Clinical Research Associate

Department Overview

The Division of Oncological Sciences at OHSU's Knight Cancer Institute focuses on understanding cancer through various research methods. The ultimate goal is to improve cancer prevention, detection, and treatment for everyone.

The division's research is conducted by a collaborative team of scientists, faculty, trainees, and staff from diverse backgrounds. They work together to turn lab discoveries into real-world benefits for cancer patients and the wider community.

Their research is built around teamwork and covers four key areas:
Precision Systems Oncology, Cancer Data Science (including computer biology, bioinformatics, and biostatistics), Chemical Biology and Experimental Therapeutics, and Cancer Population Science.

A major priority is to understand cell plasticity, which is the ability of cells to change their type or identity. Researchers are particularly interested in how cells transition from normal to cancerous, from cancer to spreading (metastasis), and from metastasis to becoming resistant to treatment.

Every Knight Cancer employee is expected to embody our guiding principles:

• We act BOLDLY—Breakthroughs require pushing the boundaries of science, exploring new frontiers, and thinking differently
• We SUPPORT each other—Respect leads to trust, which leads to excellence
• We work as a CONNECTED team — We must leverage our collective brain power to conquer cancer because no one individual can do it alone

Join the Knight Cancer Institute and play a key leadership role in a large NIH-funded clinical trial focused on improving the health and quality of life of cancer survivors.

We are seeking a highly organized and motivated Clinical Research Associate (Project Director) to lead the day-to-day operations of a supportive care clinical trial. Working closely with the study Co-Principal Investigators, Lab Manager, and a multidisciplinary team of experts in cancer survivorship, oncology, and health research, this position will oversee study planning, implementation, participant recruitment, regulatory compliance, and data management.

What You'll Do

• Lead the planning, coordination, and execution of a multi-site clinical trial.
• Manage study timelines, milestones, and deliverables.
• Supervise and train research staff involved in participant recruitment and data collection.
• Oversee participant recruitment, retention, and study engagement activities.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory, institutional, and study requirements.
• Develop and maintain study databases and tracking systems, including REDCap.
• Monitor data quality, completeness, and study performance metrics.
• Coordinate research team meetings and sponsor communications.
• Oversee participant randomization and intervention implementation.
• Track study adherence, retention, and safety outcomes.
• Collaborate with investigators on study reports, presentations, manuscripts, and budget oversight.

Preferred Qualifications

Ideal candidates will have:

• Experience coordinating or managing clinical research studies, particularly clinical trials.
• Strong project management, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Experience supervising or mentoring research staff.
• Experience working with REDCap and research data management systems.
• Experience working with older adults, cancer survivors, or other clinical populations is preferred.
• Prior clinical research experience at OHSU is highly desirable.

What Makes Someone Successful in This Role

The successful candidate will be proactive, detail-oriented, and able to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced research environment. They will be comfortable working independently, leading teams, solving problems, and collaborating…