Clinical Research Coordinator B/C (Abramson Cancer Center)

University Overview

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.

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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.

Posted Job Title

Clinical Research Coordinator B/C (Abramson Cancer Center)

Job Profile Title

Clinical Research Coordinator B

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 mission of the ACC Clinical Research Unit (CRU) is to advance the science of cancer care, serve our patients by improving clinical outcomes, and offer the best available innovative care to trial participants. The ACC 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 12 Research Teams that support disease/discipline specific medical oncology cancer programs within the ACC.

The Clinical and Translational Research Program for Lymphomas and Other Related Diseases (“Lymphoma Research Team”) within the ACC CRU seeks a full-time Clinical Research Coordinator B/C (CRC). The successful candidate 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 (PI), study team and Sponsor/CRO. This position will report directly to the Program Manager and work directly with PIs and clinical research nurses (CRNs).

The CRC is an integral and essential member of the ACC CRU Lymphoma Research Team. We are looking for an enthusiastic, professional, and committed team member to work closely with our investigators, team leaders, CRNs, and other research team members. The ACC received an exceptional rating from the National Cancer Institute (NCI) and is considered one of the top 10 cancer centers in the country. We are looking for a CRC that will help accelerate this momentum through the conduct of cutting-edge clinical trials.

Career Development Opportunities:
The ACC is focused on career development of CRCs and offers an advanced infrastructure of leadership and training to guide and support new CRCs from initial training, to continued professional growth.

Job Description

Job Responsibilities

Clinical Research Coordinator B Responsibilities:

This individual will work under general supervision. Specific responsibilities include (but are not limited to):

• Plan, organize, and contribute to study-related meetings, including but not limited to Investigator Meetings, Site Initiation Visits, Intermediate Monitoring Visits, Close-out Visits, Internal Audits, and ongoing training sessions; maintain complete and accurate records of meetings/sessions, and ensure that resulting action items are completed in a timely manner.
• Assist with start-up processes for Industry-sponsored, Cooperative Group, and Investigator-initiated studies; proactively review protocols and associated manuals, ask questions, and pursue corrections or clarifications, if needed. Coordinate non-therapeutic studies and complex Phase I, II, or III oncology clinical trials.
• Assist the Regulatory Coordinator by preparing components of submissions (e.g., institutional forms, initial submissions, amendments, continuations, etc.) and drafting responses to IRB stipulations, queries and concerns; remain aware of the regulatory statuses for assigned protocols.
• Lead or contribute to Informed Consent in accordance with federal and Pennsylvania state law. Review inclusion/exclusion criteria with other members of the study team and facilitate eligibility review with the Sponsor/CRO, if required.
• Provide support to faculty and staff during study-related visits. Ensure timely and appropriate documentation of visits and testing. Coordinate exception requests (or prospective deviations); document and report adverse events, serious adverse events, events of interest, and non-medical events.
• Collect, review and report timely, valid, and accurate data within the timelines specified by the study-specific Agreement; this includes resolving data discrepancies and timely response to sponsor queries; timelines may be shortened during periods of data lock or in preparation for abstract/manuscript submission. Maintain an up-to-date list of incidental (i.e., minor) deviations; coordinate reportable (i.e., major) deviations and other unexpected events.
• Coordinate independent central review of clinical trial end-points (e.g., imaging data). Transport, process and ship biological materials (e.g., blood, urine, tissue, etc.) using universal precautions. Receive and maintain central lab supplies, kits, and equipment (e.g., EKG machines, ePRO tablets, etc.). Assist with billing reconciliation, tracking site reimbursements and allocating patient stipends. May be asked to assist with research scheduling.
• Maintain complete, well-organized, and audit-ready study and participant files (e.g., subject charts, case report forms, enrollment logs, hospital records, etc.) from participant screening through final follow-up. Secure signatures and forward documents/forms (e.g., FDFs, PSPs, FDA 1572, etc.) to appropriate destinations; maintain Delegation of Authority log.
• Participate in research meetings (e.g., team, disease-site, etc.) and Sponsor/CRO teleconferences. Provide coverage and support to meet departmental and organizational staffing needs (i.e. lunches, sick calls, vacations, or when a specific team member’s workload exceeds capacity). Maintain all relevant trainings and certifications (e.g., CITI, GCP, IATA, PENN CRC Certificate, Penn Profiler trainings, etc.). Make use of available resources and established procedures to identify problems ideally before they happen. 
• Perform other duties as reasonably assigned.

Clinical Research Coordinator C Responsibilities:

The CRC C will work independently under minimal supervision and may act in a lead capacity or as back-up to the Supervisor, which includes oversight of the study team and serving as the point-of-contact for some day-to-day situations. The CRC C responsibilities will be the same as B but will include the following:

• Plan, organize, and run study-related meetings, including but not limited to Site Initiation Visits, Intermediate Monitoring Visits, Close-out Visits, Internal Audits and ongoing training sessions.
• Take a lead role in Site Feasibility and Qualification Visits; work in conjunction with the Unit Managers to initiate start-up processes for industry-sponsored and Investigator-initiated trials; independently manage the conduct of complex (i.e., multi-drug regimens, high toxicity potential, multiple random assignments, or immunotherapies, etc.) Phase I – IV clinical trials inclusive of managing multi-site projects where Penn is the lead site.
• Prepare components of submissions to the IRB (and other entities) and remain aware of the regulatory statuses for assigned protocols; may be asked to draft or edit study protocols and associated documents (e.g., informed consent, manuals of procedures, etc.).
• Participate in the development of study-specific Case Report Forms and other data collection tools; may be asked to contribute to study reports, abstracts, posters, manuscripts, and grant applications.
• Participate in Sponsor teleconferences, Program meetings, and working groups that will maximize the efficiency and quality of research performed; may be responsible for orientation/mentorship of new staff and act as a resource to current staff members with study-related issues; provide coverage and support to other Coordinators to meet departmental/organizational staffing needs.
• Assist the Unit Managers with QA processes related to research studies; take a lead role in preparing for any inspection (e.g. internal and external audits) that takes place with the trials, as required.

Position may involve some work-related responsibilities that may occur outside of usual hours and some conference-related travel. Position is contingent on continued funding.

Job Location - City, State

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Department / School

Perelman School of Medicine

Pay Range

$53,418.00 - $60,813.00 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, and in alignment with salary ranges based on external market data for the job’s level. Internal organization and peer data at Penn are also considered.

Equal Opportunity Statement 

The University of Pennsylvania is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates are considered for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion, creed, national origin (including shared ancestry or ethnic characteristics), citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status or any class protected under applicable federal, state or local law.

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

University Benefits

• Health, Life, and Flexible Spending Accounts: Penn offers comprehensive medical, prescription, behavioral health, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits to protect you and your family’s health and welfare. You can also use flexible spending accounts to pay for eligible health care and dependent care expenses with pre-tax dollars.

• Tuition: Take advantage of Penn's exceptional tuition benefits. You, your spouse, and your dependent children can get tuition assistance here at Penn. Your dependent children are also eligible for tuition assistance at other institutions.

• Retirement: Penn offers generous retirement plans to help you save for your future. Penn’s Basic, Matching, and Supplemental retirement plans allow you to save for retirement on a pre-tax or Roth basis. Choose from a wide variety of investment options through TIAA and Vanguard.

• Time Away from Work: Penn provides you with a substantial amount of time away from work during the course of the year. This allows you to relax, take vacations, attend to personal affairs, recover from illness or injury, spend time with family—whatever your personal needs may be.

• Long-Term Care Insurance: In partnership with Genworth Financial, Penn offers faculty and staff (and your eligible family members) long-term care insurance to help you cover some of the costs of long-term care services received at home, in the community or in a nursing facility. If you apply when you’re newly hired, you won’t have to provide proof of good health or be subject to underwriting requirements. Eligible family members must always provide proof of good health and are subject to underwriting.

• Wellness and Work-life Resources: Penn is committed to supporting our faculty and staff as they balance the competing demands of work and personal life. That’s why we offer a wide variety of programs and resources to help you care for your health, your family, and your work-life balance.

• Professional and Personal Development: Penn provides an array of resources to help you advance yourself personally and professionally.

• University Resources: As a member of the Penn community, you have access to a wide range of University resources as well as cultural and recreational activities. Take advantage of the University’s libraries and athletic facilities, or visit our arboretum and art galleries. There’s always something going on at Penn, whether it’s a new exhibit at the Penn Museum, the latest music or theater presentation at the Annenberg Center, or the Penn Relays at Franklin Field to name just a few examples. As a member of the Penn community, you’re right in the middle of the excitement—and you and your family can enjoy many of these activities for free.

• Discounts and Special Services: From arts and entertainment to transportation and mortgages, you'll find great deals for University faculty and staff. Not only do Penn arts and cultural centers and museums offer free and discounted admission and memberships to faculty and staff. You can also enjoy substantial savings on other goods and services such as new cars from Ford and General Motors, cellular phone service plans, movie tickets, and admission to theme parks.

• Flexible Work Hours: Flexible work options offer creative approaches for completing work while promoting balance between work and personal commitments. These approaches involve use of non-traditional work hours, locations, and/or job structures.

• Penn Home Ownership Services: Penn offers a forgivable loan for eligible employees interested in buying a home or currently residing in West Philadelphia, which can be used for closing costs or home improvements.

• Adoption Assistance: Penn will reimburse eligible employees on qualified expenses in connection with the legal adoption of an eligible child, such as travel or court fees, for up to two adoptions in your household.

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To learn more, please visit: https://www.hr.upenn.edu/PennHR/benefits-pay