Clinical Research Coordinator - Oncology & Palliative Medicine

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Position Summary

The Clinical Research Coordinator (CRC) provides support for clinical research activities within the Center for Research Excellence in Supportive Care (CREST) at the James Cancer Center/Solove Research Institute and the Section for Pain and Palliative Care Research (SPARC) in the Division of Palliative Medicine. CREST focuses on supportive care research in areas such as aging and cognitive impairment, pain and symptom management, substance use, and medical cannabis in individuals with serious illness, particularly cancer. The CRC works closely with principal investigators and research teams to coordinate and manage clinical research studies in compliance with institutional, regulatory, and federal guidelines, including participant recruitment, informed consent, data collection, and preparation and maintenance of IRB submissions and regulatory documentation. This role requires strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan, organize, and coordinate the care of patients enrolled in clinical research studies

• Determine subject eligibility; screen, recruit, consent, enroll, and follow research participants in accordance with study protocols

• Assess risk–benefit ratios and obtain informed consent in compliance with regulatory requirements

• Monitor study subjects to ensure appropriate follow‑up visits are scheduled and completed

• Monitor participants for adverse events and report findings to the Institutional Review Board (IRB) and study sponsors as required

• Provide education to subjects and families regarding clinical research participation and the use of investigational drugs and/or devices

• Collect, process, and distribute biological specimens according to protocol specifications

• Collect, document, and manage study data; enter data into electronic databases and required regulatory forms

• Support the development and maintenance of a Quantitative Sensory Testing (QST) laboratory, including scheduling and conducting QST visits with research participants, equipment setup, data collection, and documentation

• Respond to data queries and ensure accuracy, completeness, and timeliness of study data

• Maintain and oversee complete and accurate IRB regulatory files

• Prepare and submit IRB applications, amendments, continuing reviews, and required reports in accordance with institutional and federal guidelines

• Serve as primary point of contact for IRB-related communications for assigned studies

• Assist investigators in determining study budgets and resource needs

• Verify study‑related expenditures, report research subject payments, and ensure compliance with study budget guidelines

• Assist in developing and implementing operational plans to meet the requirements of new studies and protocols

Job Requirements
Bachelor's Level Degree or equivalent combination of education and experience with a Major in biological sciences. 1 year of relevant experience required.

Preferred Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in biological or social sciences or an equivalent combination of education and experience required; 1 year experience in a clinical research capacity conducting clinical research studies required; 1 year experience implementing qualitative research required;  1 year experience and knowledge of symptom management interventions for advanced cancer patients strongly required; clinical research certification from ACRP (Association of Clinical Research Professionals) or SoCRA (Society of Clinical Research Associates) certification strongly desired.

We invite applications from individuals who are passionate about improving the quality of life for patients with cancer and their care partners. Join the newly established Center for Research Excellence in Supportive Care (CREST)—an interdisciplinary initiative founded by the Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute (OSUCCC – James) and led by Jessica Merlin, MD, PhD, MBA, a physician-scientist and behavioral researcher with board certifications in internal medicine, infectious diseases, palliative care, and addiction medicine. Dr. Merlin is a tenured Professor of Medicine at Ohio State, Chief of the Section for Pain and Palliative Care Research (SPARC), and Director of CREST.

CREST fosters inclusive, collaborative research across the university and is closely aligned with SPARC in the Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Palliative Medicine, a nationally recognized leader in clinical care, education, and research. The division includes a diverse team of physicians, nurses, pharmacists, social workers, and psychologists, and provides expert care across five service lines. The palliative medicine team focuses on improving the quality of life of patients and their families facing life-threatening illnesses. Our goal at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center’s Division of Palliative Medicine is the prevention and relief of suffering through treatment of pain and other physical, psychosocial and spiritual issues.

CREST was founded by the OSUCCC – James, which includes over 250 investigators from 17 colleges dedicated to reducing the burden of cancer through basic, clinical, and translational research. The OSUCCC – James is the only cancer program in the United States that features a National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated comprehensive cancer center aligned with a nationally ranked academic health center and a freestanding cancer hospital on the campus of one of the nation’s largest public universities.

Join us in shaping the future of supportive care science in a collaborative, innovative environment.

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Thank you for your interest in working at Ohio State.

Final candidates are subject to successful completion of a background check. A drug screen or physical may be required during the post offer process.

The university is an equal opportunity employer, including veterans and disability.