Clinical Research Coordinator I

Meharry Medical College; Lexington (VA); On-site; USD 52,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

Meharry Medical College is seeking a Clinical Research Coordinator I to manage specimen collection, processing, shipping, and tracking for the T4C initiative. The role maintains lab inventory and adheres to biosafety guidelines and HIPAA compliance.

The candidate will access IRB and GCP guidelines, enter data, support budget reviews, and ensure protocol adherence across regulatory requirements. This position emphasizes accuracy, teamwork, and a structured research environment.

Qualifications

• Graduated from an accredited discipline-specific program and licensed as phlebotomist/lab technician in Tennessee.
• Bachelor’s degree in a healthcare related field. Licensed phlebotomist preferred.
• 60 months experience in a patient care or research setting; clinical research experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assess eligibility of potential subjects through screening interviews and medical records reviews.
• Maintain study activity records including case report forms, consent forms, and regulatory documents.
• Monitor budgets, invoices, and contracts; assist with lab budgets under PI direction.
• Perform protocol procedures: interviewing subjects, vital signs, venipunctures; handle specimens.
• Ensure study compliance with protocols and regulatory policies.
• Schedule subjects for visits; communicate study aspects to patients or caregivers.
• Assist with IRB submissions and keep copies of communications.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Skills

Clinical research practices

PC proficiency

Data entry accuracy

Team oriented

Ability to work under stress

Education

Bachelor's degree in healthcare

Licensed phlebotomist/Lab technician

Tools

LIMS

REDCap

EMR/CTMS

IATA shipping

Job description

The Clinical Research Coordinator I (CRC I) will be responsible for specimen collection, processing, shipping, and tracking for T4C initiative. The CRC I will be responsible for inventory and keeping the lab clean and orderly at all times. He/she will use lab equipment and supplies according to standard biosafety guidelines, study protocols and Meharry regulations. Independently able to access regulations governing the protection of human subjects- IRB, FDA, OHRP, GCP/ICH and HIPAA guidelines and apply regulations in practice.

Job Description

Essential Functions (Principal Duties and Job Responsibilities):

• Assess eligibility of potential subjects through methods such as screening interviews, reviews of medical records, and discussions with physicians and nurses.

• Maintain required records of study activity including case report forms, consenting research subjects, or regulatory forms.

• Performs standard accounting functions, monitors and reviews accounting and related system reports for accuracy and completeness; prepares and reviews budget, revenue, expenses, invoices, and other accounting documents. Assist with reviews, analyzes and negotiates lab research budgets and contracts with sponsors under the direction of the Principal Investigator and Associate Director.

• Performs specific protocol procedures such as interviewing subjects, taking vital signs, and performing venipunctures. Direct the requisition, collection, labeling, storage, or shipment of specimens.

• Monitors study activities to ensure compliance with protocols and with all relevant local, federal, and state regulatory and institutional polices.

• Schedules subjects for appointments and procedures as required by study protocols. Informs patients or caregivers about study aspects and outcomes to be expected.

• Assists with preparing IRB submissions, protocol revisions, and renewals as needed, and maintains copies of all IRB communications delegated by the Principal Investigator.

• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required:

• Must possess a good working knowledge of basic clinical research practices.
• Must be proficient with personal computer.
• Ability to utilize keen judgment in evaluating information.
• Ability to numerically and accurately enter and calculate test results in an electronic database.
• Ability to work in a stressful environment.
• Must be team oriented.
• Accepts constructive criticism without issues.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities Preferred:

• Knowledge of biospecimen collection, processing, labeling, aliquoting, storage, and shipment

• Knowledge of biobanking principles and specimen chain-of-custody procedures

• Familiarity with clinical laboratory operations and quality assurance practices

• Understanding of human subject protection regulations, HIPAA, and FDA regulations

• Familiarity with Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS)

• Experience handling blood, urine, saliva, and other human biological specimens

• Knowledge of centrifugation, pipetting, specimen processing, freezer inventory management, and cold-chain requirements

Education and Experience Required:

• Graduated from an accredited discipline specific program and licensed as phlebotomist/lab technician in the state of Tennessee. 60 months experience in a patient care or research setting required (clinical research experience preferred).
• A Bachelor’s degree in a healthcare related field. Licensed phlebotomist preferred.

Education and Experience Preferred:

• __One (1) to two (2) years of experience in clinical research, translational research, or biomedical laboratory research

• Experience processing and handling human biological specimens

• Experience supporting observational studies, clinical trials, or biobank research

• Experience with specimen shipping in accordance with IATA regulations

• Experience with freezer inventory management and temperature monitoring systems

• Experience with REDCap, electronic medical records (EMR), CTMS, or laboratory information systems

Licensure, Certification or Registration Required:

• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification (or ability to obtain within 90 days of hire)

• Completion of Human Subjects Protection & Good Clinical Practice (GCP) training within 30 days of hire

• Completion of required institutional compliance training (e.g., HIPAA, OSHA, Bloodborne Pathogens)

Licensure, Certification or Registration Preferred:

• IATA Dangerous Goods Shipping Certification

• Current CPR/BLS certification

• Venipuncture certification or documented competency in specimen collection

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Meharry Medical College complies with Title IX and is an affirmative action employer. Candidates will be considered for employment without discrimination for an non-merit reason such as race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, handicap or veteran status.

***This position is funded through a grant and is contingent upon the availability of grant funding. Employment in this role is expected to continue for the duration of the grant period, subject to satisfactory performance and the continued availability of funding. While the organization intends to maintain this position for the full grant term, employment may end or be modified if grant funding is reduced, discontinued, or otherwise unavailable.