Clinical Research Nurse Jobs in Tennessee
Clinical Research Nurse jobs in Tennessee are in steady and active demand, concentrated in academic medical centers, pharmaceutical research organizations, and healthcare systems running oncology, cardiology, and neurology trials, with openings at every level from entry-level coordinator nurses through senior principal investigators. Nashville, Memphis, and Knoxville lead hiring activity, anchored by employers like Vanderbilt University Medical Center, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, and HCA Healthcare. The most consistent openings center on oncology trial coordination, Phase I and II study management, and patient safety monitoring. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Showing 5 of 40+ Clinical Research Nurse 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 Nurse Jobs in Tennessee
Find roles in Tennessee that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Clinical Research Nurse JobsClinical Research Nurse Jobs by City in Tennessee
Where Tennessee roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Clinical Research Nurse 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 nurse jobs across Tennessee.
- Active registered nurse license recognized by the Tennessee Board of Nursing
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from an accredited program
- Certified Clinical Research Professional or Certified Clinical Research Coordinator credential preferred
- At least one year of clinical experience in a hospital or research setting
- Working knowledge of Good Clinical Practice guidelines and FDA regulations
- Proficiency with electronic data capture systems and clinical trial management platforms
Clinical Research Nurse Jobs in Tennessee: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a clinical research nurse in Tennessee?
You become a clinical research nurse in Tennessee by first earning an active registered nurse license through the Tennessee Board of Nursing, which requires passing the NCLEX-RN exam and meeting the board's education requirements. From there, most employers expect at least some clinical nursing experience before moving into research. Adding a credential such as the Certified Clinical Research Coordinator designation through the Association of Clinical Research Professionals strengthens your candidacy considerably.
Which companies hire clinical research nurses in Tennessee?
Employers hiring clinical research nurses 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 medical centers and contract research organizations means hiring activity stays relatively consistent year-round rather than spiking with seasonal patterns.
Which Tennessee cities have the most clinical research nurse jobs?
Nashville, Memphis, and Jackson have the most clinical research nurse openings in Tennessee. Nashville dominates because of Vanderbilt University Medical Center and a dense network of HCA Healthcare facilities running multi-site trials, while Memphis benefits from St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and regional oncology programs, and Knoxville draws activity from the University of Tennessee Medical Center and several contract research organizations operating out of the eastern part of the state.
Are there remote clinical research nurse jobs in Tennessee?
Yes, but they're rare. Clinical research nursing is fundamentally a patient-facing role, so the large majority of positions require on-site presence for subject visits, specimen collection, and protocol assessments. About 46% of clinical research nurse openings tied to Tennessee are remote or hybrid as of October 2026, and those positions are typically limited to study coordination tasks, data review, or remote patient monitoring components of decentralized trials.
How can I get hired as a clinical research nurse in Tennessee with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is applying for a clinical research coordinator or research assistant nurse role at one of Tennessee's large academic medical systems, where Vanderbilt University Medical Center and UTHSC run structured research nursing onboarding programs that accept candidates with general RN experience and no prior trial background. Nurses transitioning from oncology, cardiology, or critical care units carry directly transferable skills and tend to move into research roles more easily. Earning the Certified Clinical Research Coordinator credential before applying, even without experience, signals seriousness and improves your standing in competitive applicant pools.
Where can I find and apply to clinical research nurse jobs in Tennessee?
You can find and apply to clinical research nurse jobs in Tennessee on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings across the state. Find a role that fits and apply directly.
See All 40 Clinical Research Nurse Jobs in Tennessee
Find roles in Tennessee that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Clinical Research Nurse Jobs