Research Navigator

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: Oncology Clinical Research Navigator

Job Description

The Clinical Research Navigator supports oncology clinical trials by identifying eligible patients, coordinating study enrollment, and serving as a central liaison between patients, physicians, and study sponsors. This role focuses on reviewing medical records for inclusion and exclusion criteria, securing study slots quickly, and ensuring all parties remain informed and prepared for study visits. It is ideal for someone who enjoys working with patients and clinical teams but is ready to transition away from a traditional clinic environment into a fast-paced research setting.

Responsibilities

• Meet with patients to assess their eligibility for clinical studies based on established inclusion and exclusion criteria.
• Review medical records and diagnoses, particularly in oncology, to determine whether patients qualify for specific clinical trials.
• Coordinate closely with physicians and other clinical staff to confirm patient suitability and readiness for study participation.
• Communicate promptly with a designated navigator or other team members to initiate the process of securing sponsor slots for eligible patients.
• Read and interpret study protocols, focusing on inclusion and exclusion criteria, and align this information with electronic medical records to ensure accurate slot requests.
• Request and secure patient study slots from sponsors in a timely and accurate manner to maximize enrollment opportunities.
• Serve as a liaison among patients, physicians, and sponsors, ensuring clear, professional, and timely communication through EPIC, phone calls, email, and other channels.
• Manage multiple study-related requests throughout the day, prioritizing tasks and responding quickly while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail.
• Coordinate responses and follow-up actions from physicians and other staff members to keep study activities on schedule.
• Prepare for and support upcoming study visits by ensuring all parties have the necessary information and are aligned with protocol requirements.
• Track and organize information across 16–25 active studies, maintaining awareness of each study’s criteria, timelines, and patient status.
• Use EMR systems, ideally EPIC, to document interactions, review charts, and update patient information relevant to trial participation.
• Utilize Microsoft Excel and Teams to track study-related data, coordinate communication, and support collaboration across the research team.
• Adapt to a fast-paced environment and adjust to shifting priorities while maintaining high-quality communication and documentation.

Essential Skills

• Clinical research experience with a strong understanding of clinical trial processes and requirements.
• Ability to interpret and apply inclusion and exclusion criteria from study protocols to patient medical records.
• Oncology experience, including the ability to review diagnoses and medical records and accurately understand oncology-related conditions.
• Proficiency in pre-screening patients for clinical trials and conducting detailed chart reviews.
• Experience working with electronic medical records, ideally EPIC, to review, document, and track patient information.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to liaise effectively between physicians, patients, sponsors, and internal staff.
• Demonstrated ability to respond quickly and professionally to multiple stakeholders in order to meet deadlines and support timely study visits.
• Comfort working in a fast-paced environment while managing multiple studies and patient requests simultaneously.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel for organizing and tracking study-related information.
• Experience using Microsoft Teams for collaboration and communication with research and clinical staff.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with Phase 1 clinical studies is a plus.
• Experience in oncology clinical trials or cancer center environments is highly beneficial.
• Familiarity with coordinating or supporting multiple concurrent clinical studies.
• Ability to work independently while maintaining close collaboration with physicians, medical leadership, and sponsors.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail when working across a large portfolio of studies.

Work Environment

This role operates primarily onsite within cancer center locations and offers a dynamic, fast-paced research environment. The position involves regular work between both cancer centers with a schedule that may vary but typically includes approximately two days per week at each site. The role allows for remote work on Fridays and occasionally on other days, providing some flexibility while maintaining a strong onsite presence. The Clinical Research Navigator works closely with physicians, medical directors, and sponsors, gaining significant exposure to advanced oncology research and Phase 1 studies. Daily work relies heavily on electronic medical records, particularly EPIC, as well as collaboration tools such as Microsoft Excel and Teams. The environment emphasizes responsiveness, accuracy, and clear communication, with frequent interaction with patients and clinical staff in a professional healthcare setting.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Indianapolis, IN.

The pay range for this position is $28.00 - $35.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This is a hybrid position in Indianapolis,IN.

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 17, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email View email address on ziprecruiter.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.