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Irb Assistant Jobs in Puerto Rico (NOW HIRING)

Irb Assistant information

What is an IRB assistant?

IRB Assistants are administrative professionals who support Institutional Review Boards (IRBs), which oversee research involving human subjects to ensure ethical standards are met. Their responsibilities often include preparing and processing documentation, maintaining records, assisting in the review process, and communicating with researchers about compliance requirements. They help ensure that research proposals adhere to federal, state, and institutional regulations and facilitate the efficient operation of the IRB. IRB Assistants play a vital role in protecting the rights and welfare of research participants and maintaining the integrity of the research process.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as an IRB assistant?

To thrive as an IRB Assistant, you need a solid understanding of research ethics, regulatory compliance, and administrative procedures, often supported by a bachelor's degree in a related field. Familiarity with electronic submission systems, database management, and documentation software is typically required. Attention to detail, organizational skills, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for this role. These skills ensure the protection of human subjects, accurate record-keeping, and efficient support of the Institutional Review Board's operations.

What are common challenges faced by an IRB assistant and how can they be managed?

IRB Assistants often encounter challenges such as managing multiple protocol submissions simultaneously, staying updated on evolving regulatory requirements, and ensuring timely communication between researchers and board members. To effectively manage these challenges, strong organizational skills and attention to detail are essential, along with a proactive approach to learning about updates in human research protections. Building collaborative relationships with both researchers and IRB staff can also help streamline processes and foster a supportive work environment.

What is the difference between Irb Assistant vs Clinical Research Coordinator?

AspectIrb AssistantClinical Research Coordinator
CredentialsHigh school diploma or associate's; some roles may require certificationBachelor's degree often preferred; certifications like CCRP beneficial
Work EnvironmentOffice and clinical settings, supporting IRB processesClinical sites, hospitals, or research centers managing studies
Employer & IndustryResearch institutions, hospitals, universitiesPharmaceutical companies, research organizations, hospitals
Job FocusAssisting with IRB submissions, documentation, complianceOverseeing study coordination, patient recruitment, data collection

The Irb Assistant primarily supports IRB-related tasks such as documentation and compliance, often requiring less extensive education. In contrast, a Clinical Research Coordinator manages the overall conduct of clinical trials, including patient interactions and data management. Both roles are essential in research but differ in scope and responsibilities.

What are popular job titles related to Irb Assistant jobs in Puerto Rico?

For Irb Assistant jobs in Puerto Rico, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Irb Assistant job openings in Puerto Rico as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, and 25% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Medical Assistant, Research Assistant

San Juan, PR

Headlands Research
Scientific Research and Development Services • 51 - 200 employees

$17.50 - $22.25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 23 days ago


Job description

 Location: San Juan, PR | Site Name: CMR Center  | Full-Time  | Clinical Research

We're seeking a Medical Assistant for our clinical research site located in San Juan, PR. This role is ideal for someone with direct patient care experience who is eager to grow in clinical research and support high-quality study execution. The Research Assistant/Medical Assistant will work closely with Clinical Research Coordinators, investigators, study nurses, sponsors, and participants to assist with study preparation, participant visits, data entry, specimen handling, and general clinical research operations. This position requires strong organization, professionalism, attention to detail, and the ability to follow study protocols and Good Clinical Practice guidelines.

Type:  Regular Full-time Employee
Schedule:  Mondays through Fridays, 8:00am - 5:00pm
Location:  Onsite in San Juan, PR (no capabilities for remote or hybrid work)
Benefits:  Our benefits package for full-time employees includes health insurance (medical, dental, and vision), Health Savings Accounts (HSA) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA), Paid Time Off (PTO), a variety of disability, accident, and life insurance options, as well as many more.

What We Offer
  • Competitive pay + annual performance incentives
  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • 401(k) plan with company match
  • Paid time off (PTO) and company holidays
  • A mission-driven culture focused on advancing medicine and improving patient outcomes
 Why Join Us?

You'll be part of a growing, mission-driven organization that values its people. At our core, we're committed to bringing innovative medical treatments to patients faster-while creating an environment where employees thrive. If you're passionate about clinical research and ready to make a difference, we'd love to hear from you.

Responsibilities:

  • Study Preparation and Coordination 
    • Prepare and maintain study documents, including source charts, study binders, regulatory binders, laboratory kits, and participant materials. 
    • Schedule and confirm participant appointments, including ancillary visits such as diagnostic imaging, vendor-related services, laboratory visits, and follow-up assessments. 
    • Review and understand study protocols, inclusion and exclusion criteria, visit schedules, and study-specific requirements. 
    • Support compliance with FDA, Sponsor, IRB, and Good Clinical Practice guidelines. 
    • Assist with participant recruitment by prescreening electronic medical records, following up on referrals, and coordinating outreach efforts. 
    • Help prepare for participant visits by ensuring required documents, supplies, kits, and equipment are ready. 
  • Participant Care and Interaction 
    • Provide professional, patient-focused support to study participants throughout the clinical trial process. 
    • Explain study visit procedures, answer general participant questions, and escalate clinical or protocol-related questions to the appropriate team member. 
    • Conduct study-related procedures as delegated and trained, including vital signs, ECGs, questionnaires, and other protocol-required assessments. 
    • Monitor participant diary completion and compliance with study instructions. 
    • Perform follow-up and reminder calls to support participant adherence to scheduled visits and study requirements. 
    • Assist with participant stipend tracking and processing. 
  • Laboratory and Specimen Handling 
    • Perform blood draws as trained and delegated. 
    • Process biological samples according to protocol and laboratory manual requirements. 
    • Prepare and ship specimens in accordance with study-specific procedures and applicable regulations. 
    • Maintain laboratory supplies, equipment, temperature logs, and temperature control systems. 
    • Generate, review, and file weekly temperature reports for laboratory systems. 
    • Ensure exam rooms, laboratory areas, and clinical supplies are clean, stocked, organized, and ready for participant visits. 
  • Data Entry and Documentation 
    • Enter and verify study data in Electronic Data Capture systems, Clinical Trial Management Systems, electronic medical records, and other study databases. 
    • Assist with completion of source documents and case report forms under the guidance of the Clinical Research Coordinator. 
    • Perform quality control checks to ensure data accuracy, completeness, and consistency. 
    • Assist with query resolution and system-generated queries under coordinator supervision. 
    • Maintain organized participant charts, source documents, Investigator Site Files, and other study-related records. 
  • Administrative and General Research Support 
    • Support Clinical Research Coordinators by filing, scanning, faxing, copying, and uploading required study documents. 
    • Assist with onsite and remote clinical research monitor visits. 
    • Participate in study trainings, investigator meetings, sponsor teleconferences, and internal team meetings. 
    • Help maintain department supplies, exam rooms, participant areas, and study workspaces. 
    • Support the research team with other duties as assigned based on study and site needs. 

Requirements:

  • Bachelor's degree OR two years of college in a health-related program OR completion of a Medical Assistant, Phlebotomy, CNA, or other healthcare-related program OR relevant clinical research experience with knowledge of ICH-GCP. 
  • Fluent in English and Spanish (both written and oral) required.
  • Experience, certification, or license as a CNA, Medical Assistant (MA), Phlebotomist, or other direct-patient-care healthcare role required. 
  • Phlebotomy training and experience strongly preferred; willingness to become fully trained required.
  • Experience with medical terminology and laboratory procedures helpful.
  • Strong attention to detail with the ability to collect, compile, and review patient data accurately.
  • Excellent interpersonal, verbal, written, and customer service skills.
  • Ability to learn new computer systems and web-based platforms, including electronic medical records, Electronic Data Capture systems, and Clinical Trial Management Systems.
  • Proven ability to prioritize tasks, meet deadlines, and adapt to a fast-paced clinical environment.
  • Strong problem-solving skills with a proactive and solution-oriented approach.