Child Health Research Center - Clinical Research Coordinator

Clinical Research Coordinator

The Child Health Research Center in the College of Health and Human Development seeks a Clinical Research Coordinator to support a growing portfolio of clinical, behavioral, translational, and community-based research focused on improving the health and well-being of children, adolescents, and families.

The Clinical Research Coordinator will provide operational leadership and coordination for multiple funded research studies and clinical trials from initiation through closeout. The position works collaboratively with principal investigators, research faculty, clinical partners, community organizations, regulatory offices, and research participants to ensure studies are conducted in accordance with approved protocols, sponsor requirements, federal regulations, and University policies.

Responsibilities include coordinating study start up and implementation; overseeing participant recruitment, screening, enrollment, and retention efforts; managing regulatory documentation; monitoring study timelines and deliverables; coordinating data collection activities; maintaining research databases and study records; facilitating communication among investigators, sponsors, and stakeholders; and supporting the preparation of reports, presentations, manuscripts, and grant applications.

The successful candidate will demonstrate strong project management, organizational, and interpersonal skills and have the ability to effectively manage multiple concurrent studies involving children, adolescents, families, healthcare providers, schools, and community partners. This position may supervise student researchers and part-time research staff and requires a high degree of independent judgment, attention to detail, and commitment to research quality and participant safety.

Location, Travel and Working Hours

• Regular travel throughout Central Pennsylvania and surrounding communities may be required to support research activities at partner sites and community organizations.
• This position requires a flexible schedule to include working some evenings and weekend work may be necessary to accommodate participant schedules and study requirements.
• This position is based at Penn State's University Park campus in State College, PA, and follows a hybrid work arrangement that includes regular weekly on-campus presence, with some opportunities for remote work.

Key Responsibilities

• Coordinate the implementation and management of clinical and community-based research studies.
• Support participant recruitment, intervention delivery, telehealth activities, data collection, and study retention efforts.
• Develop and maintain study materials, procedures, regulatory documentation, and research records.
• Monitor study progress, ensure protocol compliance, and contribute to reporting and dissemination activities.
• Train and oversee research staff and students while supporting collaborative research operations across multiple projects.

Qualification/Skills

• Knowledge of human subjects research regulations, informed consent, and IRB processes.
• Experience coordinating participant recruitment, enrollment, retention, and study operations.
• Strong project management, organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency with research databases, electronic data capture systems, and Microsoft Office.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and ensure regulatory compliance.
• Willingness to travel and work occasional evenings/weekends.

Minimum Education, Work Experience & Required Certifications

Bachelor's Degree; 3+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted;
Required

Certifications:

None

Application Materials

Applicants should submit a resume and cover letter.

Salary & Benefits

The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $59,580.00 - $86,400.00. Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children.

For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page.