Clinical Research Associate

Department Overview

The Division of Oncological Sciences at OHSU's Knight Cancer Institute focuses on understanding cancer through various research methods. The ultimate goal is to improve cancer prevention, detection, and treatment for everyone. 

The division's research is conducted by a collaborative team of scientists, faculty, trainees, and staff from diverse backgrounds. They work together to turn lab discoveries into real-world benefits for cancer patients and the wider community. Their research is built around teamwork and covers four key areas: Precision Systems Oncology, Cancer Data Science (including computer biology, bioinformatics, and biostatistics), Chemical Biology and Experimental Therapeutics, and Cancer Population Science. 

A major priority is to understand cell plasticity, which is the ability of cells to change their type or identity. Researchers are particularly interested in how cells transition from normal to cancerous, from cancer to spreading (metastasis), and from metastasis to becoming resistant to treatment.

Every Knight Cancer employee is expected to embody our guiding principles:

• We act BOLDLY—Breakthroughs require pushing the boundaries of science, exploring new frontiers, and thinking differently
• We SUPPORT each other—Respect leads to trust, which leads to excellence
• We work as a CONNECTED team — We must leverage our collective brain power to conquer cancer because no one individual can do it alone

Function/Duties of Position

Join the Knight Cancer Institute and play a key leadership role in a large NIH-funded clinical trial focused on improving the health and quality of life of cancer survivors.

We are seeking a highly organized and motivated Clinical Research Associate (Project Director) to lead the day-to-day operations of a supportive care clinical trial. Working closely with the study Co-Principal Investigators, Lab Manager, and a multidisciplinary team of experts in cancer survivorship, oncology, and health research, this position will oversee study planning, implementation, participant recruitment, regulatory compliance, and data management.

What You'll Do

• Lead the planning, coordination, and execution of a multi-site clinical trial.
• Manage study timelines, milestones, and deliverables.
• Supervise and train research staff involved in participant recruitment and data collection.
• Oversee participant recruitment, retention, and study engagement activities.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory, institutional, and study requirements.
• Develop and maintain study databases and tracking systems, including REDCap.
• Monitor data quality, completeness, and study performance metrics.
• Coordinate research team meetings and sponsor communications.
• Oversee participant randomization and intervention implementation.
• Track study adherence, retention, and safety outcomes.
• Collaborate with investigators on study reports, presentations, manuscripts, and budget oversight.

Preferred Qualifications

Ideal candidates will have:

• Experience coordinating or managing clinical research studies, particularly clinical trials.
• Strong project management, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Experience supervising or mentoring research staff.
• Experience working with REDCap and research data management systems.
• Experience working with older adults, cancer survivors, or other clinical populations is preferred.
• Prior clinical research experience at OHSU is highly desirable.

What Makes Someone Successful in This Role

The successful candidate will be proactive, detail-oriented, and able to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced research environment. They will be comfortable working independently, leading teams, solving problems, and collaborating with a diverse group of investigators, staff, and research participants.

This is a grant-funded position anticipated to last up to one year, with the possibility of extension based on project needs and available funding.

Required Qualifications

• Master's Degree in relevant field AND 3 years of clinical research coordination experience OR Bachelor's Degree in relevant field AND 5 years of clinical research Coordination experience
• Exceptional leadership, communication, analytical and organizational skills: both written and verbal in English
• Experience on human clinical intervention trials
• Ability to work proactively and independently and as part of a team while being collaborative in resolving problems
• Ability to prioritize multiple tasks at one time
• Must have demonstrated excellent communication skills both on the phone and in person
• Must possess energy and drive to independently lead a large clinical trial
• Ability to use tact and diplomacy to maintain effective working relationships with investigators and fellow research staff
• Strong knowledge and skills in human subjects clinical trial research including data collection, data integrity, and recruitment of participants in clinic and by phone
• Highly proficient skills with Microsoft Office (Excel, Outlook, Access, Word, and PowerPoint) and REDCap

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s Degree in exercise science, health promotion, nutrition, health education, nursing or related field
• Prior experience conducting research at OHSU, specifically clinical trials
• Experience working with older adults and/or clinical populations
• Familiarity with REDCap, OnCore, Epic, and other OHSU systems

Additional Details

Apply online. Please be sure to upload a Cover Letter and Resume/CV.

We offer a variety of benefits on top of joining a thriving organization:

• Medical, dental and vision coverage at no or low cost to employees
  • Covered 100% for full-time employees and 88% for dependents
• Several retirement plans to choose from with contributions from OHSU
• 208 hours of PTO per year
• 8 days of sick time off
• 9 paid holidays per year
• Commuter subsidies
• Tuition reimbursement
• Access to group life insurance, disability insurance and other supplemental benefits
• Annual Merit Increase
• Growth/Development Opportunities
• Employee discounts to local and major businesses

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Why apply to OHSU?

We are Oregon's only public academic health center. In addition to caring for patients, we lead groundbreaking research. We also train the next generation of health care professionals. As Portland's largest employer, we give you opportunities to learn and advance in a system of hospitals and clinics across Oregon and Southwest Washington. All are welcome. OHSU welcomes people of all ages, ethnicities, genders, national origins, religions and sexual orientations. We are striving to build an anti-racist, multicultural institution and encourage people with diverse backgrounds to apply. To request reasonable accommodation, contact [email protected]