Clinical Lead Research Nurse (Abramson Cancer Center)

The University of Pennsylvania, the largest private employer in Philadelphia, is a world-renowned leader in education, research, and innovation. This historic, Ivy League school consistently ranks among the top 10 universities in the annual U.S. News & World Report survey. Penn has 12 highly-regarded schools that provide opportunities for undergraduate, graduate and continuing education, all influenced by Penn's distinctive interdisciplinary approach to scholarship and learning. As an employer Penn has been ranked nationally on many occasions with the most recent award from Forbes who named Penn one of America's Best Large Employers in 2023.

Penn offers a unique working environment within the city of Philadelphia. The University is situated on a beautiful urban campus, with easy access to a range of educational, cultural, and recreational activities. With its historical significance and landmarks, lively cultural offerings, and wide variety of atmospheres, Philadelphia is the perfect place to call home for work and play.

The University offers a competitive benefits package that includes excellent healthcare and tuition benefits for employees and their families, generous retirement benefits, a wide variety of professional development opportunities, supportive work and family benefits, a wealth of health and wellness programs and resources, and much more.

Job Description Summary

The Abramson Cancer Center (ACC) of the University of Pennsylvania is a world leader in developing and conducting innovative clinical trials for the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer. The ACC Clinical Research Unit (CRU) is instrumental in the development and implementation of cancer clinical trials that offer cutting-edge oncology treatments. The ACC CRU is currently comprised of 13 Research Teams that support disease/discipline specific cancer programs within the ACC. This full-time Lead Clinical Research Nurse (“Nurse”) will join The Clinical and Translational Research Program for Lymphomas and Other Related Diseases (“Program”) in the ACC CRU. This position will (1) ensure the accurate execution of research protocols in accordance with Good Clinical Practices, HIPAA, and other federal/institutional requirements, and (2) meet required obligations to patients/subjects, Principal Investigator, study team and Sponsor/CRO.

Job Responsibilities

• Assist the Program Manager with feasibility and start-up tasks for industry-sponsored and investigator-initiated trials; participate in feasibility meetings and site selection visits; proactively review protocols and associated manuals; complete required clinical start-up documents; ask questions and pursue corrections/clarifications, if needed.
• Work closely with the Program Manager to recruit, interview, train and develop full-time, part-time and temporary-extra staff; provide mentorship and supervision of research personnel.
• Assist Program Manager in developing tools and organizational workflows to support the program including standard operating procedures and guidelines for research personnel.
• Organize regular focus groups with research staff to foster continual learning and promote growth within the program.
• Conduct regular meetings with team members to review the status of their studies in detail, items that are outstanding, or other issues requiring additional guidance or troubleshooting.
• Independently coordinate all aspects of complex Phase I-IV oncology clinical trials; provide in-service and support to infusion, CHPS or inpatient staff as appropriate; participate in study- and patient-related discussions in-person or via email or telephone with the sponsor, support staff, or other entity that occurs outside of usual work hours.
• Demonstrate knowledge of patient care related to hematologic malignancies (and other related diseases), treatment, medication side effects and short and long-term complications as evidenced by documentation and observations.
• Act as a point-of-contact for triage, laboratory, clinic, infusion, radiology, advanced practitioners, inpatient, billing and pharmacy when Program Manager and/or research staff are unavailable or when issues involve escalation.
• Act as a point of contact for evenings, weekends and University holidays if clinical questions arise or for research admissions.
• Contribute to study-related meetings such as SIVs, IMVs, COVs, and internal audits; participate in Sponsor/CRO teleconferences; share updates/issues with study team members; participate in team-level and program-level meetings as well as working groups; act as a mentor and provide coverage and support to other nurses to meet staffing needs.
• Troubleshoot operational issues on a daily basis and assist with any and all aspects of research during absences or when a specific team member's workload exceeds capacity.
• Represent the Lymphoma Clinical Research Program when meeting with Medical Science Liaisons, current and future research collaborators, and prospective donors; coordinate program development plans in collaboration with Physician Leaders and the Program Manager.
• Maintain professional and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops and national meetings, reviewing professional publications, establishing personal networks, and benchmarking state-of-the-art practices; ensure that colleagues are updated on all relevant issues.
• Provide clinic support to Lymphoma Program Investigators as needed.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Registered nurse with licensure in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and 5 years of nursing experience, including 2-3 years of clinical research experience, is required. Bachelor degree in Nursing or a related discipline and oncology experience (either nursing or clinical research) is highly preferred. Experience managing staff and the ability to support faculty with tact, confidentiality and judgment. Position contingent upon funding.

Job Location - City, State: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Department / School: Perelman School of Medicine

Pay Range: $74,476.00 - $105,614.00 Annual Rate

Salary offers are made based on the candidate's qualifications, experience, skills, and education as they directly relate to the requirements of the position, as well as internal and market factors and grade profile.

Affirmative Action Statement: Penn adheres to a policy that prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, creed, national or ethnic origin, citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected class.

Special Requirements: Background check required after a conditional job offer is made. Consideration of the background check will be tailored to the requirements of the job.