Lead Clinical Research Coordinator

The Lead Clinical Research Coordinator will work with physicians, nurses, other allied health professionals, and research staff to coordinate clinical research efforts provided at UPMC.

This position is a hybrid, 50% clinical and 50% administrative, position involving pediatric and adult clinical research trials.  We have a wide range of different types of industry and federal trials.

Responsibilities:

• Demonstrates leadership in ensuring patient comprehension and safety during initial and ongoing informed consent discussions.
• Oversee research associates in data entry and integrity, participates in working groups and committees,
• Takes personal responsibility in improving patient satisfaction with the quality of care and service provided.
• Utilizes multiple communication methods to facilitate the effective conduct of research.
• Utilizes a variety of strategies to enhance recruitment while being mindful of the needs of diverse patient populations.
• Primary liaison for study monitoring and audit visits for complex and IITs (investigator-initiated trials), Develops study implementation materials for complex studies and conducts in-service education, Mentors new hires & train in GCP & GDP methodologies, presents new studies at grand rounds/tumor board at community sites for provider education.
• Provides leadership to the research team in ensuring collection of source data and completion of documentation that validated the integrity of the research
• Takes responsibilities for identifying his or her ongoing professional development needs and seeks resources and opportunities to meet those needs, such as through membership in nursing or research organizations.
• Provides detailed and appropriate teaching to patients and families to effectively guide them through the research study.
• Assists the PI in reviewing new procedures/amendments related to complex research protocols and educates other staff of changes.
• Identifies opportunity for quality improvement to colleagues and management.
• Demonstrates leadership in ensuring adherence to ethical practices during the conduct of research in order to protect the rights and well-being of patients and the collection of quality data.
• Uses a variety of resources and strategies to manage the care of patients participating in research, ensuring compliance with protocol procedures, assessments, and reporting requirements as well as management of symptoms.
• Actively participates in the department's quality improvement efforts.
• Facilitates compliance with the requirements of the research protocol and good clinical research practice while remaining cognizant of the needs of the diverse patient population.