Clinical Research Program Specialist

Keck Medicine of USC • Los Angeles, CA

1d • $35 - $39

About The Position

For more than 75 years, the University of Southern California has been working to ensure that people of every age and from every circumstance can live life to the fullest. Throughout the decades, Trojans near and far have advanced the profession of occupational therapy and the research discipline of occupational science. Today, the USC Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy proudly carries this legacy forward as we aim to improve the quality of life of people and communities across the world. We have a shared purpose here at USC Chan. Together, our researchers, educators, clinicians, students and alumni are dedicated to optimizing the engagement of people — especially those with disability, injury, illness, unhealthy lifestyles or chronic conditions — in the ordinary and extraordinary activities of life. Job Summary The Clinical Research Program Specialist plans and implements services and activities for three NIH-funded clinical research programs within the Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy. This role provides administrative and operational support to the research teams to ensure the successful execution of program objectives and compliance with institutional, federal, and funding requirements. The specialist plays a key role in participant recruitment, data collection, and research coordination to advance the division’s research mission.

Requirements

• Education: Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree preferred.
• Experience: Minimum two years of experience in research coordination or related work. Equivalent education and experience may be substituted.
• Skills & Competencies: Proficiency in both English and Spanish (verbal and written).
• Strong organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills.
• Experience recruiting and consenting human subjects for research.
• Ability to manage multiple projects, meet deadlines, and ensure compliance with research protocols.

Nice To Haves

• Experience working in academic or clinical research environments preferred.

Responsibilities

• Program Coordination – Coordinates clinical research administrative functions, schedules meetings, tracks deadlines, and develops organizational systems. Serves as a key point of contact for research programs and manages correspondence and information requests.
• Participant Recruitment & Data Collection – Screens, recruits, and consents participants in English and Spanish, including off-site recruitment throughout the Los Angeles area and virtual interactions via Zoom. Oversees data collection, processing, and analysis to ensure accuracy and integrity.
• Research Support – Supports the development and implementation of research activities, assists with literature reviews, and contributes to data summaries, presentations, and reports. Ensures compliance with NIH, IRB, and university research standards.
• Financial & Administrative Support – Assists in tracking budgets, processing research-related transactions, and resolving financial discrepancies as part of grant management.
• Outreach & Communication – Participates in program communications, materials development, and event coordination to promote research visibility.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level