What does a Research Coordinator do?
Research coordinators supervise successful drug trials and medical research. They are responsible for gathering patients for their trials through recruitment and by screening them to ensure they a proper fit for the trial’s guidelines. They also ensure the materials and supplies used in the trial remain safe during each step, and they maintain the integrity of all documents recorded as part of the trial.
Research coordinators must administer the trial while following competent clinical practice guidelines. They will study their subjects and ensure the clinical trial is successfully operated. They assist investigators in the screening and review of potential participants for their eligibility; they maintain report forms, charts, and documentation. They are called on to collect and do data entry when needed and perform various on- the-job duties. Research coordinators need a minimum high school diploma or equivalency; some jobs require a bachelor's degree in clinical research or related fields, while others require an associate's degree and on-the-job training.
- Register patients into research studies to meet protocol parameters.
- Collect, enter, correct, and revise data as appropriate into research database for assigned projects.
- Assist with preparation for audits and response to audits.
- Make and manage participants appointments for treatment and assessment visits.
- Maintain professional relationships, including frequent and open effective communication with internal and external customers.
- Identify individual patient needs to facilitate participation including identifying and pre-screening potential participants.
- Collaborate with study team to develop new strategies for the growth of the research program.
- Achieve, timely, thorough and accurate completion and evaluation of case report forms.
- Responsible for key client deliverables including budget, risk, and milestone management.
- Train and oversee personnel and manage studies and regulatory matters.
- If necessary, ensure that drug dose is modified appropriately.
- Perform review of SOW to ensure quality implementation of client specifics and requirements.
- May participate in the conducting and documentation of the informed consent process.
- Chair and/or participate in councils and/or committees as needed.
- Assist with research specimen collections, proper labeling, processing, storing, and archiving in lab.
- Generate data for ongoing evaluation of study when requested.
- Ensure that all customer expectations are documented and acted upon in compliance with regulatory requirements.
- Accountable for the implementation, monitoring and reporting of performance metrics.
- Work with appropriate internal and external personnel to understand the culture and pipeline of assigned clients.
- Work as a liaison between patient and physician in dealing with medical problems.
- Bachelor's or Graduate's Degree in biology, life sciences, nursing, health science, or science or equivalent experience.
- Experience with internet applications and CMA.
- Fluency in clinical practices related to field.
- Able to lead during collaboration, decision making, and problem solving.
- A creative thinker with strong attention to detail and time management skills,
- Experience in clinical practice.
- Collaboration with team members, subjects, and other experts in the field.
- An eye for deviations.
- Adherence to writing protocols when compiling information for databases.
- Fluency in HIPAA practices and policies.
- Demonstrated interfacing skills.
How much does a Research Coordinator make?
Base Pay
Additional Pay
$56,922
/ yrResearch Coordinator Career Path
Learn how to become a Research Coordinator, what skills and education you need to succeed, and what level of pay to expect at each step on your career path.
Years of Experience Distribution
Research Coordinator Insights
University of Pennsylvania“Great benefits including tuition benefits that allow you to advance your education and retirement match.”
National Health Promotion Associates“It’s a great opportunity to learn real world research skills and is rewarding because you’re doing good.”
Engineered Equipment“The cherry on top was me being laid off two weeks before Christmas where I was asked to sigh paperwork.”
The Johns Hopkins University“I was harassed as a trans person and there was no action taken to make the workplace safer for me or others.”
Behavioural Insights Team“Stimulating and challenging work and constant opportunities to grow”
Prisma Health“Remote work and medium benefits”
Clinical Research Malaysia“Limited career progression and everything is based on your seniority within the company.”
The University of North Carolina System“Great staff to work with and to train with.”
Frequently asked questions about the roles and responsibilities of a Research Coordinator
- Research Fellow
- Research Technician
- Researcher
- Student Researcher