Research Nurse

Job Summary

The Department of Medicine (DOM) offers a unique opportunity for a Research Nurse to join our Clinical Trials team within the Office of Research Services (ORS). ORS Clinical Trials conducts federally funded NIH or industry sponsored clinical research involving drugs, devices, biologic agents, imaging and breakthrough technologies to improve patient care and outcomes.

The Research Nurse will engage in coordinating these clinical trials, providing nursing care for research participants and managing the research protocols in collaboration with clinical research coordinators and physician investigators. This position will primarily support research in the Division of Cardiovascular Medicine within DOM; however, there may be opportunities to support additional areas within the department as needed. ORS Clinical Trials is a centralized unit supporting research across 11 divisions within DOM.

Typical work schedule for this position is Monday through Friday with very rare time on weekends, evenings or holidays. This position is full or part-time, 80%-100%.

This position requires work to be completed onsite, at a designated campus work location.

This position has been identified as a position of trust with access to vulnerable populations. The selected candidate will be required to pass an initial caregiver check to be eligible for employment under the Wisconsin Caregiver Law and every four years.

Must provide a valid driver's license. Employees may use their own transportation or receive approval for University Car Fleet usage. Employment is conditional pending the results of a Pre-hire Driver Authorization Check.

Key Job Responsibilities

• Provides appropriate treatment plan direction and information to study participants
• Provides professional nursing care to patients according to established protocols
• Assists regulatory coordinator in maintaining clinical research regulatory compliance for assigned protocols including but not limited to the IRB approval and regulatory documents per FDA, HHS and GCP guidelines
• Serves as main point of contact and liaison to project participants, investigators, research sponsors, and the research team delivering study information in accordance with established research project standards and protocols
• Assists in the recruitment and screening of subjects for clinical studies by conducting physical health assessments
• Secures and schedules logistics for clinical research projects according to the research plan
• Supervises the day-to-day activities of research work unit
• May provide expertise, training, and guidance to the community, peers, and/or students
• Prepares research participant information/consent/authorization
• Serves a primary point of contact for emergent study participant situations related to adverse effects or complications of the study
• Collects, verifies, and enters data into database and analyzes clinical information data
• Assists with development of a comprehensive budget for each clinical research protocol

Department

School of Medicine and Public Health, Department of Medicine, Office of Research Services

Fueled by innovation yet grounded in kindness, the Department of Medicine empowers leaders to transform medicine and improve lives everywhere. We are committed to professional fulfillment and health equity. We strive to ensure that everyone in our department understands the importance of social impact and belonging—and is empowered to champion it in all they do. Join us and be a part of supporting our nationally recognized faculty, innovative medical education programs and exceptional clinical care as we work towards our vision of healthy people and healthy communities!

The Office of Research Services (ORS) within the Department of Medicine (DOM) supports clinical research professionals and participants in advancing medical discovery to improve health outcomes across Wisconsin and beyond. ORS provides expert guidance, resources, and infrastructure to facilitate high-quality clinical trials and foster collaboration among investigators, industry partners, and research teams.

Compensation

The starting salary for the position is $65,000 annually; but is negotiable based on experience and qualifications. Employees in this position can expect to receive benefits such as generous vacation, holidays, and sick leave; competitive insurances and savings accounts; retirement benefits. For more information, refer to the campus benefits webpage and the SMPH Faculty /Academic Staff Benefits Flyer 2026.

Required Qualifications

• Two years of previous nursing experience
• Registered Nurse (RN) License required by the start date of the position

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in cardiovascular nursing or emergency/urgent care nursing
• Experience in clinical trials, knowledge of good clinical practice, understanding of federal research regulations

Education

Bachelor's degree preferred; focus in Nursing or closely related field preferred

Candidates who demonstrate the following knowledge, skills, and abilities will be given first consideration

• Reading and understanding of research principles and methodology and ability to apply that knowledge to a clinical trials environment.
• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Ability to interact with patients and researchers independently using initiative and good judgment.
• Ability to structure time to meet multiple deadlines.

Additional Information

University sponsorship is not available for this position, including transfers of sponsorship and TN visas. The selected applicant will be responsible for ensuring their continuous eligibility to work in the United States (i.e. a citizen or national of the United States, a lawful permanent resident, a foreign national authorized to work in the United States without the need of an employer sponsorship) on or before the effective date of appointment. This position is an ongoing position that will require continuous work eligibility. If you are selected for this position you must provide proof of work authorization and eligibility to work. The department will not be able to support a request for a J-1 waiver. If you choose to pursue a waiver and apply for our position, neither the UW nor UWMF will reimburse you for your legal or waiver fees.

Contact Information

Karen Olson, RN, MSM, CCRC, kjolson@medicine.wisc.edu, 608-263-1544

Relay Access (WTRS): 7-1-1.