How to Be Research Studies Coordinator - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Jul 3, 2020 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

Professional Organizations

FAQ

Links

The role of a Research Studies Coordinator is critical for ensuring the success of a research study. By managing the operational aspects of the study, the Research Studies Coordinator ensures the smooth functioning of the research project and contributes to the successful completion of the study. This includes recruiting volunteers, managing the timeline and budget, and collecting and analyzing data.

Furthermore, the Coordinator also facilitates communication between the research team and stakeholders, and ensures that all protocols are followed. As a result, a successful Research Studies Coordinator can ensure that a research study is conducted in a timely and cost-effective manner while adhering to ethical standards and best practices.

Steps How to Become

Earn a Bachelor's Degree. In order to become a research studies coordinator, it is important to first earn a bachelor's degree in a related field. A degree in psychology, sociology, public health, or a related field is typically required.
Get Experience. Research studies coordinators typically have experience in research and data analysis. It is important to gain experience in the field through internships, volunteer work, or even by working as a research assistant.
Get Certified. Although not always required, a research studies coordinator may benefit from getting certified in the field. The Association of Clinical Research Professionals offers the Certified Clinical Research Coordinator (CCRC) certification, which can help to demonstrate expertise and knowledge of the clinical research field.
Stay Up-to-Date. Research studies coordinators must stay up-to-date on the latest trends, technologies, and research findings in their field. It is important to stay informed on the latest developments in the field and to attend conferences and seminars in order to stay abreast of current trends.
Network. Networking is an important part of becoming a successful research studies coordinator. Establishing professional contacts and relationships with other research professionals can be beneficial when seeking employment opportunities or seeking out new projects.

The role of a Research Studies Coordinator is essential in ensuring that research studies are conducted efficiently and effectively. This is achieved by coordinating all aspects of a study, from selecting and recruiting participants to managing data and finances. A successful Research Studies Coordinator must possess excellent organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills, as well as the ability to work independently.

They must also be capable of working with a diverse range of people, from researchers to volunteers, and possess a strong understanding of research protocols. By coordinating all aspects of a study, a Research Studies Coordinator can ensure that research is conducted in an ethical, responsible, and efficient manner, leading to successful outcomes.

You may want to check Studies Consultant, Studies Technician, and Clinical Studies Associate for alternative.

Job Description

Develop and execute research protocols and clinical studies, ensuring adherence to standards of ethical research.
Monitor the progress of research studies to ensure quality data and timely completion of projects.
Collaborate with other health care professionals and researchers to develop research projects and protocols.
Organize and analyze data from research studies and create reports for review by project teams.
Submit research proposals to external funding agencies and prepare grant proposals.
Manage the recruitment and selection of research subjects, and ensure compliance with study protocols.
Maintain accurate records of research study activities, including data collection, results, and other study information.
Assist in the development of educational materials for research projects, including patient consent forms, questionnaires, and other documents.
Monitor research budgets, negotiate contracts with vendors and suppliers, and track expenditures related to research studies.
Train research staff in proper data collection methods, study protocols, and other research procedures.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of research principles and methods.
Ability to coordinate and manage multiple concurrent research projects.
Experience with data collection and analysis.
Excellent organizational and time management skills.
Ability to develop and maintain relationships with research partners.
Strong communication skills, both verbal and written.
Analytical and problem-solving skills.
Understanding of research ethics and regulations.
Proficiency in computer applications related to research, such as Microsoft Office and SPSS.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Being a Research Studies Coordinator requires a variety of skills, but the most important skill is the ability to effectively communicate. Good communication skills are essential for a Research Studies Coordinator to be successful in their role, as they need to be able to communicate effectively with research team members, sponsors, and research participants. Having strong communication skills allows a Research Studies Coordinator to explain complex study protocols and procedures to research team members, sponsors and participants.

They must also be able to ask questions to ensure that all parties involved understand the research process. strong communication skills are necessary for a Research Studies Coordinator to build relationships with stakeholders such as sponsors, research team members and participants. These relationships are essential for the success of the research study and the coordinator should be able to work collaboratively with all parties involved.

Furthermore, good communication skills are also needed to ensure that all data collected is accurate and of high quality, as well as to review data to identify any discrepancies that may have occurred. All of these important tasks require excellent communication skills in order for a Research Studies Coordinator to be successful in their role.

Research Studies Specialist, Market Studies Analyst, and Economic Studies Analyst are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have working in research studies?
What challenges have you faced coordinating research studies?
How do you stay organized when managing multiple research studies?
How do you manage conflicting interests among research study participants?
How do you ensure the accuracy and integrity of research data?
What strategies have you used to recruit volunteers for research studies?
How do you create and manage study protocols?
Describe your experience with data analysis and statistical software.
What strategies do you use to ensure compliance with ethical guidelines?
How do you keep up with changes in the field of research studies?

Common Tools in Industry

SurveyMonkey. Online survey creation and analysis tool (eg: Create and distribute surveys to research participants).
Qualtrics. Online survey platform with advanced analytics capabilities (eg: Analyze survey results to gain insights into research data).
SPSS. Statistical analysis software (eg: Analyze and interpret research data from surveys and experiments).
NVivo. Qualitative data analysis software (eg: Categorize and interpret research data from interviews and focus groups).
Microsoft Excel. Spreadsheet software (eg: Create and manage databases of research participant information).
EndNote. Bibliographic management software (eg: Organize and cite research sources in bibliographies).
REDCap. Research data collection and management platform (eg: Create and manage data collection forms for research studies).

Professional Organizations to Know

Association for Clinical and Translational Science (ACTS)
Association of Clinical Research Professionals (ACRP)
Society for Clinical Data Management (SCDM)
Drug Information Association (DIA)
Academy of Managed Care Pharmacy (AMCP)
Clinical Trials Transformation Initiative (CTTI)
Society of Clinical Research Associates (SOCRA)
International Society for Pharmaceutical Engineering (ISPE)
Society of Behavioral Medicine (SBM)
International Society for Pharmacoeconomics and Outcomes Research (ISPOR)

We also have Studies Officer, Clinical Studies Manager, and Studies Leader jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Research Protocols. Detailed documents that outline the objectives, design, methodology, statistical considerations and organization of a research study.
Institutional Review Board (IRB). A committee established by an institution to review and approve research protocols to ensure the protection of human participants.
Clinical Trials. Controlled studies conducted to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a new drug or medical device.
Data Management. The process of collecting, organizing, storing, and analyzing data from research studies.
Participant Recruitment. The process of identifying and selecting individuals who meet the criteria and qualify to participate in a research study.
Clinical Research Site. A medical facility or practice where research studies are conducted.
Clinical Research Coordinator (CRC). The person responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of the clinical research site.
Regulatory Compliance. Adherence to relevant laws and regulations related to the conduct of research studies.
Quality Assurance. Procedures used to ensure that research studies are being conducted according to applicable regulations and guidelines.
Informed Consent. A document given to participants that explains the purpose, risks, benefits, and other details of a research study before they agree to participate.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the role of a Research Studies Coordinator?

A Research Studies Coordinator is responsible for coordinating and managing research studies and trials, including developing protocols, recruiting and monitoring participants, collecting data, and reporting results.

What qualifications are needed to become a Research Studies Coordinator?

Generally, Research Studies Coordinators are expected to have a bachelor's degree in a related field such as statistics, epidemiology, or public health. Knowledge of regulatory requirements, clinical trial processes, and data management is also important.

How many hours per week do Research Studies Coordinators typically work?

The exact hours may vary depending on the specific research study, but Research Studies Coordinators typically work 40 hours per week.

What type of environment do Research Studies Coordinators work in?

Research Studies Coordinators may work in hospitals, universities, research centers, pharmaceutical companies, or other medical facilities.

What are some common duties of Research Studies Coordinators?

Common duties of Research Studies Coordinators include designing protocols, recruiting and enrolling participants, collecting and analyzing data, preparing reports and presentations, monitoring progress, and ensuring compliance with applicable regulations.