Research Nurse

The Research Nurse position at UT MD Anderson is responsible for clinical evaluation, coordination, implementation, and monitoring of patients enrolled in research protocols. This Research Nurse role serves as a central point of contact for clinical trial progress and patient status, ensuring adherence to regulatory, institutional, and clinical standards. The Research Nurse contributes directly to the institution's mission of eliminating cancer through integrated patient care, research, education, and prevention.

The ideal candidate holds a Bachelor's Degree in Nursing, has experience or interest in clinical research, and maintains advanced certifications such as ACLS or PALS. Strong clinical judgment, the ability to manage complex protocols, and effective communication skills are essential. Candidates should demonstrate initiative, attention to detail, and the ability to work in a fast-paced, multidisciplinary environment.

Minimum $77,500 - Midpoint $97,000 - Maximum $116,500
The typical work schedule is Days, Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Responsibilities

Coordinate activities related to initiation and conduct of clinical trials:
• Work with staff in Patient Business Services to develop research charge tickets for protocols.
• Interact with clinic staff to make sure research charge tickets are used appropriately and that billing to sponsored study accounts is accurate.
• Timely notification of patient on study to patient access coordinator and PBS.
• Screen patients for protocol eligibility through personal interviews and/or medical record review in inpatient and outpatient settings.
• Instruct co-workers in allied fields in procedures for recording patient information.
• Maintain data necessary for audits.
• Understand and adhere to the policies and procedures related to conduct of clinical trials as delineated in the department training manual and presented at weekly training meetings.

Participate in protocol-specific clinical tasks as needed:
• Provides nursing assessment and assists in management of toxicities and/or adverse events that patients may experience while on department clinical trials.
• Identifies and provides patient and family educational needs regarding treatment management, evaluation and follow-up in clinical trials.
• If necessary, administers investigational medications, following acceptable nursing procedures/guidelines.
• Orders protocol-related test(s), procedures and consults.
• Understand and adhere to the policies and procedures related to conduct of clinical trials as delineated in the department training manual and presented at weekly training meetings.

Assist the primary investigator in collection and evaluation of data:
• Retrieves protocol-related data as documented in the medical record and accurately enters it into a computerized database or on a handwritten case report form.
• Evaluates response to treatment, treatment toxicities and adverse drug reactions and reports appropriately to the principal investigator, the Institutional Review Board and the study sponsor.
• Provides protocol summary reports as requested.
• Understand and adhere to the policies and procedures related to conduct of clinical trials as delineated in the department training manual and presented at weekly training meetings.

Provide professional and ancillary staff education concerning protocols by written and/or computerized directions:
• Provides accurate information as required to the multidisciplinary team, concerning research protocol eligibility and availability.
• Acts as a liaison to coordinate studies with sponsor institutions and pharmaceutical companies.
• Communicates efficiently and effectively with internal as well as external referring physicians regarding protocol eligibility and availability.
• Keeps current concerning oncology, research and data management issues through reading and/or attending meetings/in-services.
• Represents the department in order to attract new protocols from physicians, and pharmaceutical companies.
• Understand and adhere to the policies and procedures related to conduct of clinical trials as delineated in the department training manual and presented at weekly training meetings.

To maintain a high level of professional expertise and credibility through educational programs, including on-site training and off-site conferences:
• Attend department research meetings and conferences.
• Attend approved off-site meetings and conferences.
• Supplement education as needed through use of reference materials, lectures, etc.
• Be punctual in arriving at all professional functions.
• Inform appropriate staff and arrange coverage for necessary functions when absent.
• Understand and adhere to the policies and procedures related to conduct of clinical trials as delineated in the department training manual and presented at weekly training meetings.

Ancillary/Periodic Functions:
• Coordinates and maintains accurate and current PDMS protocol databases as assigned. Assists with protocol data entry into a computer system or on a handwritten case report form. Assists with data analysis by producing computer data reports as requested. Prepares protocol summary reports as needed, including those requiring simple statistics. Utilizes computer statistical/data management packages as necessary.
• Collects data from multiple sources including medical records, verbal communication and outside records. Assists with retrieval of demographics, on-study and follow-up information as needed and record the data clearly and accurately.
• Develops and maintains system for controlling paper flow for protocols and hospital policies, including records of surgery, pathology, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. Develops and maintains databases for collection of research data.
• Attends protocol start-up meetings. Identifies protocol design problems. Collaborates with physicians and/or protocol sponsors regarding protocol design, development (including budget concerns) implementation, and evaluation.

EDUCATION
• Required: Graduation from an accredited school of professional nursing.
• Preferred: Bachelor's Degree Nursing.

WORK EXPERIENCE
• Required: One year Registered nurse experience.
• Preferred: Prior Research Nurse and/or Oncology experience.

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS
• Required: RN - Registered Nurse - State Licensure Current State of Texas Professional Nursing license (RN). Upon Hire
• Required: BLS - Basic Life Support or CPR - Cardiac Pulmonary Resuscitation Upon Hire
• Preferred: ACLS - Advanced Cardiac Life Support Certification as required by patient care area. Upon Hire
• Preferred: PALS - Pediatric Advanced Life Support Certification as required by patient care area. Upon Hire

The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center offers excellent benefits, including medical, dental, paid time off, retirement, tuition benefits, educational opportunities, and individual and team recognition.

This position may be responsible for maintaining the security and integrity of critical infrastructure, as defined in Section 113.001(2) of the Texas Business and Commerce Code and therefore may require routine reviews and screening. The ability to satisfy and maintain all requirements necessary to ensure the continued security and integrity of such infrastructure is a condition of hire and continued employment.