Clinical Research Coordinator - Pediatrics

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS: CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday. CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday. If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click “Apply” and complete the application process for external applicants. Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants. This position is funded for 1 year(s); continuation past 1 year(s) will be based on university need, performance, and/or availability of funding. POSITION SPECIFICS JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS: 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. Therefore, we are seeking a highly motivated and enthusiastic Clinical Research Coordinator with strong expertise in clinical research design, patient‑facing coordination, data analysis, and regulatory/ethics procedures, and a demonstrated interest in pediatric oncology. Position Summary The Clinical Research Coordinator will 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. Key responsibilities include screening, recruiting, and enrolling participants; organizing study materials; facilitating data collection and management plans; entering data into secure databases (e.g., REDCap); and ensuring timely regulatory and IRB follow-up. The coordinator will oversee project timelines and deliverables, coordinate workflows between research teams, external partners, and stakeholders, contribute to budget management, and contribute to study proposals, and compliance documents. The Clinical Research Coordinator is also expected to maintain accurate study records and documentation and ensure that all activities comply with applicable regulations, institutional policies, and institutional review board requirements. 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. The ideal candidate will also have excellent verbal and written communication, organizational skills, and the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously. Key Responsibilities The Clinical Research Coordinator will provide comprehensive support for research projects and activities within the INSPIRE Team. Manage and safeguard data and patient information; perform accurate and efficient data collection and enter data into secure databases (e.g., REDCap) in a timely manner. Provide operational oversight for research projects and activities within the program, including monitoring project timelines and deliverables; coordinating workflows between research teams and stakeholders; supporting budget management; facilitating data collection and management plans, including creating REDCap databases; preparing and submitting grants, proposals, and compliance documents; maintaining records and documentation; and ensuring compliance with government regulations, institutional policies, and institutional review board requirements. 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 that project scope and milestones remain on schedule; monitor project progress and deliverables; and 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); and 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. May train staff members involved in research activities. Maintain professional, compassionate interactions with children and families participating in research, ensuring that study procedures are explained clearly and conducted in a child- and family-centered manner. MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS 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 Required Certifications: None 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 Required Certifications: None BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies. Penn State does not sponsor or take over sponsorship of a staff employment Visa. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. SALARY & BENEFITS The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $54,060.00 - $86,400.00. Salary Structure - Information on Penn State's salary structure Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children. For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page.