Clinical Research Nurse Jobs in Pennsylvania
Clinical Research Nurse jobs in Pennsylvania are consistently active, with demand concentrated in academic medical centers, pharmaceutical and biotech companies, and large integrated health systems across a range from entry-level research coordinators to senior clinical research nurses and lead investigators. Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and the Philadelphia suburbs along the Route 202 corridor are the dominant hiring hubs, anchored by institutions like Penn Medicine, UPMC, and Merck. The most sought-after specialties include oncology trials, cardiovascular research, and infectious disease studies. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
Find Clinical Research Nurse JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 87+ Clinical Research Nurse jobs
Clinical Research Coord II
The Lung Transplant Research Division at UPMC is a dynamic and highly specialized research department dedicated to advancing clinical knowledge and improving outcomes for lung transplant patients. The division supports a diverse and growing research portfolio, currently managing clinical research studies in various phases of enrollment, start-up, and follow-up, with additional studies anticipated in the near future.
The research team consists of one dedicated Research Coordinator and two Primary Investigators who work collaboratively with a multidisciplinary group of ancillary support staff, including Physician Assistants (PAs), Certified Registered Nurse Practitioners (CRNPs), operating room personnel, physicians, and other clinical and administrative staff. Together, these individuals contribute to the successful execution of research activities, regulatory compliance, patient recruitment, data collection, and study oversight.
Research activities are conducted across multiple UPMC facilities, including the UPMC Shadyside Medical Building, Falk Medical Building, and the UPMC Presbyterian operating rooms, requiring close coordination among clinical and research personnel.
This position plays a critical role in supporting the division's research mission by ensuring high-quality study conduct, fostering collaboration among multidisciplinary teams, and contributing to the ongoing expansion of innovative research opportunities within the Lung Transplant Program.
Qualifications Required:
- Bachelor's degree in a health science, biological science, nursing, public health, or related field.
- Experience coordinating clinical research studies or equivalent research experience; knowledge of clinical research methodology and regulatory requirements; strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills; proficiency with Microsoft Word and Excel.
Qualifications Preferred:
Clinical research coordination experience in transplant, thoracic surgery, pulmonary medicine, or related specialties. Experience with patient screening, recruitment, and informed consent processes: experience with protocol management and regulatory submissions to the IRB and other oversight committees; experience with research databases and electronic data capture systems; familiarity with GCP, human subject protections, and research compliance requirements.
Conducts research assessments on study participants. Assists with and adheres to Institutional Review Board (IRB) renewal, modification, and approved protocols. Assists with training staff. Ensures adherence to protocols and corrects issues with data collection.
The position will coordinate and manage day-to-day operations of clinical research studies within the Lung Transplant Program; screen, recruit, consent, and enroll research participants in accordance with approved protocols and regulatory requirements; maintain compliance with Good Clinical Practice (GCP), institutional policies, sponsor guidelines, and applicable federal regulations. GCP compliance is a foundational component of research study conduct. In addition, the position will be responsible for:
- Prepare and submit regulatory documents, including but not limited to Institutional Review Board (IRB) submissions, continuing reviews, amendments, and study closures.
- Coordinate study visits, specimen collection, and research-related procedures.
- Perform accurate and timely data collection, entry, verification, and database management.
- Maintain study files and regulatory binders and ensure completion of required study documentation.
- Assist investigators with protocol implementation and ongoing study management.
- Collaborate with multidisciplinary clinical and research teams across multiple locations.
Participate in study monitoring visits, audits, and sponsor communications as needed.
Physical Effort
- Ability to sit, stand, and walk for extended periods of time.
- Ability to travel between UPMC Presbyterian and UPMC Shadyside campuses.
- Ability to transport study materials and equipment as needed.
- Must have reliable transportation for travel between clinical and research sites.
The University of Pittsburgh is an equal opportunity employer / disability / veteran.
Clinical Research Coord II
The Lung Transplant Research Division at UPMC is a dynamic and highly specialized research department dedicated to advancing clinical knowledge and improving outcomes for lung transplant patients. The division supports a diverse and growing research portfolio, currently managing clinical research studies in various phases of enrollment, start-up, and follow-up, with additional studies anticipated in the near future.
The research team consists of one dedicated Research Coordinator and two Primary Investigators who work collaboratively with a multidisciplinary group of ancillary support staff, including Physician Assistants (PAs), Certified Registered Nurse Practitioners (CRNPs), operating room personnel, physicians, and other clinical and administrative staff. Together, these individuals contribute to the successful execution of research activities, regulatory compliance, patient recruitment, data collection, and study oversight.
Research activities are conducted across multiple UPMC facilities, including the UPMC Shadyside Medical Building, Falk Medical Building, and the UPMC Presbyterian operating rooms, requiring close coordination among clinical and research personnel.
This position plays a critical role in supporting the division's research mission by ensuring high-quality study conduct, fostering collaboration among multidisciplinary teams, and contributing to the ongoing expansion of innovative research opportunities within the Lung Transplant Program.
Qualifications Required:
- Bachelor's degree in a health science, biological science, nursing, public health, or related field.
- Experience coordinating clinical research studies or equivalent research experience; knowledge of clinical research methodology and regulatory requirements; strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills; proficiency with Microsoft Word and Excel.
Qualifications Preferred:
Clinical research coordination experience in transplant, thoracic surgery, pulmonary medicine, or related specialties. Experience with patient screening, recruitment, and informed consent processes: experience with protocol management and regulatory submissions to the IRB and other oversight committees; experience with research databases and electronic data capture systems; familiarity with GCP, human subject protections, and research compliance requirements.
Conducts research assessments on study participants. Assists with and adheres to Institutional Review Board (IRB) renewal, modification, and approved protocols. Assists with training staff. Ensures adherence to protocols and corrects issues with data collection.
The position will coordinate and manage day-to-day operations of clinical research studies within the Lung Transplant Program; screen, recruit, consent, and enroll research participants in accordance with approved protocols and regulatory requirements; maintain compliance with Good Clinical Practice (GCP), institutional policies, sponsor guidelines, and applicable federal regulations. GCP compliance is a foundational component of research study conduct. In addition, the position will be responsible for:
- Prepare and submit regulatory documents, including but not limited to Institutional Review Board (IRB) submissions, continuing reviews, amendments, and study closures.
- Coordinate study visits, specimen collection, and research-related procedures.
- Perform accurate and timely data collection, entry, verification, and database management.
- Maintain study files and regulatory binders and ensure completion of required study documentation.
- Assist investigators with protocol implementation and ongoing study management.
- Collaborate with multidisciplinary clinical and research teams across multiple locations.
Participate in study monitoring visits, audits, and sponsor communications as needed.
Physical Effort
- Ability to sit, stand, and walk for extended periods of time.
- Ability to travel between UPMC Presbyterian and UPMC Shadyside campuses.
- Ability to transport study materials and equipment as needed.
- Must have reliable transportation for travel between clinical and research sites.
The University of Pittsburgh is an equal opportunity employer / disability / veteran.
See All 87 Clinical Research Nurse Jobs in Pennsylvania
Find roles in Pennsylvania that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Clinical Research Nurse JobsClinical Research Nurse Jobs by City in Pennsylvania
Where Pennsylvania roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Clinical Research Nurse Job Market in Pennsylvania
A snapshot from current Pennsylvania openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- University of Pennsylvania19
- University of Pittsburgh11
- Thomas Jefferson University & Jefferson Health10
- Children's Hospital of Philadelphia5
- Penn State Health4
Top Industries Hiring
- Healthcare & Medical Services14
- Education6
- Science & Research1
- Agriculture & Farming1
- Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals1
What Pennsylvania Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in clinical research nurse jobs across Pennsylvania.
- Active Pennsylvania RN license issued by the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing
- Prior experience with clinical trial protocols, GCP guidelines, and ICH standards
- Proficiency in electronic data capture systems such as Medidata Rave or REDCap
- CCRP or CCRC certification from the Society of Clinical Research Associates preferred
- Strong understanding of FDA regulations, IRB processes, and informed consent procedures
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing with coursework or experience in research methodology
Clinical Research Nurse Jobs in Pennsylvania: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a clinical research nurse in Pennsylvania?
You must first hold an active registered nurse license issued by the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing, which requires passing the NCLEX-RN. Most employers in Pennsylvania also expect a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. From there, entry into clinical research typically comes through a coordinator role at a hospital, academic medical center, or pharmaceutical site, with credentials like the CCRP certification strengthening your candidacy considerably.
Which companies hire clinical research nurses in Pennsylvania?
Employers hiring clinical research nurses in Pennsylvania right now include University of Pennsylvania, University of Pittsburgh, and Thomas Jefferson University & Jefferson Health, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. Pennsylvania's dense concentration of academic health systems and pharmaceutical headquarters along the I-76 and Route 202 corridors means openings appear regularly across both large institutions and mid-size contract research organizations.
Which Pennsylvania cities have the most clinical research nurse jobs?
Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and Hershey account for the most clinical research nurse openings in Pennsylvania. Philadelphia leads because of its cluster of academic medical centers, NCI-designated cancer centers, and pharmaceutical companies based in the surrounding suburbs, while Pittsburgh's strength in university-affiliated research at institutions like UPMC drives steady demand in the western part of the state.
Are there remote clinical research nurse jobs in Pennsylvania?
Yes, but they're rare. About 50% of clinical research nurse openings tied to Pennsylvania are remote or hybrid as of August 2026, reflecting that most trial work requires direct patient contact, specimen handling, and on-site protocol compliance. The portions of the role most likely to be performed remotely include data entry, regulatory document management, and sponsor communication for decentralized or virtual trial components.
How can I get hired as a clinical research nurse in Pennsylvania with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is applying for a clinical research coordinator role at a Pennsylvania academic medical center or hospital-based research office, where employers like Penn Medicine and UPMC run structured new-grad programs and research training rotations. Nurses transitioning from oncology, cardiology, or ICU units have a strong advantage because protocol adherence and assessment skills transfer directly. Completing a Good Clinical Practice certification before applying signals research readiness and gives you a concrete edge over other applicants without trial experience.
Where can I find and apply to clinical research nurse jobs in Pennsylvania?
You can find and apply to clinical research nurse jobs in Pennsylvania on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings across the state. Search the listings, find roles that match your experience and location, and apply directly.
See All 87 Clinical Research Nurse Jobs in Pennsylvania
Find roles in Pennsylvania that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Clinical Research Nurse Jobs