Senior Research Nurse - Surgical Oncology

The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center is a leading institution focused on cancer care, research, education, and prevention. The Surgical Oncology department is dedicated to advancing the treatment of cancer through innovative surgical approaches, multidisciplinary collaboration, and clinical research that improves patient outcomes. The Senior Research Nurse supports complex clinical trials within Surgical Oncology and serves as a key resource for patients, investigators, and research teams.

UT MD Anderson is internationally recognized for excellence in cancer research and patient care. The Senior Research Nurse plays a critical role in the successful execution of clinical research studies by coordinating protocol-related activities, ensuring regulatory compliance, and supporting high-quality patient care. The Senior Research Nurse collaborates closely with multidisciplinary teams to achieve study objectives while maintaining patient safety and protocol integrity. The Senior Research Nurse also provides leadership, education, and operational support across research initiatives.

The ideal candidate will possess experience in interventional treatment trials, demonstrate exceptional organizational skills while managing multiple protocols, and have a proven ability to engage effectively with principal investigators, managers, ancillary departments, and sponsors. Strong verbal and written communication skills, responsiveness, follow-through, collaborative teamwork, and the flexibility to support onsite research activities are preferred. Education, experience, and licensure requirements were not provided.

Salary Range: Minimum $89,000 - Midpoint $111,000 - Maximum $133,000
Typical Work Schedule: Day shift, with after-hour communication with patients/PI if needed.
Work Location: Hybrid. Minimum of 2 days/week onsite plus additional onsite presence as patient and business needs arise. No set onsite days and schedule may depend upon PI and protocol needs. Some training and precepting will occur in clinic, with duration varying based on learning pace.
 

Why Us?
At UT MD Anderson, the Senior Research Nurse contributes directly to clinical research that advances surgical oncology treatments and improves patient outcomes. This role offers opportunities to work alongside leading clinicians and researchers, develop expertise in investigational therapies and protocol management, and build a rewarding career within a mission-driven organization that supports professional growth and work-life balance.
• Employer-paid medical coverage starting day one for employees working 30+ hours/week, plus optional group dental, vision, life, AD&D, and disability insurance.
• Accruals for PTO and Extended Illness Bank, plus paid holidays, wellness, childcare, and other leave options.
• Tuition Assistance Program after six months of service and access to extensive wellness, fitness, and employee resource groups.
• Defined-benefit pension through the Teachers Retirement System, voluntary retirement plans, and employer-paid life and reduced salary protection programs.
 

Key Responsibilities
Research Protocol Operations • Assess patients for protocol eligibility through personal interviews and medical record review in outpatient and inpatient settings
• Assess patients during follow-up visits according to protocol requirements
• Recruit, schedule, and retain research participants accurately and efficiently
• Coordinate and monitor patients enrolled in research protocols
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to support study execution
• Maintain documentation in medical records and recruitment logs according to protocol and institutional requirements
• Manage designated secondary protocol assignments
• Review new protocol assignments for consistency and clarity
• Create protocol-specific documentation and reference tools
• Perform day-to-day regulatory management activities
Clinical Monitoring & Evaluation • Evaluate patient response to protocol therapy, treatment toxicities, and adverse drug reactions
• Report findings to the Principal Investigator, Institutional Review Board, and study sponsor as required
• Prepare protocol summary reports upon request
• Assist the Principal Investigator and support staff with protocol management, content review, and data analysis
• Organize and coordinate materials required for monitoring and audit activities
Protocol-Specific Activities • Identify and address patient and family educational needs regarding research treatment, evaluation, and follow-up requirements
• Provide education through in-person discussions, telephone communication, and written materials
• Prepare for external monitoring and auditing visits
• Administer investigational medications according to protocol requirements and nursing guidelines
• Support protocol consultations and research-related activities
• Participate in protocol budgets and research-related charge review for assigned studies
Professional Development • Maintain current knowledge of research, oncology, and data management practices through continuing education
• Attend departmental research meetings and conferences
• Educate professional and ancillary staff regarding research protocols through formal and informal training
• Provide accurate protocol-related information to multidisciplinary teams
• Maintain required licensure, certifications, and institutional training requirements
Leadership & Supervision • Supervise personnel in the absence of the Research Nurse Manager
• Assist Research Nurses with protocol management activities
• Serve as a preceptor for new Research Nurses
• Support the training and development of research personnel
• Perform other duties as assigned
Requirements