Senior Clinical Research Specialist

Duke University School of Nursing

Established in 1931, Duke University School of Nursing is a national leader in preparing nurse clinicians, scholars, and innovators who are transforming healthcare through excellence in education, research, and clinical practice. With more than 1,500 students, we offer a comprehensive range of programs, including the Master of Nursing (MN), Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), and PhD in Nursing. Our programs are designed to meet the evolving demands of today’s healthcare landscape, equipping graduates with rigorous training, evidence-based practice, and interdisciplinary collaboration to lead the future of nursing.

Our nursing program stands as a leader in healthcare education, earning #1 in the nation for Best Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Programs, #2 for Doctor of Nursing Practice, and #5 for Master’s programs, according to U.S. News & World Report. For over a decade, we’ve also been celebrated as a Best School for Men in Nursing by the American Association for Men in Nursing (AAMN)—11 years and counting! These accolades reflect our unwavering commitment to excellence, innovation, and inclusivity in preparing the next generation of nursing professionals.

Be You.

The Duke University School of Nursing Clinical Research Unit is seeking a Clinical Research Specialist, Sr. to support SER Familia, an NIH-funded, community-engaged research trial evaluating a community health worker intervention for Latino immigrant families. In this role, you will be a key operational and community-facing member of the study team, translating complex research protocols into participant-centered, culturally responsive research activities.

You will work closely with the Principal Investigator, Research Practice Manager, study staff, and long-standing community partners to ensure successful implementation of the protocol across all phases of the study. This position is ideal for a detail-oriented research professional who thrives in the field, values relationship-based recruitment, and is committed to advancing health equity through bilingual clinical research.

Minimum Requirements

• Associate degree
• Minimum of one year of relevant clinical research or related experience (completion of the DOCR NC state-approved Clinical Research Pre-Apprenticeship may substitute for one year of experience)
• Requires fluency in Spanish and English (speaking, reading, writing, and comprehension)
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with Latino, immigrant, or culturally diverse populations
• Prior experience supporting NIH-funded, investigator-initiated, or community-based research studies
• Experience with participant recruitment, screening, scheduling, consent, and retention activities
• Familiarity with IRB-regulated research environments, study documentation, and clinical research management systems

Other Requirements

• Evening and/or weekend work may be required on a rotating basis to support participant availability and community events
• Ability to travel locally to community sites, recruitment events, and participant visits (reliable transportation required)

Be Bold.

You will:

• Coordinate study operations and day-to-day research activities for SER Familia, ensuring adherence to NIH requirements, IRB approvals, institutional policies, study protocols, and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
• Lead participant-facing activities, including bilingual recruitment, screening (in person and by phone), scheduling, informed consent, data collection, and follow-up for minimal risk clinical research studies
• Develop and implement culturally responsive recruitment and retention strategies in partnership with El Centro Hispano and other community stakeholders to support enrollment goals and participant engagement
• Serve as a study ambassador in academic, clinical, and community settings, representing SER Familia at meetings, events, committees, workgroups, and educational forums to support outreach and dissemination
• Maintain comprehensive study documentation, including participant-level records, consent documentation in the electronic medical record, adverse event information, regulatory files, and secure project folders
• Apply regulatory and institutional knowledge to assist with protocol submissions, amendments, SOP development, and recognition of required agreements (e.g., MTAs, CDAs, DUAs, DTAs), escalating to appropriate stakeholders when needed
• Conduct and document protocol-specific visits, interviews, and assessments independently, following approved protocols, departmental workflows, and SOPs
• Monitor recruitment, retention, and data quality, employing proactive strategies to support participant needs, minimize missing data, and resolve discrepancies in accordance with quality assurance standards
• Enter, verify, correct, and manage study data, run routine reports and summaries, and follow required processes to ensure data integrity, security, and provenance
• Support adverse event identification and documentation under supervision, ensuring accurate and timely reporting per protocol and IRB guidelines
• Assist with preparation of study materials and outputs, including recruitment reports, study progress reports, tables, data visualizations, and lay summaries for participants and collaborators
• Manage study logistics, including preparation of research visit materials, tracking supplies and equipment for minimal risk studies, coordinating participant payments, and supporting study closeout activities

Choose Duke.

At Duke University School of Nursing, you will join a nationally recognized institution committed to excellence in research, education, and community partnership. The Clinical Research Unit supports interdisciplinary, high-impact studies that address complex health disparities and advance evidence-based care for underserved populations.

This position offers meaningful exposure to NIH-sponsored research while working alongside experienced investigators, community leaders, and dedicated research professionals. Duke fosters a collaborative, inclusive culture that values adaptability, continuous learning, and professional development