Research Nurse (Fixed Term Contract)

Job Title: Research Nurse

Reports to: Principal Investigator (PROSPECT/PRECISION Projects)

Location / Hours: San Juan, Puerto Rico (on-site) / Full-Time

Type of Contract: Fixed Term Contract (through January 2027)

Overview of the Organization

The Puerto Rico Science, Technology and Research Trust (“PRSTRT” or “Trust”) is a private non-profit organization created in 2004 to encourage and promote innovation, transfer, and commercialization of technology and creation of jobs in the technology sector. We contribute to Puerto Rico’s public policy for science, technology, research, and development. The Trust’s mission is to invest, facilitate and build capacity to continually advance Puerto Rico's economy and its citizens’ well-being through innovation-driven enterprises, science, technology, research, and public health. Our vision is that Puerto Rico is a globally recognized innovation hub.

Purpose

The Research Nurse supports clinical studies by coordinating participant care, collecting high quality data, and ensuring all research activities follow ethical, regulatory, and scientific standards. This role bridges clinical expertise with research operations, helping investigators conduct studies safely, efficiently, and accurately.

Key Responsibilities and Duties

Clinical Research Activities

• Contact potential study participants for screening and recruitment, following protocol.
• Collect information from participants through observation, structured interviews, clinical measurements, biospecimen sampling, or other research methods, following strict protocols, at clinical sites throughout regions of the island (car needed, transportation costs covered).
• Record and/or code data according to established protocols (both in electronic database and on paper).
• Ensure collected biospecimens are properly handled and delivered according to protocol.
• Performs quality control checks on data, and study materials.
• Make periodic reports of project status to supervisors or other research team personnel.
• Inform supervisors or other research team personnel of key project matters, including adverse events.
• Assist with preparation and dissemination of regular program communications, including progress reports, documents for publication and/or presentation, website content, newsletters for participants, community partners reports, etc.
• Attend regular staff meetings and trainings onsite, offsite, and online.
• Other study-related tasks as necessary.

Phlebotomy Activities

• Collect and process blood samples and other specimens safely, demonstrating exceptional patient care.
• Properly identify the individual and use phlebotomy methods correctly.
• Prepare samples for storage or for shipping using correct procedures as described in the study protocol.
• Organize activities for blood sample collection.
• Identify patients and their personal information using their ID, documents, or other means.
• Determine the appropriate venipuncture method according to the patient’s age and health condition.
• Draw blood using needles, vials, and other sterilized equipment.
• Ensure optimal quality and quantity of samples.
• Label samples correctly and send or deliver them for analysis.
• Answer patient questions and provide helpful information.
• Maintain accurate records of blood samples.
• Comply with all relevant health and safety standards while working.
• Dispose of biological materials appropriately.
• Comply with all relevant occupational health and safety standards and regulations.
• Other tasks assigned by supervisor.

Qualifications

• & Technical Job Requirements
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail, and ability to follow detailed protocols.
• Excellent interpersonal skills: ability to reliably work independently as well as part of a team.
• Strong communication skills.
• Proficient with computer systems and software (Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint); experience with electronic data capturing system and/or databases is desired.
• Ability to travel within the island regularly as needed (i.e. car needed, transportation costs covered).
• Must be fully fluent in English and Spanish.

• Experience & Educational Requirements
• RN with two or more years of related work experience in clinical research or healthcare related field; a combination of experience and education will be considered. Professional Registration and License in good standing.
• Must have a phlebotomy diploma and knowledge of puncture techniques.
• Experience in research is highly desirable.
• Must pass Human Subjects Research certifications.
• Broad knowledge of phlebotomy procedures for patients of various ages.
• Experience performing phlebotomy work, including the use of various techniques and equipment such as centrifuges and other relevant equipment.
• Attention to detail and patient safety.
• Previous experience and basic skills handling blood samples, saliva and others.
• Strong critical and analytical thinking skills.
• Basic knowledge and skills in infection control and biosafety standards.

Other Qualifications

• Certification as a Clinical Research Coordinator (CRC), desirable.
• Prior work in academic medical centers, or clinical trial sites, desirable.

“The Trust is an equal opportunity employer; we strive to maintain a workplace atmosphere that is free from discrimination. To those ends, the Trust provides equal employment opportunities without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, age, marital status, national origin, social status, political affiliation, religion, physical or mental disability, veteran status, perceived or real domestic violence victim status, sexual harassment victim status, stalking victim status, and/or any other basis protected by law.”