Job Information
University of Pennsylvania Clinical Research Support Specialist in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
University Overview
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.
Posted Job Title
Clinical Research Support Specialist
Job Profile Title
Clinical Research Coordinator B
Job Description Summary
The Research Support Specialist will provide essential support for clinical trials and research studies at the Center for Clinical and Translational Research. This role includes Clinical Research Coordinator (CRC) tasks, grant submission support, creation of simple REDCap databases for pilot studies, laboratory support tasks, and sample pre-processing. The incumbent will ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and facilitate smooth research operations.
Job Description
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Key Responsibilities:
Clinical Research Coordinator (CRC) Tasks – 30%
Assist in coordinating and managing clinical trials and research studies in compliance with study protocols and regulatory requirements.
Help recruit, screen, and enroll study participants; obtain informed consent.
Schedule and conduct study visits, perform study-related procedures, and collect data.
Maintain accurate and complete source documents and case report forms.
Monitor participants for adverse events and report them according to protocol and regulatory guidelines.
Liaise with study sponsors, monitors, and other stakeholders to ensure smooth study operations.
Clinical Research Data Management Tasks – 35%
Develop, design and customize REDCap forms or databases or similar data management systems to support simple clinical research projects.
Perform regular quality checks and data validation to maintain data integrity.
Ensure all data management activities within REDCap comply with regulatory guidelines.
Maintain detailed documentation of data management procedures and modifications within REDCap.
Generate and distribute customized reports within SmartSheets dashboards to track performance or projects within CCTR.
Grants Submission Support – 20%
Assist faculty and researchers in preparing and submitting grant applications.
Ensure all components of the grant submission are complete and adhere to sponsor guidelines and institutional policies.
Coordinate with internal departments and external agencies to gather necessary documentation and approvals.
Track and monitor the status of submitted grants and provide updates to faculty and research teams.
Laboratory Support – 5%
Assist in the preparation and maintenance of laboratory equipment and supplies.
Conduct routine laboratory procedures and experiments as directed by research protocols.
Ensure accurate data collection and documentation of laboratory activities.
Maintain a clean, safe, and organized laboratory environment in compliance with safety regulations.
Support researchers in the collection, processing, and analysis of biological samples.
Serve as back-up for sample pre-processing, including centrifugation, aliquoting, and storage of samples.
Collaboration and Communication – 5%
Build and maintain strong working relationships with faculty, researchers, and administrative staff.
Facilitate open and effective communication between research teams, funding agencies, and institutional offices.
Actively participate in team meetings and contribute to process improvements and best practices.
Other duties as assigned – 5%
Qualifications:
Bachelor's degree in a relevant field (e.g., life sciences, public health, research administration) and 2-3 years of relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience is required.
Some experience in clinical research coordination, research administration, or a related area is preferred but not required.
Familiarity with grant submission processes and budgeting principles is a plus.
Proficiency in using REDCap, SmartSheets or similar data management systems is preferred.
Strong organizational and time management skills with the ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Attention to detail and a high degree of accuracy in work.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Job Location - City, State
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Department / School
School of Dental Medicine
Pay Range
$43,919.00 - $55,000.00 Annual 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, as well as internal and market factors and grade profile.
Affirmative Action Statement Penn adheres to a policy that prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, creed, national or ethnic origin, citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected class.
Special Requirements Background check required after a conditional job offer is made. Consideration of the background check will be tailored to the requirements of the job.
University Benefits
Health, Life, and Flexible Spending Accounts : Penn offers comprehensive medical, prescription, behavioral health, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits to protect you and your family’s health and welfare. You can also use flexible spending accounts to pay for eligible health care and dependent care expenses with pre-tax dollars.
Tuition : Take advantage of Penn's exceptional tuition benefits . You, your spouse, and your dependent children can get tuition assistance here at Penn. Your dependent children are also eligible for tuition assistance at other institutions.
Retirement: Penn offers generous retirement plans to help you save for your future. Penn’s Basic, Matching, and Supplemental retirement plans allow you to save for retirement on a pre-tax or Roth basis. Choose from a wide variety of investment options through TIAA and Vanguard.
Time Away from Work: Penn provides you with a substantial amount of time away from work during the course of the year. This allows you to relax, take vacations, attend to personal affairs, recover from illness or injury, spend time with family—whatever your personal needs may be.
Long-Term Care Insurance: In partnership with Genworth Financial, Penn offers faculty and staff (and your eligible family members) long-term care insurance to help you cover some of the costs of long-term care services received at home, in the community or in a nursing facility. If you apply when you’re newly hired, you won’t have to provide proof of good health or be subject to underwriting requirements. Eligible family members must always provide proof of good health and are subject to underwriting.
Wellness and Work-life Resources : Penn is committed to supporting our faculty and staff as they balance the competing demands of work and personal life. That’s why we offer a wide variety of programs and resources to help you care for your health, your family, and your work-life balance.
Professional and Personal Development: Penn provides an array of resources to help you advance yourself personally and professionally.
University Resources: As a member of the Penn community, you have access to a wide range of University resources as well as cultural and recreational activities. Take advantage of the University’s libraries and athletic facilities, or visit our arboretum and art galleries. There’s always something going on at Penn, whether it’s a new exhibit at the Penn Museum, the latest music or theater presentation at the Annenberg Center, or the Penn Relays at Franklin Field to name just a few examples. As a member of the Penn community, you’re right in the middle of the excitement—and you and your family can enjoy many of these activities for free.
Discounts and Special Services : From arts and entertainment to transportation and mortgages, you'll find great deals for University faculty and staff. Not only do Penn arts and cultural centers and museums offer free and discounted admission and memberships to faculty and staff. You can also enjoy substantial savings on other goods and services such as new cars from Ford and General Motors, cellular phone service plans, movie tickets, and admission to theme parks.
Flexible Work Hours: Flexible work options offer creative approaches for completing work while promoting balance between work and personal commitments. These approaches involve use of non-traditional work hours, locations, and/or job structures.
Penn Home Ownership Services: Penn offers a forgivable loan for eligible employees interested in buying a home or currently residing in West Philadelphia, which can be used for closing costs or home improvements.
Adoption Assistance: Penn will reimburse eligible employees on qualified expenses in connection with the legal adoption of an eligible child, such as travel or court fees, for up to two adoptions in your household.
To learn more, please visit: https://www.hr.upenn.edu/PennHR/benefits-pay
The University of Pennsylvania's special character is reflected in the diversity of the Penn community. We seek talented faculty and staff who will constitute a vibrant community that draws on the strength that comes with a substantive institutional commitment to diversity along dimensions of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, age, religion, disability, veteran status, interests, perspectives, and socioeconomic status. Grounded in equal opportunity, nondiscrimination, and affirmative action, Penn's robust commitment to diversity is fundamental to the University's mission of advancing knowledge, educating leaders for all sectors of society, and public service. The University of Pennsylvania prohibits unlawful discrimination based on race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, creed, national or ethnic origin, citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected class.