universities: the University of Colorado Anschutz (CU Anschutz) in Aurora, Colorado State University (CSU) in Fort Collins, and the University of Northern Colorado (UNC) in Greeley, Colorado. The Colorado School of Public Health is the only accredited school of public health in the Rocky Mountain Region, attracting top tier faculty and students from across the country, and providing a vital contribution towards ensuring our region's health and wellbeing. The school's faculty, staff, and students work together to share knowledge and conduct innovative research and community service to actively address public health issues including chronic disease, access to healthcare, environmental threats, emerging infectious diseases, costly injuries, and more.

Why work for the University?

We have AMAZING benefits and offer exceptional amounts of holiday, vacation and sick leave! The University of Colorado offers an excellent benefits package including:

• Medical: Multiple plan options

• Dental: Multiple plan options

• Additional Insurance: Disability, Life, Vision

• Retirement 401(a) Plan: Employer contributes 10% of your gross pay

• Paid Time Off: Accruals over the year

• Vacation Days: 22/year (maximum accrual 352 hours)

• Sick Days: 15/year (unlimited maximum accrual)

• Holiday Days: 10/year

• Tuition Benefit: Employees have access to this benefit on all CU campuses

• ECO Pass: Reduced rate RTD Bus and light rail service

There are many additional perks & programs with the CU Advantage.

Qualifications:

Minimum Requirements

Intermediate Level

• A bachelor's in public health, public administration, social/behavioral sciences, physical sciences, nursing, healthcare, finance, accounting, business administration, business, or a directly related field from an accredited institution.

• Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) or IV Technician certification

• One (1) year of experience following a research or clinical protocol with human subjects/patients, including experience in phlebotomy via venipuncture and IV, and biospecimen processing.

Senior Level

• A bachelor's in public health, public administration, social/behavioral sciences, physical sciences, nursing, healthcare, finance, accounting, business administration, business, or a directly related field from an accredited institution.

• Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) or IV Technician certification

• Two (2) years of experience following a research or clinical protocol with human subjects/patients, including experience in phlebotomy via venipuncture and IV, and biospecimen processing.

Substitution : A combination of education and related technical/military/paraprofessional experience may be substituted for a bachelor's degree at any of the above levels on a year for year basis.

Preferred Qualifications

• Working knowledge of epidemiology, environmental health, or chronic diseases, such as obesity and diabetes.

• Experience working with all age populations.

• Experience administering neurocognitive assessments.

• Experience utilizing electronic data capture systems.

Conditions of Employment

• Must have reliable transportation, current auto insurance, and be able to travel to complete home visits as needed.

• Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States without requiring sponsorship. We are unable to provide work visa sponsorship or employment authorization for this position now or in the future.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to communicate effectively, both in writing and orally.

• Ability to organize study activities and to develop systems to maintain oversight of progress.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees at all levels throughout the institution.

• Outstanding customer service skills.

• Demonstrated experience in fostering a community that values a wide range of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives.

How to Apply:

For full consideration, please submit the following documents:

1. Curriculum Vitae / Resume

2. A letter of interest describing relevant job experiences as they relate to listed job qualifications and interest in the position

3. Three to five professional references including name, address, phone number (mobile number if appropriate), and email address should be available upon request.

Questions should be directed to: Megan Freije, View email address on click.appcast.io

Screening of Applications Begins:

Screening begins immediately and continues until September 14, 2026.

Anticipated Salary Range:

The starting target salary for this position has been established as:

Intermediate Level

• $51,000 - $64,000 per year

Senior Level

• $58,000 - $70,000 per year

The above salary represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting. This position may be eligible for overtime compensation depending on the level.

Your total compensation goes beyond the number on your paycheck. The University of Colorado provides generous leave, health plans and retirement contributions that add to your bottom line.

Total Compensation Calculator:

Equal Opportunity Statement:

CU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. We are committed to creating a workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

As the School of Public Health located within the University of Colorado on the Anschutz Campus, we are committed to developing and sustaining a faculty, staff, and student body that reflects a broad range of backgrounds and perspectives. We advocate for and actively lead efforts and activities to build a community that treats people with dignity, respect, and compassion among the school's students, staff, faculty, and external community partners.

ADA Statement:

The University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities throughout the employment application process. To request an accommodation pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, please contact the Human Resources ADA Coordinator at View email address on click.appcast.io.

Background Check Statement:

The University of Colorado Anschutz is dedicated to ensuring a safe and secure environment for our faculty, staff, students and visitors. To assist in achieving that goal, we conduct background investigations for all prospective employees.

Vaccination Statement:

CU Anschutz strongly encourages vaccination against the COVID-19 virus and other vaccine preventable diseases. If you work, visit, or volunteer in healthcare facilities or clinics operated by our affiliated hospital or clinical partners or by CU Anschutz, you will be required to comply with the vaccination and medical surveillance policies of the facilities or clinics where you work, visit, or volunteer, respectively. In addition, if you work in certain research areas or perform certain safety sensitive job duties, you must enroll in the occupational health medical surveillance program.

Application Materials Required: Cover Letter, Resume/CV, List of References Job Category: Research Services Primary Location: Aurora Department: U0001 -- Anschutz Med Campus or Denver - 21652 - CSPH-LEAD GEN OPS Schedule: Full-time Posting Date: Aug 31, 2026 Unposting Date: Sep 15, 2026, 5:59:00 AM Posting Contact Name: Megan Freije Posting Contact Email: View email address on click.appcast.io Position Number: 00852681