Clinical Research Coordinator - Pediatrics

This position is funded for 1 year; continuation past 1 year will be based on university need, performance, and/or availability of funding.

About the role

The Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology and Oncology at the Penn State College of Medicine is hiring a full-time Clinical Research Coordinator to support the INSPIRE team. This position plays a key role in supporting investigator-initiated non-therapeutic supportive research trials in pediatric oncology. The ideal candidate will have experience with REDCap, prior IRB involvement, a strong record of effective collaboration within multidisciplinary teams and across multiple Principal Investigators’ projects, and a demonstrated interest in pediatric oncology.

Responsibilities

• Provide day-to-day operational oversight for multiple pediatric oncology research projects, including NIH-funded studies, foundation-funded studies, and investigator-initiated non-therapeutic trials.
• Screen, recruit, and enroll participants; organize study materials; facilitate data collection and management plans; enter data into secure databases (e.g., REDCap); and ensure timely regulatory and IRB follow-up.
• Oversee project timelines and deliverables, coordinate workflows between research teams, external partners, and stakeholders, and contribute to budget management.
• Contribute to study proposals and compliance documents, and ensure all activities comply with applicable regulations, institutional policies, and institutional review board requirements.
• Manage and safeguard data and patient information; perform accurate and efficient data collection and entry into secure databases (e.g., REDCap).
• Develop and implement recruitment and data collection plans, including methods, tools, targets, and evaluation procedures.
• Identify eligible participants, coordinate recruitment and informed consent processes, collect study data, and enroll participants in research studies.
• Develop and refine standard operating procedures and workflow processes to ensure project scope and milestones remain on schedule; monitor project progress and deliverables.
• Generate progress reports and presentations for investigators and stakeholders.
• Coordinate and prepare project documentation, including standard operating procedures, data collection forms, templates, research project submissions, and study manuals.
• Coordinate meetings, trainings, and presentations; prepare and distribute agendas, minutes, and follow-up action items.
• Author, review, and submit regulatory and compliance documents; maintain ongoing communication with internal and external entities (e.g., IRB, Office of Research Affairs, NIH, Clinical Trials Office, HRPP).
• Foster effective relationships with regulatory agencies, research organizations, and central university offices.
• Proactively identify, communicate, and resolve project issues; recommend and implement process improvements and solutions.
• Track and document study team training and certifications; monitor completion and maintain up-to-date compliance and credentialing records.
• Assist investigators and research staff with the preparation and submission of grant applications, study protocols, and related supporting documents.
• Train staff members involved in research activities.
• Maintain professional, compassionate interactions with children and families participating in research, ensuring study procedures are explained clearly and conducted in a child- and family-centered manner.

Requirements

If filled as Clinical Research Coordinator - Intermediate Professional, this position requires:

• Bachelor's Degree
• 1+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted

If filled as Clinical Research Coordinator - Advanced Professional, this position requires:

• Bachelor's Degree
• 3+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S.

Pay

The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $54,060.00 - $86,400.00.

Benefits

Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being, including:

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Robust retirement plans
• Substantial paid time off, including holidays, vacation, and sick time
• 75% tuition discount for employees, eligible spouses, and children