Lead Clinical Research Coordinator

Alberta Health Services; Calgary; On-site; CAD 44,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Cancer Care Alberta is seeking a Lead Clinical Research Coordinator to mentor CRCs and RAs, standardize practices and drive quality in oncology trials.

The role oversees training, supervision, and process improvement while coordinating with multiple departments to ensure compliance with SOPs and regulatory requirements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in science/health/clinical research field.
• 3–5 years’ experience as a Clinical Research Coordinator in Oncology Trials.
• Knowledge of oncology terminology, anatomy and tumor staging.
• Familiarity with ICH-GCP, Health Canada & FDA regulations.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership, mentorship and training for CRCs and RAs.
• Standardize CRC/RA practices and develop training programs.
• Supervise RAs; coordinate CRC/RA workload with management.
• Lead site visits, audits, and documentation for sponsors and regulatory bodies.
• Deliver staff training and ensure SOP compliance; promote best practices.

Skills

Clinical Research Coordination

Project management

Time management

Communication skills

Presentation skills

Coaching/mentoring

Confidentiality

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Science, Health or Clinical Research related field

Job description

Your Opportunity

Reporting to the Manager, the Lead Clinical Research Coordinator (Lead CRC) functions as a mentor and serves as an expert resource to the Clinical Research Coordinator (CRCs) and Clinical Research Assistant (RAs) roles within the Clinical Trials Unit. This position has the ability to build and maintain positive relationships, act independently and efficiently and will be the first point of contact to provide guidance and hands on support for issues that arise daily. This individual can identify trends and provides solutions to any gaps and deficiencies. By reviewing and implementing processes and assisting in staff development the Lead CRC will help streamline and standardize the CRC role within the Clinical Trials Unit and improve the job environment. This position will provide functional supervision to the Research Assistants (RAs). The Lead CRC will commit to upholding and promoting the CRU’s Health Canada compliance goals and work in collaboration with the Quality & Regulatory team. The position will lead staff training and education, and CRC/RA coverage planning in collaboration with the Associate Manager. The lead will proactively learn new clinical trial data entry systems, electronic medical record systems, Clinical Trial Management Software and share knowledge and provide direct support to staff. They participate in quality improvement initiatives to address common learning needs and to develop appropriate CRC/RA training programs. This individual will possess the skills necessary to effectively communicate difficult concepts and to positively influence and motivate others. They will be able to encourage others to adapt workflows, implement new processes and suggest tools and new methods of best practice to optimize work habits and ensure that responsibilities are being met efficiently and effectively, contributing to patient safety and data quality.

Description

As Lead CRC, you will be responsible for leadership, training and practice development. The Lead CRC works with the unit CRCs, RAs & management team to review current practices and develop, coordinate and implement initiatives. Helping to standardize processes, mentor staff and address or overcome barriers. They lead and advise other CRCs to solve complex study-related problems specific to this position and are responsible for daily supervision of the RAs. Together with the management team, the lead CRC will develop, maintain and help monitor a training program for CRCs & RAs. They are responsible for providing initial and ongoing staff training and promoting and ensuring adherence to SOPs and working practices, as well as promoting and developing standardization of practices. They maintain effective communication with CRU staff and departments involved with the study protocol and work collaboratively with staff to facilitate communication with outside facilities & study sponsors. The Lead CRC is comfortable with preparing and delivering presentations. They are responsible for clinical trials data management, interpretation and analysis, providing daily support and vacation/absence coverage as required for data locks, urgent queries and SAEs by sourcing and interpreting data, liaising with other departments and entering/submitting data and reports as required. They will obtain Superuser status for applicable electronic medical records and apply knowledge to help staff navigate the EMR. They help staff prioritize workflow and assist the Associate Manager to monitor CRC workload. They facilitate site visits and audit processes as required and help coordinate and prepare source documentation for audits or inspections conducted by Study Sponsors, coordinating groups, FDA or Health Canada. To stay current, the Lead CRC would be primary CRC on at least one study.

Transition Company: Cancer Care Alberta

Classification: Working Leader

Union: Exempt

Unit and Program: Owerko Family Centre for Clinical Trials, Arthur Child Cancer Centre

Primary Location: Arthur Child Cancer Centre

Location Details: As Per Location

Temporary Employee Class: Temp F/T Benefits

FTE: 1.00

Posting End Date: 27-AUG-2026

Date Available: 05-OCT-2026

Temporary End Date: 06-OCT-2027

Hours per Shift: 7.75

Length of Shift in weeks: 2

Shifts per cycle: 10

Shift Pattern: Days

Days Off: Saturday/Sunday

Minimum Salary: $31.64

Maximum Salary: $54.36

Vehicle Requirement: Not Applicable

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Science, Health or Clinical Research related field.

Additional Required Qualifications

• Minimum 3-5 years’ experience working as a Clinical Research Coordinator with Oncology Clinical Trials.


• Knowledge of oncology medical terminology, anatomy, and cancer tumor staging.


• Familiarity with associated clinical trial regulations and guidelines (ICH-GCP training, Health Canada & FDA).


• Demonstrated project and time management skills.


• Prior experience working with pharmaceutical sponsors; multi tumor group, and Cooperative group trials experience.


• An ability to multi-task effectively in a busy area with multiple interruptions and competing demands.


• Demonstrated ability in coaching, teaching, inspiring and building confidence in others.


• Able to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive situations with stakeholders.


• Strong presentation and communication skills.


• Demonstrated abilities in research and/or scholarly activity.


• Excellent problem-solving skills and computer skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior Supervisory and/or Team Leader experience.