Clinical Research Associate

Oregon Health & Science University•Portland, OR

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Division of Oncological Sciences at OHSU's Knight Cancer Institute focuses on understanding cancer through various research methods, aiming to improve cancer prevention, detection, and treatment. The division's research is conducted by a collaborative team of scientists, faculty, trainees, and staff from diverse backgrounds, working together to translate lab discoveries into real-world benefits. Their research is built around teamwork and covers four key areas: Precision Systems Oncology, Cancer Data Science (including computer biology, bioinformatics, and biostatistics), Chemical Biology and Experimental Therapeutics, and Cancer Population Science. A major priority is to understand cell plasticity, which is the ability of cells to change their identity. Researchers are particularly interested in how cells transition from normal to cancerous, from cancer to spreading (metastasis), and from metastasis to becoming resistant to treatment. Every Knight Cancer employee is expected to embody guiding principles: acting BOLDLY, supporting each other, and working as a CONNECTED team. This role will play a key leadership role in a large NIH-funded clinical trial focused on improving the health and quality of life of cancer survivors. The Clinical Research Associate (Project Director) will lead the day-to-day operations of a supportive care clinical trial, overseeing study planning, implementation, participant recruitment, regulatory compliance, and data management.

Requirements

Master's Degree in relevant field AND 3 years of clinical research coordination experience OR Bachelor's Degree in relevant field AND 5 years of clinical research Coordination experience
Exceptional leadership, communication, analytical and organizational skills: both written and verbal in English
Experience on human clinical intervention trials
Ability to work proactively and independently and as part of a team while being collaborative in resolving problems
Ability to prioritize multiple tasks at one time
Must have demonstrated excellent communication skills both on the phone and in person
Must possess energy and drive to independently lead a large clinical trial
Ability to use tact and diplomacy to maintain effective working relationships with investigators and fellow research staff
Strong knowledge and skills in human subjects clinical trial research including data collection, data integrity, and recruitment of participants in clinic and by phone
Highly proficient skills with Microsoft Office (Excel, Outlook, Access, Word, and PowerPoint) and REDCap

Nice To Haves

Experience coordinating or managing clinical research studies, particularly clinical trials.
Strong project management, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
Experience supervising or mentoring research staff.
Experience working with REDCap and research data management systems.
Experience working with older adults, cancer survivors, or other clinical populations is preferred.
Prior clinical research experience at OHSU is highly desirable.
Master’s Degree in exercise science, health promotion, nutrition, health education, nursing or related field
Prior experience conducting research at OHSU, specifically clinical trials
Experience working with older adults and/or clinical populations
Familiarity with REDCap, OnCore, Epic, and other OHSU systems

Responsibilities

Lead the planning, coordination, and execution of a multi-site clinical trial.
Manage study timelines, milestones, and deliverables.
Supervise and train research staff involved in participant recruitment and data collection.
Oversee participant recruitment, retention, and study engagement activities.
Ensure compliance with regulatory, institutional, and study requirements.
Develop and maintain study databases and tracking systems, including REDCap.
Monitor data quality, completeness, and study performance metrics.
Coordinate research team meetings and sponsor communications.
Oversee participant randomization and intervention implementation.
Track study adherence, retention, and safety outcomes.
Collaborate with investigators on study reports, presentations, manuscripts, and budget oversight.

Benefits

Medical, dental and vision coverage at no or low cost to employees Covered 100% for full-time employees and 88% for dependents
Several retirement plans to choose from with contributions from OHSU
208 hours of PTO per year
8 days of sick time off
9 paid holidays per year
Commuter subsidies
Tuition reimbursement
Access to group life insurance, disability insurance and other supplemental benefits
Annual Merit Increase
Growth/Development Opportunities
Employee discounts to local and major businesses