Description
We are seeking a contract Clinical Research Associate to support our oncology research program within a private clinical setting. This role plays a vital part in advancing cancer care by ensuring the accurate coordination, monitoring, and compliance of clinical trials, while working closely with physicians, patients, and research partners.
Highlands Oncology began in 1996 with three physicians and a desire to change the face of oncology care in our community. Dr. Malcolm Hayward, Dr. Dan Bradford, and Dr. Thad Beck knew that patients do better at home, in the community where they live and work, and where their support system is already in place. In furthering that goal, Highlands has grown with the region from a single location 26 years ago, to 6 locations in Northwest and Northcentral Arkansas today employing more than 850 diverse team members.
As Northwest Arkansas continues to grow, so must the services and providers available in the region. Highlands Oncology is committed to remaining on the cutting edge to ensure our community has access to the very best cancer care. What we have is something quite unique right here in our own backyard with a caring multidisciplinary team focused on treating patients like family.
The Clinical Research Associate (CRA) supports the efficient conduct and quality oversight of clinical research activities by improving departmental processes, data quality, and compliance with regulatory and internal standards. This role reviews all trials, monitors subject recruitment and study performance, addresses audit findings and deviations, and supports inspection readiness. The CRA collaborates with cross-functional teams to identify process improvements, develop SOPs, enhance training programs, and implement informatics solutions to improve workflows and data integrity. Responsibilities also include staff training, document review, remote operational support, and effective communication with investigators and site staff to ensure study integrity and timely execution.
Contractor to perform contracted work during Highlands Oncology Group business hours of Monday through Friday 8:00 AM-5:00 PM CT; not to exceed more than 40 hours per week.
Job Duties / Responsibilities:
- Improve research department & management efficiency
- Review investigator initiated and student trials
- Act on and reduce audit findings and deviations
- Improve data quality & identify data-related payment delays
- Improve internal quality metrics
- Identify internal process improvement
- Write and revise standard operating procedures and working practices
- Review clinical staff documents and procedures
- Attend inter-department meetings to identify synergy
- Work with informatics to develop forms and automation, provide support for regimen review
- Train new and current staff on processes
- Assist management with improvement of training process
- Provide remote support for research staff as needed
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams (project management, data management, regulatory affairs)
- Monitor subject recruitment, enrollment, and retention to ensure adherence to study timelines and goals
- Collect, review, and verify clinical trial data for accuracy, completeness, and regulatory compliance
- Maintain and update study documentation in accordance with policies and regulations
- Identify and resolve study-related issues and deviations, escalating when necessary for study integrity and participant safety
- Communicate effectively with investigators, site staff, and sponsors to provide support, guidance, and training as needed
- Assist in the preparation and conduct of regulatory inspections, audits, and study meetings
- Stay current with industry trends, regulations, and best practices to contribute to continuous improvement within the organization
Requirements
Required Skills/Abilities:
- At least 3 years of clinical research experience, preferably in an oncology setting
- Proficient in computer skills including EMR and Microsoft Office.
- Strong knowledge of medical terminology.
- Maintain continuing education hours as required.
- Maintain all licenses, certifications, and qualifications current as required.
Certifications/Licenses/Education/or Experience in a related field:
- Bachelor’s Degree or higher; focus on healthcare, biology, nursing, or a related field
- 4+ years of research and oncology experience preferred.
Physical Requirements:
- Sitting for prolonged periods of time at a desk.
- Computer use that requires visual acuity, typing, use of mouse/keyboard, and staring at a screen for extended periods of time.
- Occasionally lifting objects of up to 25 pounds such as files, office supplies, assisting patients when needed, etc.
- Walking and standing for continuous periods around the office or clinic as needed.
- Fine motor skills for tasks like typing, writing, handling small objects or equipment and materials.
- Adequate mobility for daily interactions, delivering packages throughout the clinic daily, and traveling between company locations as needed.
Work Environment:
- The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
- Due to the nature of our business and the use of radiation and hazardous chemicals, it is imperative that all employees foster a culture and environment of safety.
- Safety Sensitive: In accordance with Arkansas code this position is designated as a safety sensitive position wherein the employee performing the job duties under the influence may constitute a threat to health or safety.
Summary
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