Study Coordinator
A Study Coordinator, also known as Clinical Research Coordinator, is a professional who manages the daily operations of medical research studies or clinical trials. They work as the link between doctors, patients, and pharmaceutical companies to ensure research studies run smoothly. Think of them as project managers for medical research - they handle paperwork, coordinate with participants, and make sure all rules are followed. While nurses or other healthcare professionals often take this role, it's not always required to have a medical background, though understanding medical terms and procedures is important.
Examples in Resumes
Managed 12 concurrent clinical trials as Study Coordinator at major research hospital
Led patient recruitment and retention efforts as Clinical Research Coordinator
Coordinated with physicians and sponsors as Clinical Study Coordinator for Phase III drug trials
Typical job title: "Study Coordinators"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find Study Coordinators
Professional Associations
Online Communities
Job Boards
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How would you handle a situation where enrollment numbers are falling behind schedule?
Expected Answer: Should discuss multi-faceted approach including reviewing recruitment strategies, analyzing screening failures, engaging with study sites, and developing action plans while maintaining compliance with protocols.
Q: Describe your experience with managing multiple studies simultaneously.
Expected Answer: Should demonstrate strong organizational skills, prioritization methods, delegation abilities, and systems for tracking multiple deadlines and requirements across different studies.
Mid Level Questions
Q: How do you ensure protocol compliance in a clinical trial?
Expected Answer: Should explain methods for tracking protocol requirements, documentation procedures, and systems for catching and reporting any deviations.
Q: What is your process for obtaining informed consent?
Expected Answer: Should describe the entire consent process, including verification of eligibility, explaining study details in lay terms, ensuring patient understanding, and proper documentation.
Junior Level Questions
Q: What are the basic elements of a clinical trial protocol?
Expected Answer: Should be able to identify key components like inclusion/exclusion criteria, study procedures, visit schedule, and safety monitoring requirements.
Q: How do you maintain patient confidentiality in clinical research?
Expected Answer: Should discuss basic HIPAA requirements, proper handling of patient information, and understanding of data privacy in research settings.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Basic understanding of clinical trials
- Patient scheduling and coordination
- Data entry and basic documentation
- Understanding of medical terminology
Mid (2-5 years)
- Protocol implementation
- Patient recruitment strategies
- Regulatory documentation management
- Study budget tracking
Senior (5+ years)
- Multiple study management
- Staff training and mentoring
- Complex protocol management
- Sponsor relationship management
Red Flags to Watch For
- No understanding of Good Clinical Practice (GCP) guidelines
- Poor attention to detail in documentation
- Lack of experience with regulatory requirements
- Unable to explain basic clinical research concepts
- Poor communication skills
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