University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine·Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
The Clinical Research Assistant will provide administrative and operational support for clinical trials, including data entry, regulatory document preparation, and patient follow-up. They will also assist with specimen processing and coordinate with research staff to ensure study protocols are followed.
The University of Pennsylvania, the largest private employer in Philadelphia, is a world-renowned leader in education, research, and innovation.
This historic, Ivy League school consistently ranks among the top 10 universities in the annual U.S.
News & World Report survey.
Penn has 12 highly-regarded schools that provide opportunities for undergraduate, graduate and continuing education, all influenced by Penn’s distinctive interdisciplinary approach to scholarship and learning.
As an employer Penn has been ranked nationally on many occasions with the most recent award from Forbes who named Penn one of America’s Best Large Employers in 2023.
Penn offers a unique working environment within the city of Philadelphia. The University is situated on a beautiful urban campus, with easy access to a range of educational, cultural, and recreational activities. With its historical significance and landmarks, lively cultural offerings, and wide variety of atmospheres, Philadelphia is the perfect place to call home for work and play.
The University offers a competitive benefits package that includes excellent healthcare and tuition benefits for employees and their families, generous retirement benefits, a wide variety of professional development opportunities, supportive work and family benefits, a wealth of health and wellness programs and resources, and much more.
Job Description: Summary
Under general supervision will assist research staff with a variety of tasks to support ongoing clinical research studies.
Job Responsibilities: Provides general support for clinical trials coordinated within the unit
Supports and interacts with clinical research coordinators (CRCs) and clinical research nurse (CRNs)
Assists in identifying routine potential problems and communicates with appropriate member of the research team
Attends study related meetings and conferences calls
Assists Investigators with publications and presentations
Assists in obtaining appropriate signatures for regulatory forms
Assists in the preparation of documents needed for initiation, monitoring and close-out visits with sponsors and/or clinical research organization; includes clerical support, copying, gathering information
Organizes and maintains documentation, case report forms and study binders required by sponsor or Clinical Research Organization (CRO) as directed by Supervisor, CRN, or CRC
Obtains records required to complete case report forms
Assist study teams with data entry and data query resolution
Assists in preparation and submission of regulatory documents (including continuing review, amendments, and adverse event reporting) to the University of Pennsylvania Institutional Review Board; includes making copies per IRB requirements and delivery of documents to the IRB
Maintains telephone follow-up with all study patients as dictated by protocol in a timely manner
Reports and maintains documentation of all follow-up calls in source documents/database as designated in the protocol
Assists in email and other clerical duties as requested by CRC, CRN, or Supervisor
Screens for potential patients for research studies and collaborates and confers with PI, clinical research nurse or clinical research coordinator for final approval of the potential patient as a candidate for the study
Prepare study related research lab kits
Coordinate research specimen collection and delivery
Processes and ships blood, urine, and serum specimens for clinical trials
Assists in hospital and campus pick-ups and deliveries
Assists in resolving regulatory related queries with, IRB, CRO and sponsors
Perform additional duties as needed/assigned
High School Grad/GE Degree and 3 to 5 years of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience is required.
Effective problem-solving capabilities. Effective communication and writing skills. Ability to multi-task. Demonstrated ability to work as part of a team or independently.
Job Location - City, State
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Department / School
Perelman School of Medicine
$19.47 - $19.81 Hourly Rate
Salary offers are made based on the candidate’s qualifications, experience, skills, and education as they directly relate to the requirements of the position, and in alignment with salary ranges based on external market data for the job’s level. Internal organization and peer data at Penn are also considered.
The University of Pennsylvania is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates are considered for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion, creed, national origin (including shared ancestry or ethnic characteristics), citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status or any class protected under applicable federal, state or local law.
Special Requirements Background checks may be required after a conditional job offer is made. Consideration of the background check will be tailored to the requirements of the job.
https://www.hr.upenn.edu/PennHR/benefits-pay [https://www.hr.upenn.edu/PennHR/benefits-pay]
Candidates must have a high school diploma or GED and 3 to 5 years of relevant experience. Strong problem-solving, communication, and organizational skills are required to work effectively within a research team.
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Market context
Clinical Research Assistant roles in Pennsylvania are often driven by hospitals, universities, and research centers that need support for study coordination, data collection, and participant follow-up. Competition can be tight because employers usually look for a high school diploma or GED plus 3 to 5 years of relevant experience, along with strong problem-solving, communication, and organizational skills. Before applying, compare the AI-summarized requirements and benefits here with the original posting so you can quickly confirm fit and focus your application on research-team experience.