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Research Nurse Jobs in Rio Rancho, NM (NOW HIRING)

Coord,Research

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

$19.76 - $26.85/hr

Medical experience or current license (EMT, RN, etc.) or experience working with Protected Health Information (PHI) * Research experience including the use of data collection software (REDCap ...

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Research Nurse information

See Rio Rancho, NM salary details

$24

$43

$66

How much do research nurse jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average hourly pay for research nurse in Rio Rancho, NM is $43.12, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $35.05 and $51.78 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a research nurse?

A research nurse helps develop, test, or perfect medications and treatments, often through clinical trials. In addition to caring for the patients, they are often responsible for identifying research subjects, finding patients who may be good candidates, performing procedures, and recording data. They also spend time researching relevant studies that have been published in medical journals.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a research nurse, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Research Nurse, you need a solid background in nursing (typically a BSN and RN license), clinical research knowledge, and experience with patient care in research settings. Familiarity with clinical trial protocols, EDC (electronic data capture) systems, and Good Clinical Practice (GCP) certification are commonly required. Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and effective communication help Research Nurses excel in managing complex studies and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams. These skills ensure accurate data collection, patient safety, and compliance with regulatory standards, which are vital for research integrity and successful study outcomes.

How does a research nurse typically collaborate with clinical and research teams during a study?

Research Nurses play a crucial role in bridging clinical care and research. They frequently coordinate with physicians, study coordinators, and laboratory staff to ensure clinical trials are conducted according to protocol and regulatory guidelines. This collaboration often involves patient recruitment, data collection, administering study treatments, and communicating findings across the team. Strong interpersonal and organizational skills are essential, as Research Nurses must balance patient care with meticulous documentation and teamwork.

What is the difference between Research Nurse vs Clinical Nurse?

AspectResearch Nurse
CredentialsRegistered Nurse (RN) license, often with research-specific certifications
Work EnvironmentResearch facilities, hospitals, clinical trial sites
Employer & IndustryPharmaceutical companies, research institutions, hospitals conducting clinical trials
Job FocusConducting clinical research, data collection, patient monitoring in trials

Research Nurses specialize in supporting clinical trials and research studies, focusing on data collection and patient safety within research settings. In contrast, Clinical Nurses provide direct patient care in hospitals or clinics. While both roles require RN licensure, Research Nurses often have additional training in research protocols. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

What are the most commonly searched types of Research Nurse jobs in Rio Rancho, NM?

The most popular types of Research Nurse jobs in Rio Rancho, NM are:

What are popular job titles related to Research Nurse jobs in Rio Rancho, NM?

For Research Nurse jobs in Rio Rancho, NM, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities near Rio Rancho, NM are hiring for Research Nurse jobs?

Cities near Rio Rancho, NM with the most Research Nurse job openings:

Infographic showing various Research Nurse job openings in Rio Rancho, NM as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $89,682 per year, or $43.1 per hour.

Clinical Research Nurse Specialist

University of New Mexico

Albuquerque, NM • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life

Posted 13 days ago


University Of New Mexico rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 56 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

128th of 622 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Specialty Nurse/RN
Requisition ID
req37585
Working Title
Clinical Research Nurse Specialist
Position Grade
15
Position Summary
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
8/21/2026
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.

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