Sr. Clinical Research Nurse

CORP - HM Corporate Division
- The Methodist Hospital Sr. Clinical Research Nurse

HM Texas Medical Center
- Scurlock Tower

May 5, 2026

Pay information not provided

At Houston Methodist, the Senior Clinical Research Nurse (CRN) position is responsible for the support and facilitation of the daily clinical trial activities and plays a critical role in the conduct of the study. This position functions at the Proficient level according to Benner's model of clinical practice. The Senior CRN position provides direct clinical research patient care effectively and is considered an expert in the specialty of clinical research inclusive drug and device trials.

Role modeling compassionate communication with physicians and the interprofessional health care team, this position assists in coaching and mentoring department staff in areas of clinical research and professional research nursing practice. The Senior CRN position is a subject matter expert in implementing clinical research care via the research protocol. This position functions as a resource for the Principal Investigator (PI), department, sponsor, and institution, providing guidance on the administration of Good Clinical Practice compliance, financial and other related aspects of the research study.

The CRN position serves as a liaison between physicians, patients, staff and sponsors.

FLSA STATUS Exempt

QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION

• Bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited school of Nursing

EXPERIENCE

• Five years clinical research experience

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS
Required

• RN
  - Registered Nurse
  - Texas State Licensure
  - Texas Board of  Compact Licensure – Must obtain permanent Texas license within 60 days (if establishing Texas residency)
  and
• BLS
  - Basic Life Support or Instructor (AHA) - American Heart Association and
• Must have one of the following certifications: CCRC
  - Certified Clinical Research Coordinator (ACRP) or CCRP
  - Certified Clinical Research Professional (SOCRA) or CRN-BC
  - Certified Research Nurse (CRNCC)

SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Demonstrates the skills and competencies necessary to safely perform the assigned job, determined through on-going skills, competency assessments, and performance evaluations

Sufficient proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing the English language necessary to perform the essential functions of this job, especially with regard to activities impacting patient or employee safety or security

Ability to effectively communicate with patients, physicians, family members and co-workers in a manner consistent with a customer service focus and application of positive language principles

Demonstrates clinical problem solving and critical thinking using an analytical approach

Acts as effective change agent

Uses therapeutic communication to establish a relationship with patients, families and interprofessional team to collaborate on the plan of care

Strong assessment, organizational and problem solving skill as evidenced by capacity to prioritize multiple tasks and role components

Ability to function independently and exercise judgment in interactions with physicians, interprofessional care team and patients and their families

Uses critical thinking skills and clinical judgment to work autonomously as defined by the Nurse Practice Act

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

PEOPLE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Functions in lead role for studies and provides back-up to other team members for research studies. Provides patient education regarding disease process and involves patient and family in decision-making process, providing research interventions care to clinical research patients and coordinates with interprofessional team as written in the research protocol.
• Identifies staff development opportunities for professional growth of colleagues, provides coaching to meet identified goals. Acts as a model and coaches staff in effective verbal, non-verbal and written communication, which includes active listening and teaching. Facilitates onboarding and orientation process for new staff in conjunction with Clinical Trials Manager. to include precepting new staff and serve as a resource to new staff for clinical research.
• Improves nurse satisfaction by serving as a role model and mentor, facilitating teamwork with RNs, non-licensed and interprofessional staff. Leads opportunities for improvements of department scores for turnover/retention/engagement.

SERVICE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Coordinates with Principal Investigator and department to ensure clinical research and related activities are performed in accordance with Federal regulations and Houston Methodist Research Institute policies and procedures.
• Coordinates pre-site and site initiation visits; trains hospital and clinical nurses/physicians on scientific aspects and protocol requirements of research studies. Attends off-site investigator meetings.
• Role models accurate, comprehensive nursing assessments to develop, coordinate, implement and evaluate activities associated with all phases of clinical research projects. Monitors safety of all…