Clinical Trial Liaison - Cancer Center - Hybrid
The Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center at the University of Iowa is seeking a Clinical Trial Liaison to coordinate observational, translational, and clinical research projects and related laboratory investigations at the University of Iowa’s Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center (HCCC). This includes coordinating patient specimens and data workflows related to research projects including the Molecular Epidemiology Resources (MERs), Patient Enhancing Research Collaborations at Holden (PERCH), HCCC’s comprehensive biorepository enrollment program, and clinical trials portfolio (industry, national, and investigator-initiated studies). This position is responsible for coordinating collection and distribution of biospecimens and corresponding clinical data, development, and maintenance of project regulatory needs, maintaining multiple project related databases and creating/adapting workflows to meet requirements outlined in study protocols. Works closely with the Clinical Research Services and Biospecimen Procurement teams, collaborates with physicians and researchers in the development of translational and observational protocols and actively pursues research goals for the Translational Research Program.
This position is eligible for a hybrid work arrangement of both on-campus (UI Health Care) and remote work within the state of Iowa upon completion of a 6 month onsite training period, with the majority of work taking place on the U of I/UI Health Care campus. Per policy, work arrangements will be reviewed annually, and must comply with the remote work program and related policies and employee travel policy when working at a remote location
Duties to include:
Coordinates BioMER translational research studies including recruitment, coordination, scheduling, and sample collection of participating subjects.
Coordinates activities and workflows associated with collections/procurement, pathology review, documentation and distribution of tissue, blood, buccal, bone marrow and other approved samples from patients through close interaction with tissue procurement services, cancer center research teams, pathologists, physicians, sponsors, and other related clinical care and research staff.
Assists with the development, review, and maintenance of laboratory manuals and specimen collection workflows for investigator-initiated oncology clinical trials.
Participates in the Investigator-Initiated Trial (IIT) Working Group and other committees to support study startup, laboratory operations, and process improvement initiatives.
Populates and enhances databases containing research information obtained through review of patient charts and samples, lab reports and other related information and in a manner that complies with Institutional Review Board requirements and in response to physician and research needs and requirements. May create new databases for new projects as needed.
Assists with ongoing research collaborations involving outside institutions ensuring that data and samples are collected and processed in a manner consistent between the institutions.
Gathers and maintains data for research trials and laboratory investigations within the HCCC. Creates worksheets, flow sheets and assorted tools to provide source documentation of protocol procedures.
Maintains skills/competency related to specimen processing equipment, and procedures common to the patient population of the HCCC.
Initiates and composes correspondence and related materials to principal investigators outlining review of the protocol studies, maintains documentation of protocols and relevant data, follow-up correspondence, and summaries.
Coordinate preparation of Data and Material Sharing Agreements for ancillary projects associated with current projects for external and internal investigators. May initiate routing of agreements through Sponsored Programs and Office for Research.
Assists in the development and preparation of materials for reports to be written by faculty and staff on various oncology protocols and in compiling summary data for analysis, submission to study sponsors and for staff preparing reports, publications, manuscripts, research papers, grant funding proposals, and presentations.
Acts as a liaison to the University Business Office by identifying exact patient tests and procedures being paid for by study sponsors and assisting patients with questions related to protocol billing procedures.
Maintains records and services provided and monitors individual protocol budgets.
Contribute to development of project budget for cost recovery and fee-for-service studies.
May perform other administrative support tasks in support of the research (e.g., organize and facilitate meetings/ events, respond to inquiries, recruit research participants, monitor research protocols, data collection, analysis, and management; local site coordinator; maintain website content, etc.).
Assists with the preparation of educational materials for patients and other staff as needed to carry out protocol.
Prepares comprehensive notes and reports detailing results of clinical research and the methods used.
Provides and presents information to faculty, staff, patients and others on clinical research and methods employed in research studies.
Attends coordinated protocol and laboratory meetings as required.
Contribute to training of new members of the research team including research assistants and medical students.
Perform other duties as assigned.
% Effort | Key Areas of Responsibility | Example |
25% | Protocol Development and Management | Protocol related workflow development, project management |
20% | Research/Clinical Activities | Study participant coordination and interaction |
20% | Data Collection and Monitoring | Data abstraction and quality control for studies |
25% | Regulatory Guidelines & Documentation | IRB, contracts, compliance documentation management |
5% | Financial Responsibility | Monitor research billing, review or draft project budget |
5% | HR/Leadership | Student and intern supervision, staff training |
SUPERVISION RECEIVED:
Administrative supervision is received from the Manager, Translational Services. Functional supervision shared with Principal Investigator.
SUPERVISION EXERCISED:
Functional supervision may be exercised over assigned support staff.
UI Health Care Core Values (WE CARE) |
Welcoming | We are welcoming to the community, partners, staff, and patients utilizing the collective strength of our people. |
Excellence | We achieve and deliver our personal and collective best in the pursuit of quality and accessible health care, education, and research. |
Collaboration | We collaborate with health care systems, providers, and communities across Iowa and the region as well within our UI community. We believe teamwork- guided by compassion- is the best way to work. |
Accountability | We behave ethically, act openly and with integrity in all that we do, taking responsibility for our actions. |
Respect | We create an environment where every individual feels safe, valued, and respected, supporting the well-being and success of all members of our community. |
Empowerment | We commit to fair access to research, health care, and education for our community and opportunities for personal and professional growth for our staff and learners. |
University of Iowa Health Care—recognized as one of the best hospitals in the United States—is Iowa's only comprehensive academic medical center and a regional referral center. Each day more than 12,000 employees, students, and volunteers work together to provide safe, quality health care and excellent service for our patients. Simply stated, our mission is: Changing Medicine. Changing Lives.®
Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center is Iowa’s only NCI-designated comprehensive cancer center. The NCI designation recognized our cancer center, and its research scientist, physicians, and other health care professionals, for their roles in advancing cancer research that impacts on our ability to prevent, detect and treat our patients with cancer. Not just a floor, or a building, or even confined to a single college. Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center coordinates all cancer-related research, education, and patient care by faculty from 41 departments and six colleges, as well as UI Health Care and UI Children’s Hospital.
Percent of Time: 100%
Work Schedule: Monday – Friday, Hours generally worked between 7:00am-5pm
This position is eligible for a hybrid work arrangement of both on-campus (UI Health Care) and remote work within the state of Iowa upon completion of a 6 month onsite training period, with the majority of work taking place on the U of I/UI Health Care campus. Per policy, work arrangements will be reviewed annually, and must comply with the remote work program and related policies and employee travel policy when working at a remote location
Pay Grade: 4A
https://hr.uiowa.edu/pay/guide-pay-plans
Benefits Highlights:
Regular salaried position located in Iowa City, IA and Coralville, IA
Fringe benefit package including paid vacation; sick leave; health, dental, life and disability insurance options; and generous employer contributions into retirement plans
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Required Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
1-3 years of experience in the conduct of social science/behavioral/medical research or clinical programming.
Excellent verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills.
Ability to manage complex information with attention to detail and a high level of accuracy
Knowledge of computer-based programs and databases.
Desired Qualifications
Knowledge of regulatory guidelines and procedures associated with human subject research.
Knowledge of UIHC pathology workflows
Relevant experience in oncology research or related management of information and data.
Experience with procurement of human tissues and specimens and data.
Experience with clinical research applications such OnCore, REDCap or Labmatrix.
Experience with medical terminology.
Application Process: In order to be considered, applicants must upload a resume and cover letter(under submission relevant materials) that clearly address how they meet the listed required and desired qualifications of this position.
Job openings are posted for a minimum of 7 calendar days.
Successful candidates will be required to self-disclose any conviction history and will be subject to a criminal background check and credential/education verification.
References: Five professional references will be requested and required at a later step in the recruitment process
This position is not eligible for University sponsorship for employment authorization.
With additional questions, please reach out to Sarah Waldschmidt at sarah-waldschmidt@uiowa.edu
Equal opportunity employer
The University of Iowa is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment free from discrimination on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, pregnancy (including childbirth and related conditions), disability, genetic information, status as a U.S. veteran, service in the U.S. military, sexual orientation, or associational preferences.
Persons with disabilities who need assistance or accommodations with the application or interview process may contact University Human Resources/Faculty and Staff Disability Services, (319) 335-2660 or fsds@uiowa.edu. For jobs in UI Health care, please contact UI Health care Leave & Disability Administration at 319-356-7543.

