Entry Level Clinical Research Associate Jobs in Rio Rancho, NM

Specialty Nurse/RN
Requisition ID
req37585
Working Title
Clinical Research Nurse Specialist
Position Grade
15
Position Summary
The For Best Consideration Date has been extended to August 31, 2026.
UNM's Southwest Center for Advancing Clinical and Translational Innovation (SW CACTI) is a partnership between the University of New Mexico and the University of Arizona, and is committed to creating and promoting a thriving, unified research environment within the CTSA Program framework that accelerates Clinical and Translational Science innovation locally, regionally, and nationally to more efficiently advance individual and community health across the U.S. Southwest.
SW CACTI is committed to using our capabilities to foster collaborative research efforts throughout New Mexico and Arizona. We seek to reduce barriers to clinical and translational science for both investigators and participants so that we can serve the entire research community.
The Clinical Research Unit (CRU) provides facilities and resources to enable investigators to successfully conduct their clinical research. We are committed to using our capabilities in order to foster collaborative research efforts throughout New Mexico. We seek to reduce barriers to clinical research for both investigators and participants so that we can serve the entire research community, including minorities and the underserved.
We are seeking a highly motivated individual to join our dynamic team as a Research Nurse Specialist in the Clinical Research Unit (CRU) for SW CACTI.
Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide nursing care to clinical research participants of all ages including, but not limited to completing physical assessments, providing investigation and already approved medications/ treatments/ interventions, monitoring participants for side effects and adverse effects, collecting/monitoring vital signs, completing EKGs, completing blood draws, developing and providing education for participants, etc. Oversee the day-to-day clinical activities for a specified clinical trials initiative and/or other medical research program in accordance with the research parameters established by the investigator.
• Performs or assists in procedural care requiring complex nursing skills and clinical judgement.
• Instruct/counsel participants/ family members on research procedures. Follow study protocols and study specific guidelines for the completion of study visits and collection of needed clinical data.
• Coordinated, monitors, and evaluates provider care and services, to include, clinic visits and physician hospital visits for the specified population; supervises and/or coordinates research participate care by support staff within clinical environments.
• Review and provide sound clinical feedback on study protocols for feasibility of completion at SW CACTI CRU, and assisting with making protocols feasible, if possible.
• Participate in site initiation visits and study meetings/ trainings/ visits as needed.
• Communicate and collaborate with study teams to maintain nursing quality and compliance with each project.
• Practices safety, environmental, and/or infection control methods.
• Trains and educates other clinical research staff (Clinical Research Coordinators, and Program Specialists), as appropriate, in clinical research procedures; coordinates in-service training, competency, on-boarding new staff, and other related training functions.
• Enhances professional growth and development through participation in educational programs, current literature, in-service meetings, and workshops.
• May perform clinical research as appropriate to specific operations.
• Develops and/or assists with the development and implementation of policies and procedures consistent with those of the organization.
• Work with clinic manager and assistant manager to problem-solve clinic and clinical research issues, as well provide ideas for clinic and clinical research improvements.
• Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.

TERM APPOINTMENT; FUNDING AVAILABLE THROUGH 06/30/2027; CONTINUANCE BEYOND THAT DATE SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY OF ADDITIONAL FUNDING.
See the Position Description for additional information.
Conditions of Employment

• CPR Certified.
• May be required to submit to annual TB and rubella screening.
• UNM will provide Hepatitis vaccination, candidate may decline vaccination through declination form or may provide record of vaccination from previous employer.
• Specialty licensure/certification may be required, as specified by the department.
• Successful candidate must submit to post-offer, pre-employment physical examination and medical history check.
• Employees who provide services or work in patient care or clinical areas are required to be in compliance with the University's influenza vaccination requirement.

Minimum Qualifications
Associate's degree in Nursing; at least 3 years of experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified.Certification/LicensureState of New Mexico Licensed Registered Nurse or licensure pending as documented by temporary licensure OR current RN licensure from a state participating in the multistate privilege to practice compact with New Mexico.
Completed degree(s) from an accredited institution that are above the minimum education requirement may be substituted for experience on a year for year basis.
Preferred Qualifications

• ACLS & BLS Certified
• Experience working clinic research unit

Additional Requirements
Due to budgetary constraints, we are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.
Campus
Health Sciences Center (HSC) - Albuquerque, NM
Department
CTSC Administration Gen (672B)
Employment Type
Staff
Staff Type
Term - Full-Time
Term End Date
06/30/2027
Status
Exempt
Pay
Monthly: $5,903.73 - $8,450.00
Benefits Eligible
This is a benefits eligible position. The University of New Mexico provides a comprehensive package of benefits including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance. In addition, UNM offers educational benefits through the tuition remission and dependent education programs. See the Benefits home page for a more information.
ERB Statement
As a condition of employment, eligible employees working greater than .25 FTE as determined by the New Mexico Education Retirement Act must make mandatory retirement contributions. For more information, review the Benefits Eligibility at a Glance grid.
Background Check Required
Yes
For Best Consideration Date
8/31/2026
Eligible for Hiring Incentive
Eligible for Remote Work
No
Eligible for Remote Work Statement
Application Instructions
Only applications submitted through the official UNMJobs site will be accepted. If you are viewing this job advertisement on a 3rd party site, please visit UNMJobs to submit an application.
INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED - PLEASE READ ALL APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY BEFORE SUBMITTING.
To receive full consideration, applicants must include:
Completed application submitted through the official UNMJobs site
Current resume
Cover letter (specifically addressing your ability to meet the "Additional Requirements" and "Preferred Qualifications" listed above)
Contact information for three (3) professional references (required at the time of application submission)
Positions posted with a Staff Type of Regular or Term are eligible for the Veteran Preference Program. See the Veteran Preference Program webpage for additional details.
The University of New Mexico is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class.
The University of New Mexico requires all regular staff positions successfully pass a pre-employment background check. This may include, but is not limited to, a criminal history background check, New Mexico Department of Health fingerprint screening, New Mexico Children, Youth, and Families Department fingerprint screening, verification of education credentials, and/or verification of prior employment. For more information about background checks, visit https://policy.unm.edu/university-policies/3000/3280.html. Refer to https://policy.unm.edu/university-policies/3000/3200.html for a definition of Regular Staff.