UPMC·Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
The research associate will facilitate clinical research trials by managing protocols, coordinating study activities, and ensuring accurate data collection. They will work closely with physicians and nurses to verify patient eligibility and perform study-specific procedures.
UPMC Hillman Cancer Center is currently hiring a regular full-time Clinical Research Associate - Oncology to help support the Clinical Research Services team located within the Hillman Cancer Center in Shadyside/Pittsburgh, PA & Hillman Women's Oncology Program at Magee Women's Hospital in Oakland/Pittsburgh, PA. This role will float and support various Oncology Disease Center program studies working Monday through Friday daylight hours. The Clinical Research Services (CRS) team is made up of nearly 200 staff members who facilitate development, implementation, coordination, internal data monitoring, and completion of oncology-focused trials at Hillman. These trials include institutional (investigator-initiated), multi-center cooperative group/National Clinical Trial Network (NCTN), consortium, and industry-sponsored trials. Using a disease-specific centers model for conducting clinical trials, CRS provides study development and implementation assistance, submissions to the FDA, IRB processing, patient recruitment, study coordination, study-specific training, data collection, and specimen collection and processing. Under the direction of the Clinical Research Manager, the research associate will work with physicians, nurses, and allied health professionals to facilitate clinical research trials provided through the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute (UPCI) and UPMC Hillman Cancer Centers and to independently execute job functions related to protocol management. This position is part of a UPMC Research Career ladder. The incumbent will be hired into the appropriate level of research associate position based on their current education and experience level.
Assists in entering subject trial registration and study status updates into CTMA. Assists in the coordination of initiation, site evaluation, monitoring visits, and audits required by the sponsor. Assists in verifying subject eligibility according to protocols by reviewing medical records, laboratory, and radiology or CT scan results. Create study-specific source documents, case report forms and study visit checklists. Ensures that patient's records, slides, radiology tests, lab work results, etc. are obtained and reviewed prior to patient entry into a study. Performs consenting process and study implementation of lab, registry, and non-therapeutic clinical trials. Process required documents as need for the research protocols. Responsible for prompt and accurate data collection for protocols. Shares responsibility of managing the day-to-day activities for the research protocols. Will serve as an assistant to support all main functions of the department.
High school diploma or equivalent required. Bachelor’s degree in healthcare or related field OR four (4) years of experience in clinical research and/or related setting OR three (3) years of experience in clinical research with certification. Additional skills include prior knowledge and use of Microsoft Office software produces and the ability to work with a PC database application. Preferred knowledge of research methodology and prior supervisory and or/ project management experience preferred. Oncology and/or Research experience preferred. Licensure, Certifications, and Clearances: Act 34 Criminal Clearance UPMC is an equal opportunity employer. Minority/Females/Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
Candidates must have a high school diploma or equivalent, with a preference for a bachelor's degree in a healthcare-related field. Relevant experience in clinical research or oncology is highly preferred, along with proficiency in Microsoft Office and database applications.
Market context
In Pennsylvania, administration roles tied to clinical research often draw steady demand from hospitals, universities, and research sites that need coordinators who can keep studies organized and compliant. These roles are competitive because employers look for candidates with direct coordinator experience, strong Microsoft Office skills, and practical clinical abilities such as phlebotomy or a willingness to train quickly. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits here to save time, then confirm your experience matches the study setting and be ready to discuss how you handle documentation and participant coordination.