Clinical Research Assistant 2
Company : Oregon Health & Science University
Location : Portland, OR, 97201
Job Type : Full Time / Part Time
Date Posted : 1 January 2026
Department Overview
The primary mission of the Division of Oncological Sciences at OHSU's Knight Cancer Institute is to better understand cancer through basic, translational, and population-based research that improves cancer prevention, detection, and treatments for all. Our community of faculty, trainees, and staff brings together scientists from a broad range of disciplines and works collaboratively to advance innovation and translate discoveries from the lab into meaningful impacts for cancer patients and our community.
Centered on team science, our research is organized around four areas: Precision Systems Oncology, Cancer Data Science (includes Computational Biology, Bioinformatics, and Biostatistics), Chemical Biology and Experimental Therapeutics, and Cancer Data Science. A foremost priority is to better understand cell plasticity by gaining the ability to experimentally decipher transitions from normal to cancer, cancer to metastasis, and metastasis to resistance.
Every Knight Cancer employee is expected to embody our guiding principles:
- We act BOLDLY—Breakthroughs require pushing the boundaries of science, exploring new frontiers, and thinking differently
- We SUPPORT each other—Respect leads to trust, which leads to excellence
- We work as a CONNECTED team—We must leverage our collective brain power to conquer cancer because no one individual can do it alone
Function/Duties of Position
We are seeking a full-time research assistant to work on multiple ongoing clinical research studies in people with cancer. The individual in this position must be highly motivated and interested in being a key member of a research team studying the impact of cancer treatment and exercise on the health and survival of individuals with cancer. This person will be part of a core clinical research team that collaborates with a larger multi-disciplinary team with expertise in exercise physiology, oncology, and health. This is a fully on-site position, no remote work option.
In general, the responsibilities of this research assistant position include:
- Recruiting research participants, coordinating and conducting data collection, communicating regularly with research participants.
- Managing REDCap survey upkeep and confirming participant survey completion
- Ensuring the proper conduct of clinical trials.
- Work independently under general supervision and ensure tasks are completed accurately and on time.
- Communicate any problems and concerns, and suggest solutions to the Project Director, Lab Manager, and/or Principal Investigator of the projects.
- A strong passion for recruiting participants in clinical settings and by phone is essential.
- Develop databases, participant tracking systems, and standard operating procedures for research projects.
Familiarity with conducting clinical research in older adults and/or clinical populations at OHSU is strongly preferred. A person who possesses excellent organization and data management skills, as well as strong oral/written communication and interpersonal skills, can work independently, identify and solve problems, and thrive in a team environment is essential. The person hired must be CPR/First Aid certified (certification can be obtained upon hiring).
This is a grant-funded position for up to one year, but may be extended depending on project needs and funding.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's in relevant field OR Associate's AND 2 years of relevant experience OR 3 years of relevant experience OR Equivalent combination of training and experience
- Ability to recruit participants in clinical settings and by phone
- Ability to communicate clearly and consistently, demonstrate a high level of professionalism and interact well with participants and medical staff
- Ability to attend to details and complete assignments with minimal direction
- Familiarity working with Word, Excel, and other MS Office programs
- Data collection and entry experience
- Excellent verbal communication skills in English language
Preferred Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree or higher in exercise science, health promotion, nutrition, health education, nursing or related field
- Prior experience conducting research at OHSU
- Experience working with older adults and/or clinical populations
- Familiarity with REDCap, OnCore, Epic, and other OHSU systems
- Oncology experience
Additional Details
Apply online. Please be sure to upload a Cover Letter and Resume/CV.
We offer a variety of benefits on top of joining a thriving organization:
- Medical, dental and vision coverage at no or low cost to employees
- Covered 100% for full-time employees and 88% for dependents
- Several retirement plans to choose from with contributions from OHSU
- 25 days a year of paid time off
- 8 days of sick time off
- Commuter subsidies
- Tuition reimbursement
- Access to group life insurance, disability insurance and other supplemental benefits
- Annual Merit Increase
- Growth/Development Opportunities
- Employee discounts to local and major businesses
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All are welcome
Oregon Health & Science University values a diverse and culturally competent workforce. We are proud of our commitment to being an equal opportunity, affirmative action organization that does not discriminate against applicants on the basis of any protected class status, including disability status and protected veteran status. Individuals with diverse backgrounds and those who promote diversity and a culture of inclusion are encouraged to apply. To request reasonable accommodation contact the Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Department at 503-494-5148 or aaeo@ohsu.edu.Related Jobs
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Frequently asked questions
Portland's growing medical research scene creates moderate competition for Clinical Research Assistant 2 positions. Candidates with hands-on clinical trial experience and familiarity with local research systems like REDCap or OnCore tend to stand out among applicants in Oregon Health & Science University and other institutions.
In Portland, CPR and First Aid certifications are often essential for clinical research assistants, especially at institutions like Oregon Health & Science University. Additional familiarity with clinical research compliance and data systems such as REDCap enhances employability in this region’s specialized oncology research roles.
Candidates should emphasize strong participant recruitment abilities, clinical data management, and proficiency in tools like REDCap. Demonstrating excellent communication skills and a passion for oncology research helps differentiate applicants for Clinical Research 2 roles focused on cancer studies.
Daily tasks include recruiting study participants, coordinating data collection, managing survey databases, and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams. Attention to detail and proactive communication ensure smooth clinical trial operations, especially within cancer-focused research environments.
Progression often leads to Clinical Research Coordinator or Associate roles, with possibilities to specialize in oncology or clinical data science. Building expertise in clinical trial management and gaining certifications can open doors to leadership or specialized research positions.
OHSU offers comprehensive benefits including medical coverage, retirement plans, and paid time off. Employees gain access to professional development and a collaborative research culture, fostering growth within the Knight Cancer Institute’s innovative oncology studies.
This role directly contributes to advancing cancer research by supporting clinical trials that explore treatment impacts and survivorship. Assistants collaborate across disciplines, fueling innovation aligned with the Institute’s goal to transform cancer prevention and care.
Salaries typically range from $45,000 to $58,000 annually, reflecting local cost of living and healthcare industry standards. Experience with clinical research protocols and oncology focus may influence compensation within Oregon Health & Science University.
Yes, this position requires full on-site attendance at OHSU’s Portland facilities. The hands-on nature of clinical research, participant interaction, and data collection processes necessitate physical presence without remote work options.
The Clinical Research Assistant 2 role involves greater responsibility in participant recruitment, clinical trial management, and data oversight within oncology studies. It demands a blend of independent initiative and teamwork in a high-impact cancer research setting.