Clinical Research Jobs in Tennessee
Clinical research jobs in Tennessee are in strong and consistent demand, concentrated in pharmaceutical development, academic medical centers, and contract research organizations, with openings at every level from entry-level clinical research coordinator to senior principal investigator. Nashville, Memphis, and Knoxville lead hiring activity, anchored by institutions and employers such as Vanderbilt University Medical Center, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, and HCA Healthcare. The most sought-after specialties across Tennessee's market are oncology trials, cardiovascular studies, and early-phase drug development. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Showing 5 of 40+ Clinical Research jobs
Job Description
The CRU Laboratory supports more than 100 research protocols and performs protocol-specific specimen processing and management, including Ficoll separation when required, specimen deidentification, data entry and specimen tracking in the Laboratory Data Management System (LDMS), preparation of specimen collection kits, temporary specimen storage, and the packaging, shipping, and tracking of research specimens.
The Lead Clinical Laboratory Technician provides hands-on laboratory support while helping coordinate daily workflow, promote consistent processes, and serve as a resource for the CRU Laboratory team. The position will also collaborate closely with Pathology’s Laboratory Support and Biorepository teams to support coordinated specimen management and research operations across the department.
Job Responsibilities:
- Collaborate with internal/external teams to perform and oversee laboratory support operations.
- Independently perform and oversees complex lab tasks within own area (e.g., pipette calibration and water quality; accurate collection, processing, storage, tracking and shipping of tests; specimen accessioning, evaluation, processing, and distribution).
- Troubleshoot complex problems related to lab support within area and assist in preventive maintenance procedures.
- Oversee and monitor inventory maintenance including receipt and storage of supplies.
- Perform and guide quality control and compliance activities within lab (e.g., documentation, lab maintenance, calibration).
- Train and guide team members around complex lab services activities and address any escalations/deviations.
- Perform other duties as assigned to meet the goals and objectives of the department and institution.
- Maintain regular and predictable attendance.
- Consistently meet job expectations, adhere to policies, and deliver quality work while applying. St. Jude values and principles. Managers evaluate employee performance throughout the year—specifically through the spring and fall Check In milestones and the Annual Performance Review. All employees are encouraged to actively participate in these performance management processes.
Minimum Education and/or Training:
- High School Diploma required.
- Associate's degree preferred.
Minimum Experience:
- 8+ years of experience in a clinical lab required.
- Experience Exception: Associate's degree with 6+ years of experience.
- Substantial experience in relevant complex laboratory procedures and principles preferred (e.g. equipment maintenance, calibration, and troubleshooting; materials prep and planning; specimen processing and management).
- Significant experience working with laboratory personnel, understanding and supporting complex lab needs preferred.
- Experience in assessing and addressing crisis/emergency lab situations through appropriate assistance preferred.
- Experience in training team members around lab procedures, safety, and compliance preferred.
- Proven performance in earlier role/ comparable role.
Licensure, Registration and/or Certification Required by Law:
- Tennessee licensure as Medical Laboratory Technician-General preferred
Licensure, Registration and/or Certification Required by SJCRH Only:
- Current Hazardous Goods Shipping (HAZGOODS) required within 3 months of joining.
Compensation
In recognition of certain U.S. state and municipal pay transparency laws, St. Jude is including a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role. This is an estimate offered in good faith and a specific salary offer takes into account factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to skill sets, experience and training, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the salary range and compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case. A reasonable estimate of the current salary range is $24.00 - $42.00 per hour for the role of Lead-Clinical Lab Technician-Pathology Clinical Research Unit Lab.Explore our exceptional benefits!
We are committed to a human-centered hiring experience. Technology may support portions of our process, but recruiting decisions involve human review and engagement. Learn more about our approach to AI.
St. Jude is an Equal Opportunity Employer
No Search Firms
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital does not accept unsolicited assistance from search firms for employment opportunities. Please do not call or email. All resumes submitted by search firms to any employee or other representative at St. Jude via email, the internet or in any form and/or method without a valid written search agreement in place and approved by HR will result in no fee being paid in the event the candidate is hired by St. Jude.
Job Description
The CRU Laboratory supports more than 100 research protocols and performs protocol-specific specimen processing and management, including Ficoll separation when required, specimen deidentification, data entry and specimen tracking in the Laboratory Data Management System (LDMS), preparation of specimen collection kits, temporary specimen storage, and the packaging, shipping, and tracking of research specimens.
The Lead Clinical Laboratory Technician provides hands-on laboratory support while helping coordinate daily workflow, promote consistent processes, and serve as a resource for the CRU Laboratory team. The position will also collaborate closely with Pathology’s Laboratory Support and Biorepository teams to support coordinated specimen management and research operations across the department.
Job Responsibilities:
- Collaborate with internal/external teams to perform and oversee laboratory support operations.
- Independently perform and oversees complex lab tasks within own area (e.g., pipette calibration and water quality; accurate collection, processing, storage, tracking and shipping of tests; specimen accessioning, evaluation, processing, and distribution).
- Troubleshoot complex problems related to lab support within area and assist in preventive maintenance procedures.
- Oversee and monitor inventory maintenance including receipt and storage of supplies.
- Perform and guide quality control and compliance activities within lab (e.g., documentation, lab maintenance, calibration).
- Train and guide team members around complex lab services activities and address any escalations/deviations.
- Perform other duties as assigned to meet the goals and objectives of the department and institution.
- Maintain regular and predictable attendance.
- Consistently meet job expectations, adhere to policies, and deliver quality work while applying. St. Jude values and principles. Managers evaluate employee performance throughout the year—specifically through the spring and fall Check In milestones and the Annual Performance Review. All employees are encouraged to actively participate in these performance management processes.
Minimum Education and/or Training:
- High School Diploma required.
- Associate's degree preferred.
Minimum Experience:
- 8+ years of experience in a clinical lab required.
- Experience Exception: Associate's degree with 6+ years of experience.
- Substantial experience in relevant complex laboratory procedures and principles preferred (e.g. equipment maintenance, calibration, and troubleshooting; materials prep and planning; specimen processing and management).
- Significant experience working with laboratory personnel, understanding and supporting complex lab needs preferred.
- Experience in assessing and addressing crisis/emergency lab situations through appropriate assistance preferred.
- Experience in training team members around lab procedures, safety, and compliance preferred.
- Proven performance in earlier role/ comparable role.
Licensure, Registration and/or Certification Required by Law:
- Tennessee licensure as Medical Laboratory Technician-General preferred
Licensure, Registration and/or Certification Required by SJCRH Only:
- Current Hazardous Goods Shipping (HAZGOODS) required within 3 months of joining.
Compensation
In recognition of certain U.S. state and municipal pay transparency laws, St. Jude is including a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role. This is an estimate offered in good faith and a specific salary offer takes into account factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to skill sets, experience and training, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the salary range and compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case. A reasonable estimate of the current salary range is $24.00 - $42.00 per hour for the role of Lead-Clinical Lab Technician-Pathology Clinical Research Unit Lab.Explore our exceptional benefits!
We are committed to a human-centered hiring experience. Technology may support portions of our process, but recruiting decisions involve human review and engagement. Learn more about our approach to AI.
St. Jude is an Equal Opportunity Employer
No Search Firms
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital does not accept unsolicited assistance from search firms for employment opportunities. Please do not call or email. All resumes submitted by search firms to any employee or other representative at St. Jude via email, the internet or in any form and/or method without a valid written search agreement in place and approved by HR will result in no fee being paid in the event the candidate is hired by St. Jude.
See All 40 Clinical Research Jobs in Tennessee
Find roles in Tennessee that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Clinical Research JobsClinical Research Jobs by City in Tennessee
Where Tennessee roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Clinical Research Job Market in Tennessee
A snapshot from current Tennessee openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Education
- Healthcare & Medical Services
What Tennessee Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in clinical research jobs across Tennessee.
- ACRP or SOCRA certification strongly preferred or required by most Tennessee employers
- Bachelor's degree in life sciences, nursing, pharmacy, or a related clinical field
- Experience with FDA regulations, ICH-GCP guidelines, and clinical trial protocols
- Proficiency in electronic data capture systems such as Medidata Rave or REDCap
- Strong knowledge of IRB submission processes and informed consent procedures
- Ability to coordinate multi-site trials and manage investigational product accountability
Clinical Research Jobs in Tennessee: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a clinical research professional in Tennessee?
You typically need a bachelor's degree in a life science, nursing, or health-related field, followed by entry-level experience as a clinical research coordinator. Tennessee does not issue a state-specific clinical research license, but most employers require or strongly prefer certification from ACRP (CCRC or CCRA credential) or SOCRA (CCRP credential). Academic medical centers in Nashville and Memphis commonly hire new graduates who hold these credentials alongside relevant coursework.
Which companies hire clinical research professionals in Tennessee?
Employers hiring clinical research professionals in Tennessee right now include St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, EmVenio Research, and Vanderbilt Health, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of October 2026. Tennessee's concentration of academic health systems, large hospital networks, and contract research organizations tied to its pharmaceutical corridor makes it one of the more active states for ongoing trial staffing.
Which Tennessee cities have the most clinical research jobs?
Nashville, Memphis, and Jackson account for the largest share of clinical research openings in Tennessee. Nashville drives the most volume thanks to HCA Healthcare's corporate presence and Vanderbilt's extensive research programs, while Memphis benefits from St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and the University of Tennessee Health Science Center, and Knoxville draws from UT Medical Center and affiliated research institutes.
Are there remote clinical research jobs in Tennessee?
Yes, but they're less common than in purely desk-based fields, since many clinical research roles require on-site trial oversight, patient interaction, and investigational product handling. About 46% of clinical research openings tied to Tennessee are remote or hybrid as of October 2026. The roles most likely to offer remote flexibility are data management, regulatory affairs coordination, and clinical trial monitoring for multi-site studies.
How can I get hired as a clinical research professional in Tennessee with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is applying for a clinical research coordinator I or research assistant role at a Tennessee academic medical center, where new graduates with a life sciences degree are regularly considered. Vanderbilt University Medical Center and St. Jude Children's Research Hospital run structured research training and post-baccalaureate programs that serve as direct entry points. Earning your ACRP or SOCRA certification before applying, or transitioning from an adjacent role such as phlebotomist, clinical data analyst, or medical assistant, also strengthens a candidate's profile significantly.
Where can I find and apply to clinical research jobs in Tennessee?
You can find and apply to clinical research jobs in Tennessee on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from employers across the state. Search the available roles, find the ones that match your experience and specialty area, and apply directly to the ones that fit.
See All 40 Clinical Research Jobs in Tennessee
Find roles in Tennessee that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Clinical Research Jobs