Clinical Research Coordinator III

Clinical Research Coordinator III (CRC3)

Organization:
The Institute for Medical Research (IMR), an affiliate of the Durham VA Health Care System (DVAHCS)

Location:
Durham, NC (On-site - VA Medical Center)

Employment Type:
Full-Time

Salary Range:

$72,300 - $97,800

Anticipated Start Date:

September 2026 or 6-8 weeks after offer, contingent on VA onboarding

Position Summary

The Institute for Medical Research, an affiliate of the Durham VA Health Care System (DVAHCS), is looking for a Clinical Research Coordinator III to support clinical research studies conducted by the Principal Investigator, Dr. Christopher Woods, and his associates. Dr. Christopher Woods' research unit works with multiple sections at the Durham VA Medical Center (DVAMC), including infectious diseases, pulmonology, hepatology, cardiology, and dermatology.

The incumbent will support several studies focusing on industry clinical trials and overlapping observational research. The areas of focus of this position are (a) study start-up and close-out, (b) recruitment, enrollment, and follow-up of study participants , (c) collection and processing of biospecimens, (d) collection and entry of research data, and (e) regulatory compliance with commercial, central, and local review boards. The incumbent will also work with junior staff in a mentorship and supervisory capacity. This is a patient-facing role.

This incumbent's first-level manager is the Research Program Manager; the second-level manager is the Principal Investigator, Dr. Christopher Woods. The incumbent will have the opportunity to work with research personnel, MDs, PhDs, and other clinical staff at the DVAMC and other VHA stations.

Location: This is an in-person role with 4-5 days a week in-office. Candidate is required to work from the Durham VA Medical Center.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

Critical Element 1: Clinical Research Coordination

• Coordinate and oversee assigned clinical research studies in accordance with approved protocols
• Provide input related to study budgets, timelines, staffing, scheduling, and operational needs
• Develop, implement, and manage study procedures
• Identify, screen, recruit, and consent eligible research participants
• Conduct participant follow-up visits and maintain ongoing engagement
• Apply sound judgment and problem-solving skills to address protocol deviations, recruitment challenges, and operational barriers
• Coordinate with study sponsors, contractors, Principal Investigators, and research team members for sponsored or multi-site studies

Critical Element 2: Data Collection & Regulatory Compliance

• Prepare and submit protocols, informed consent forms, HIPAA authorizations, and other regulatory documents for IRB review
• Prepare and submit amendments, continuing reviews, audits, adverse event reports, and other IRB-required documentation
• Maintain regulatory binders and documentation in collaboration with administrative staff
• Maintain accurate digital and/or paper study records, including informed consent forms, HIPAA documentation, case report forms, EMR research documentation, and participant payment records
• Review study records and binders for completeness, accuracy, and compliance with applicable regulations
• Resolve missing or inaccurate documentation and follow up with study participants as needed

Critical Element 3: Biospecimen Collection & Management

• Assist with and train staff on procurement, processing, storage, and shipment of biospecimens
• Coordinate biospecimen handling, including blood, swabs, and, when applicable, urine and stool samples
• Facilitate shipment and receipt of specimens to and from external laboratories or facilities
• Ensure biospecimen processing procedures are followed accurately and consistently

Critical Element 4: Collaboration & Team Engagement

• Manage day-to-day operational decisions related to assigned study protocols
• Assist with training and mentorship of junior research staff
• Collaborate with other research staff to ensure study milestones and objectives are met
• Update and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs)
• Participate in study meetings, conference calls, and leadership discussions
• Maintain and develop positive sponsor relationships as related to assigned studies
• Support current and future collaborations with clinical departments and VHA research partners

Minimum Qualifications:

Education
Work requires a bachelor's degree in biology, public health, clinical research, or other related scientific field.

Experience

5 or more years full-time patient-facing clinical research experience is required. A relevant clinical or clinical research certification may substitute for 1 year experience.

Degrees, Licensures, Certifications
None required above education requirement.

Residency Requirements:

As a condition of employment with the Institute for Medical Research (IMR), employees must reside within the State of North Carolina and maintain a reasonable commuting distance to their assigned work location throughout the duration of their employment. By accepting this offer, you acknowledge and agree to this requirement. Failure to maintain North Carolina residency at any time during employment may result in corrective action, up to and including termination of employment.

By accepting this offer, you acknowledge that your employment with IMR is at will. This means that neither you nor IMR have entered a contract regarding the terms or duration of employment. You may terminate your employment at any time, with or without cause or notice. Likewise, IMR reserves the right to reassign duties, modify compensation, or terminate employment at any time, with or without cause or notice.

Notice regarding onboarding:

Incumbents will onboard as an employee of Institute for Medical Research (IMR) and as an affiliate of the Veterans Health Administration (VHA). Incumbents must successfully complete onboarding with both entities. Specific start dates will be determined by VHA onboarding.