Clinical Research Nurse

Job Description

Job Description

Clinical Research Nurse Coordinator (CRN)

Organization:
The Institute for Medical Research (IMR), an affiliate of the Durham VA Health Care System (DVAHCS)

Location:
Durham, NC (On-site – VA Medical Center)

Employment Type:
Full-Time

Salary Range:

$83,300 - $98,000

Anticipated Start Date:

October 2026 or 6-8 weeks after offer, contingent on VA onboarding

Position Summary

The Institute for Medical Research, an affiliate of the Durham VA Health Care System (DVAHCS), is looking for a Clinical Research Nurse to support clinical research studies conducted by the Principal Investigator, Dr. Christopher Woods, and his associates. Dr. Christopher Woods’ research unit works with multiple sections at the Durham VA Medical Center (DVAMC), including infectious diseases, pulmonology, hepatology, cardiology, and dermatology.

The incumbent will primarily support vaccine studies but may assist other research staff with industry clinical trials or observational research. The areas of focus of this position are (a) recruitment, enrollment, and follow-up of study participants, (b) administration of study drug per study protocol, (c) collection and processing of biospecimens, (d) collection and entry of research data, and (e) regulatory compliance with commercial, central, and local review boards. This is a patient-facing role.

This incumbent’s first-level manager is the Research Program Manager; the second-level manager is the Principal Investigator, Dr. Christopher Woods. The incumbent will have the opportunity to work with research personnel, MDs, PhDs, and other clinical staff at the DVAMC and other VHA stations.

Location: This is an in-person role with 4-5 days a week in-office. Candidate is required to work from the Durham VA Medical Center.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

Critical Element 1: Clinical Research Coordination

• Coordinate and oversee assigned clinical research studies in accordance with approved protocols
• Provide input related to study budgets, timelines, staffing, scheduling, and operational needs
• Develop, implement, and manage study procedures
• Identify, screen, recruit, and consent eligible research participants
• Administer study drug as directed by research study protocols
• Conduct participant follow-up visits and maintain ongoing engagement
• Apply sound judgment and problem-solving skills to address protocol deviations, recruitment challenges, and operational barriers
• Coordinate with study sponsors, contractors, Principal Investigators, and research team members for sponsored or multi-site studies

Critical Element 2: Nursing Activities

• Plans, provides, supervise, and documents professional nursing care utilizing nursing process for patients in accordance with study protocols, Principal Investigator orders, and established policies and procedures
• Uses professional nursing judgment when conducting nursing research activities to patients.
• May delegate tasks and supervise the activities of other licensed and unlicensed research staff
• Monitors and initiates corrective action to maintain the environment of care, including equipment and material resources
• Participates in the identification of clinical or operational performance improvement opportunities and in performance improvement activities

Critical Element 3: Data Collection & Regulatory Compliance

• Prepare and submit protocols, informed consent forms, HIPAA authorizations, and other regulatory documents for IRB review
• Prepare and submit amendments, continuing reviews, audits, adverse event reports, and other IRB-required documentation
• Maintain regulatory binders and documentation in collaboration with administrative staff
• Maintain accurate digital and/or paper study records, including informed consent forms, HIPAA documentation, case report forms, EMR research documentation, and participant payment records
• Review study records and binders for completeness, accuracy, and compliance with applicable regulations
• Resolve missing or inaccurate documentation and follow up with study participants as needed

Critical Element 4: Biospecimen Collection & Management

• Assist with and train staff on procurement, processing, storage, and shipment of biospecimens
• Coordinate biospecimen handling, including blood, swabs, and, when applicable, urine and stool samples
• Facilitate shipment and receipt of specimens to and from external laboratories or facilities
• Ensure biospecimen processing procedures are followed accurately and consistently

Critical Element 5: Collaboration & Team Engagement

• Manage day-to-day operational decisions related to assigned study protocols
• Collaborate with other Clinical Research Coordinators to ensure study milestones and objectives are met
• Update and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs)
• Participate in study meetings, conference calls, and leadership discussions
• Support current and future collaborations with clinical departments and VHA research partners nationwide

Minimum Qualifications:

Education
Work requires a bachelor's degree from an accredited nursing program.

Experience

1-2 years full-time relevant clinical nursing experience is required. 1-2 years clinical research experience is also required.

Degrees, Licensures, Certifications
RN licensure in the state of North Carolina required.

BLS certification required.

Residency Requirements:

As a condition of employment with the Institute for Medical Research (IMR), employees must reside within the State of North Carolina and maintain a reasonable commuting distance to their assigned work location throughout the duration of their employment. By accepting this offer, you acknowledge and agree to this requirement. Failure to maintain North Carolina residency at any time during employment may result in corrective action, up to and including termination of employment.

By accepting this offer, you acknowledge that your employment with IMR is at will. This means that neither you nor IMR have entered a contract regarding the terms or duration of employment. You may terminate your employment at any time, with or without cause or notice. Likewise, IMR reserves the right to reassign duties, modify compensation, or terminate employment at any time, with or without cause or notice.

Notice regarding onboarding:

Incumbents will onboard as an employee of Institute for Medical Research (IMR) and as an affiliate of the Veterans Health Administration (VHA). Incumbents must successfully complete onboarding with both entities. Specific start dates will be determined by VHA onboarding.