Nurse Researcher

This position typically reports to a physician faculty member that serves as the Principal Investigator (PI) of the research project or on rare occasions to an appropriate program administrator within the department. As the Study Coordinator for a research project the Nurse Researcher oversees patient-related study activities research regulatory compliance data gathering and management according to Federal requirements and ensures safe collection and preparation of blood and body fluids including transportation of same.

Most studies are grant funded although a few are state local and privately funded. Others are funded by pharmaceutical companies including cancer-focused clinical trials and oncology-related research studies.

Grant-funded projects involving human subjects require compliance with numerous stringent Federal State university and department policies procedures rules and regulations for which this position must know interpret comply and prepare reports. Work at this level meets the FLSA criteria for a professional exemption since the primary duties require advanced knowledge which is predominantly intellectual in character and require the consistent exercise of discretion and judgment.

Nurse Researchers differ from non-exempt nursing or research support staff in that the incumbents in these positions develop techniques and oversee clinical data gathering establish quality control standards develop educational materials and serve as liaisons with regulatory agencies. The Principal Investigator sets the overall project direction and has responsibility for final interpretation of project results but this position serves as a right-hand to the PI and provides input into the process.

This position is contract.

• Evaluates potential research participants with Principal Investigator; schedules screening evaluations; explains consent process; performs required screening evaluations; randomizes participants into appropriate research study including cancer care and oncology research protocols.
• Coordinates and schedules study visits and follow-ups. Oversees or performs required procedures for each visit.
• Records data on each study participant for each visit according to research protocol maintaining complete study progress notes and case report form for each visit.
• Reports any Adverse Events according to protocol. Communicates questions problems changes to the Principal Investigator including adverse events related to cancer treatments or investigational therapies.
• Prepares and submits protocol applications amendments annual reviews Adverse Event reports and study sponsor communications to IRB as required.
• Participates in specialty clinic coordinating with clinic staff and physicians to evaluate patients that might be considered for research studies. Provides training and guidance in specialty area to patients and staff including oncology and cancer specialty clinics.
• Collects analyzes and performs quality assurance of study data. Monitors overall clinical study to insure that quality control measures are in compliance with protocol.
• Actively participates in research study meetings to discuss progress/status of study. Ensures consistent interpretation and adherence to protocols at all stages of trials by team members. Recommends changes in protocols to improve quality of data gathering or overall study.
• Ensures that Monthly quarterly annual and end of grant reports are completed and submitted to regulatory and granting agencies as required.
• Oversees the ordering dispensing and maintenance of supplies and medications for the research study.
• Performs procedures as necessary such as venipuncture electrocardiograms quantitative Sensory Testing insulin testing etc. for the study.
• Collaborates in development of new research grants providing clinical nursing consultation in the development of protocols research instrument design coding and analysis and selection of assessments. Assists in developing proposals for new research projects.
• May serve as an advocate for a specific population by participation in community fairs programs committees state and national committees programs and conferences.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• This position requires licensure as a registered nurse in accordance with Chapter 464 Florida Statutes or eligible to practice nursing in accordance with Chapter 64 B9 Florida Administrative Code.
• Bachelors degree in Nursing with two years of nursing research or directly related experience; OR an Associates degree in Nursing with four years of same experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

• A Masters degree in Nursing. Annual certifications may be required to participate in specific studies including oncology or cancer-related clinical research.

• Senate Bill 1310- The Florida Senate ( is conditional upon meeting all employment eligibility requirements in the U.S.
  SB 1310: Substitution of Work Experience for Postsecondary Education Requirements
  A public employer may include a postsecondary degree as a baseline requirement only as an alternative to the number of years of direct experience required not to exceed:
  (a) Two years of direct experience for an associate degree;
  (b) Four years of direct experience for a bachelors degree;
  (c) Six years of direct experience for a masters degree;
  (d) Seven years of direct experience for a professional degree; or
  (e) Nine years of direct experience for a doctoral degree
  Related work experience may not substitute for any required licensure certification or registration required for the position of employment as established by the public employer and indicated in the advertised description of the position of employment.