Research Nurse - Head & Neck Surgery

University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center

Houston (TX)

Hybrid

USD 78,000 - 117,000

Full time

6 days ago

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Benefits offered by this job

Employer-paid medical coverage

PTO and holidays

Tuition Assistance Program

Pension plan

Job summary

The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center is seeking a Research Nurse to support a Head and Neck Surgery clinical research program and psychedelic oncology research initiatives. The role emphasizes coordination of protocols, patient education, data collection, and regulatory compliance within a multidisciplinary academic healthcare environment.

Required: RN experience with at least 1 year of nursing; Epic experience desirable; strong communication and organizational skills.

Qualifications

RN licensure and clinical nursing experience.
Bachelor’s degree in Nursing preferred.
Experience with Epic is desirable.
Strong written and verbal communication skills and attention to detail.

Responsibilities

Coordinate assigned research protocols with principal investigator, manager, and sponsor.
Ensure compliance with FDA, ICH, and institutional policies.
Assist with implementation of new projects and studies.
Develop patient recruitment methodologies and oversee study logistics.
Coordinate patient and family education regarding treatment, evaluation, and follow-up.
Deliver education in person, by phone, or via materials.
Provide in-services for staff.

Skills

Communication skills

Attention to detail

Team collaboration

Education

RN license

Bachelor’s degree in Nursing (preferred)

Tools

Epic

Job description

The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center Surgery division is dedicated to advancing oncologic surgery through safe, high-quality, multidisciplinary patient care, research, and education. The division is comprised of 10 specialized academic departments and works closely with partners in Perioperative Services and Anesthesiology, Critical Care and Pain Medicine to improve operating room processes and patient outcomes.

The Research Nurse will support this mission through coordination and management of clinical research activities within a nationally recognized Head and Neck Surgery program and will work closely with multidisciplinary teams while supporting a growing research portfolio, including a primary assignment with the psychedelic research oncology team. The Research Nurse plays a critical role in ensuring the successful operation of clinical trials and research protocols.

The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center is one of the world's leading institutions focused exclusively on cancer patient care, research, education, and prevention. Through innovative clinical research and multidisciplinary collaboration, UT MD Anderson advances discoveries that improve outcomes for patients and communities worldwide. The Research Nurse contributes directly to these efforts by supporting clinical research operations, patient education, regulatory compliance, and protocol management.

The ideal candidate will possess experience in Head and Neck, behavioral health, and/or clinical research settings, with prior research experience strongly preferred. Experience with Epic is desirable. The successful candidate will demonstrate exceptional written and verbal communication skills, strong attention to detail, self-motivation, and the ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary academic healthcare environment.

Salary Range: Minimum $77,500.00 - Midpoint $97,000.00 - Maximum $116,500.00

Work Location: Onsite presence required

Why Us?

Join a nationally recognized Head and Neck Surgery program with a rapidly growing clinical research enterprise and a unique opportunity to support innovative psychedelic oncology research. This role offers the opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking cancer research, collaborate with multidisciplinary experts, and make a meaningful impact on patient outcomes while growing professionally within one of the world's leading cancer centers.

Benefits

Employer-paid medical coverage starting day one for employees working 30+ hours/week, plus optional group dental, vision, life, AD&D, and disability insurance.
Accruals for PTO and Extended Illness Bank, plus paid holidays, wellness, childcare, and other leave options.
Tuition Assistance Program after six months of service and access to extensive wellness, fitness, and employee resource groups.
Defined-benefit pension through the Teachers Retirement System, voluntary retirement plans, and employer-paid life and reduced salary protection programs.

Key Responsibilities

Clinical Practice & Education

Coordinate assigned research protocols in collaboration with the principal investigator, manager, and study sponsor
Ensure compliance with institutional standards, policies, quality measures, FDA regulations, and ICH Good Clinical Practice guidelines
Assist the Research Nurse Manager with implementation of new projects and assigned research studies
Develop patient recruitment methodologies and oversee organization and implementation of study activities and logistics
Coordinate all aspects of patient and family education regarding treatment management, evaluation, and follow-up
Deliver patient and family education in person, by telephone, or through written educational materials
Provide or coordinate educational in-services for professional and ancillary staff

Data Management & Regulatory Compliance

Coordinate all aspects of research data collection, evaluation, and entry according to institutional guidelines
Assist investigators with collection and evaluation of study data
Retrieve protocol-related data from medical records and accurately enter information into computerized databases or case report forms
Maintain accurate and current study records in accordance with state, institutional, and protocol requirements
Track protocols, amendments, safety reports, and continuing reviews in departmental and institutional databases
Maintain screening, recruitment, and specimen tracking logs
Document protocol and patient care information in the electronic medical record system
Create and maintain regulatory binders and required study documentation
Obtain, monitor, and maintain IRB-required training and safety compliance requirements
Maintain knowledge of current regulatory policies, research requirements, NCI Common Toxicity Criteria, and institutional reporting standards

Protocol Management & Communication

Collaborate with principal investigators and the Research Nurse Manager prior to implementation of new or existing clinical trials
Lead and participate in multidisciplinary activities to ensure effective protocol management
Serve as a liaison with sponsor institutions and sponsoring pharmaceutical companies
Prepare and coordinate logistics for research studies prior to start-up meetings
Coordinate and attend all protocol start-up meetings for new studies
Establish and maintain efficient systems to support research operations
Meet routinely with investigators to review protocol status and study progress
Develop and provide monthly project reports to investigators, department leadership, and management

Quality Assurance & Research Oversight

Apply clinical and research knowledge to support effective protocol management
Conduct assigned research protocol operations according to FDA and ICH Good Clinical Practice guidelines
Coordinate internal and external audits for assigned research studies
Monitor study compliance and safety requirements across assigned protocols
Ensure ongoing adherence to institutional, regulatory, and study-specific requirements

Financial Management

Participate in fiscal activities related to clinical research operations
Support development, planning, and completion of protocol budgets as requested
Collaborate with investigators and sponsors to resolve operational and budget-related issues
Ensure appropriate charges and reimbursement for protocol-related patient costs
Support the overall effective operation of designated clinical research protocols

Perform other duties as assigned

EDUCATION

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

WORK EXPERIENCE

Required: 1 year Registered nurse experience.

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS

Required: RN - Registered Nurse - State Licensure Current State of Texas Professional Nursing license (RN). Upon Hire and
Required: BLS - Basic Life Support Upon Hire or
Required: 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.

It is the policy of The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center to provide equal employment opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other basis protected by institutional policy or by federal, state, or local laws unless such distinction is required by law.

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