Clinical Research Assistant

Denali Health; Atlanta (GA); On-site; USD 50,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Denali Health’s Atlanta site is seeking a motivated Research Assistant to support clinical studies and work alongside Clinical Research Coordinators and Investigators. You will manage patient visits, assist with data collection, and help ensure data accuracy as part of a career accelerator toward becoming a Clinical Research Coordinator.

Ideal candidates have CNAs, CMAs, or FMGs with a strong medical foundation and a willingness to train in regulatory requirements (GCP/FDA).

Qualifications

• CNA with phlebotomy skills.
• CMA/RMA certification.
• Foreign Medical Graduate (FMG) seeking US clinical experience.

Responsibilities

• Patient care & procedures: phlebotomy, vital signs, ECGs, anthropometrics for study participants.
• Data integrity: collect and enter source data into EDC with high accuracy.
• Lab management: process specimens and prepare for shipment per IATA guidelines.
• Subject recruitment: pre-screen potential patients by phone and review medical history.
• Administrative support: maintain study binders and assist with scheduling visits.

Skills

Phlebotomy

Vital signs

ECGs

Data entry

EMR navigation

Bedside manner

Empathy

Attention to detail

Research ethics awareness

Education

Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)

Certified Medical Assistant (CMA/RMA)

Foreign Medical Graduate (FMG)

Tools

EMR systems

Job description

About Denali Health

Denali Health is a premier clinical research network dedicated to advancing medical science through high-quality clinical trials. Our Atlanta site is a hub of innovation, conducting studies that bring new therapies to patients who need them most. We believe in investing in potential. We recognize that Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs), Medical Assistants (MAs), and Foreign Medical Graduates (FMGs) possess the critical medical knowledge and patient care skills necessary to excel in research. At Denali, we provide the training and mentorship to turn your clinical background into a thriving career in the pharmaceutical and research industry.

The Opportunity

Are you a medical professional looking for more than just a job? Do you want to move away from standard bedside care and into the cutting-edge world of drug development? As a Research Assistant (RA) , you will work side-by-side with our Clinical Research Coordinators (CRCs) and Investigators. You will be the “hands and eyes” of our studies, managing patient visits, processing lab samples, and ensuring data accuracy. This role is designed as a career accelerator —our goal is to train you to eventually become a Clinical Research Coordinator.

Key Responsibilities

• Patient Care & Procedures: Perform clinical tasks such as phlebotomy (blood draws), obtaining vital signs, ECGs, and height/weight measurements for study participants.
• Data Integrity: Assist in collecting and entering source data into Electronic Data Capture (EDC) systems with high accuracy.
• Lab Management: Process biological specimens (centrifuging, pipetting, freezing) and prepare them for shipment according to IATA guidelines.
• Subject Recruitment: Assist with pre-screening potential patients over the phone and reviewing medical history to see if they qualify for studies.
• Administrative Support: Maintain study binders, organize supply inventories, and assist with scheduling patient visits.

Who We Are Looking For

We are specifically seeking individuals with a strong medical foundation who are eager to learn the regulations of research (GCP/FDA).

Required Qualifications

• Background:
  • Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) with phlebotomy skills.
  • Certified Medical Assistant (CMA/RMA) .
  • Foreign Medical Graduate (FMG) looking to gain US clinical experience.
• Clinical Skills: Proficiency in phlebotomy (blood draws) and taking vitals is highly preferred.
• Tech Savvy: Comfortable using computers, navigating electronic medical records (EMR), and learning new software quickly.
• Soft Skills: Excellent bedside manner, empathy for patients, and a “no task is too small” attitude.

Preferred (But Not Required – We Will Train!)

• Previous experience in a clinical research setting.
• IATA certification (shipping dangerous goods).
• GCP (Good Clinical Practice) certification.

Why Grow Your Career with Denali?

• Mentorship: You will be paired with experienced CRCs who will teach you the “Denali Way” of research.
• Career Pathway: We have a clear promotion track.
• Diverse Environment: We value the deep medical knowledge FMGs bring and the practical, hands-on efficiency of MAs and CNAs.
• Standard Hours: Enjoy a more predictable schedule compared to hospital shifts or emergency care.