Research Registered Nurse – Cardiovascular & Thoracic Surgery Department

WHY UT SOUTHWESTERN?
With over 75 years of excellence in Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas, UT Southwestern is committed to excellence, innovation, teamwork, and compassion. As a world-renowned medical and research center, we strive to provide the best possible care, resources, and benefits for our valued employees. Ranked as the number 1 hospital in Dallas-Fort Worth according to U.S. News & World Report, we invest in you with opportunities for career growth and development to align with your future goals. Our highly competitive benefits package offers healthcare, PTO and paid holidays, on-site childcare, wage, merit increases and so much more. We invite you to be a part of the UT Southwestern team where you’ll discover a culture of teamwork, professionalism, and a rewarding career! 

JOB SUMMARY
The Research Nurse in Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery Clinical Trials plays a critical role in the coordination and execution of clinical research studies focused on thoracic surgical interventions. This position supports Thoracic Surgery investigators in conducting high-quality, compliant research while ensuring patient safety and protocol adherence. The ideal candidate will have experience in cardiovascular and thoracic surgery, with additional exposure to oncology and lung and other thoracic surgies preferred.

Demonstrates strong attention to detail with the ability to manage multiple complex protocols while applying critical thinking and sound clinical assessment skills. Works effectively both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team, maintaining a patient-centered approach and a strong commitment to ethical research practices. Functions in a clinical, surgical, and office-based environment, with flexibility to accommodate occasional early mornings, evenings, and coordination with surgical schedules.  Follows a hybrid work schedule.

BENEFITS
UT Southwestern is proud to offer a competitive and comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees. Our benefits are designed to support your overall wellbeing, and include:

• PPO medical plan, available day one at no cost for full-time employee-only coverage
• 100% coverage for preventive healthcare-no copay
• Paid Time Off, available day one
• Retirement Programs through the Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS)
• Paid Parental Leave Benefit
• Wellness programs
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Qualified Employer
• Learn more about these and other UTSW employee benefits!

EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION

Required

• Education
  Graduate of NLN (National League for Nursing) approved Nursing program, licensure as Registered Nurse by Board of Nurse Examiners for the State of Texas 
   

• Experience
  2 years of clinical nursing experience 
  May substitute relevant clinical research experience for clinical nursing experience on one-on-one basis. 
   

• Licenses and Certifications
  (BLS) BASIC LIFE SUPPORT – Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification through a course accredited by the American Heart Association (AHA) or American Red Cross (ARC) Upon Hire 
   

Preferred Qualifications

• Active State of Texas Registered Nurse (RN) license
• Strong knowledge of research regulations, GCP, and human subject protections Certification in clinical research (e.g., CCRP, CCRC) (provided upon hire)

• Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills
• Experience in thoracic surgery, cardiovascular surgery, or surgical ICU
• Background in oncology clinical trials
• Familiarity with cardiac and lung surgery patient populations
• Experience working with electronic data capture (EDC) systems

Bilingual  beneficial

JOB DUTIES

Key Responsibilities

• Coordinate and manage all aspects of thoracic surgery clinical trials from study start-up through closeout
• Screen, recruit, and consent eligible patients in accordance with study protocols and regulatory requirements
• Serve as a liaison between patients, investigators, sponsors, and multidisciplinary care teams
• Schedule and conduct study visits, ensuring timely completion of assessments, procedures, and data collection
• Proactively monitor patient safety, track adverse events, and report findings per protocol and regulatory guidelines
• Maintain accurate and complete research documentation, including case report forms and source documents
• Ensure compliance with Good Clinical Practice (GCP), Human Subject Protection (HSP), institutional policies, and federal regulations
• Assist in protocol development, feasibility assessments, and study implementation
• Maintains accurate and timely billing for applicable clinical trials
• Collaborate closely with thoracic surgeons, anesthesia teams, ICU and oncology teams, and cardiopulmonary surgeons.
• Participate in audits, monitoring visits, and quality assurance activities

Nursing, Patient, and Research Management

• Provides nursing care, clinical assessments, and data collection for inpatient and outpatient clinical research studies in accordance with study protocols and under PI guidance.
• Recruits, screens, consents, and monitors research participants; educates patients and families on study purpose, procedures, and treatment plans.
• Coordinates patient care and study activities, serving as a liaison between investigators, nursing staff, pharmacy, and institutional stakeholders.
• Administers investigational and non-investigational medications and procedures per protocol; monitors patient response and reports adverse events according to IRB and protocol requirements.
• Collects, documents, and manages clinical and research data; maintains regulatory documentation; supports IRB submissions, audits, and sponsor reporting.
• Assists with inventory and coordination of investigational products, specimen collection and shipment, and preparation of data for publication.
• May train or provide direction to research nursing staff and participate in meetings or conferences as a representative of the research team.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

SECURITY AND EEO STATEMENT

Security
This position is security-sensitive and subject to Texas Education Code 51.215, which authorizes UT Southwestern to obtain criminal history record information.

EEO
UT Southwestern Medical Center is committed to an educational and working environment that provides equal opportunity to all members of the University community. As an equal opportunity employer, UT Southwestern prohibits unlawful discrimination, including discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, disability, genetic information, citizenship status, or veteran status.