CLINCAL RESEARCH APPRENTICE

School of Medicine

Established in 1930, Duke University School of Medicine is the youngest of the nation's top medical schools. Ranked sixth among medical schools in the nation, the School takes pride in being an inclusive community of outstanding learners, investigators, clinicians, and staff where interdisciplinary collaboration is embraced and great ideas accelerate translation of fundamental scientific discoveries to improve human health locally and around the globe. Composed of more than 2,600 faculty physicians and researchers, nearly 2,000 students, and more than 6,200 staff, the Duke University School of Medicine along with the Duke University School of Nursing, and Duke University Health System comprise Duke Health, a world-class academic medical center. The Health System encompasses Duke University Hospital, Duke Regional Hospital, Duke Raleigh Hospital, Duke Health Integrated Practice, Duke Primary Care, Duke Home Care and Hospice, Duke Health and Wellness, and multiple affiliations.

Be You.

Launch your career in clinical research with purpose, mentorship, and impact.
Duke University's Clinical Research Unit is seeking a Clinical Research Apprentice to join our team. This is more than just a job—it's a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in clinical research while receiving personalized mentorship from seasoned professionals. You’ll be immersed in a dynamic environment where your work supports groundbreaking studies and contributes to improving patient outcomes.

As an apprentice, you’ll perform meaningful tasks across the full spectrum of clinical research, guided by the Joint Taskforce for Clinical Trial Competency. Your journey will be shaped by your learning goals, the needs of our research portfolio, and the priorities of the Clinical Research Unit. With support from your Clinical Research Professional (CRP) mentor, you’ll build foundational skills, grow in independence, and develop confidence in your role.

You’ll be expected to uphold Duke’s standards of service excellence, working collaboratively with participants, investigators, and colleagues across departments. This role is ideal for someone eager to learn, contribute, and grow in a supportive and mission-driven setting.

Minimum Requirements: 

• Associate's degree in Clinical Research or successful completion of the approved Clinical Research Pre-Apprenticeship program.
• No prior experience required.
• Proficiency in using computing software and web-based applications (e.g., Microsoft Office products and internet browsers).
• This position is Onsite. 

Be Bold.

Work Performed

• Research Operations:

Document participant level information for studies. Collect and process information from sources, including the Electronic Health Record (EHR), to assist with participant eligibility. Conduct simple specimen handling procedures and maintain inventory. Assist with participant screening and recruitment according to study protocol. Prepares documents, equipment, supplies, etc., and assists with the conduct and documentation of study visits. Assists with maintenance of study level documentation. Follow SOPs for coordinating and retaining research participants. Under direct supervision, assists with managing investigational products including arrival, storage, and handling (requisitions, inventory, and reordering) Assists with preparations for study monitoring and audit visits. Participates in study team meetings.

• Safety and Ethics:

Understand and follow department level SOPs and GCP requirements for clinical research conduct. Recognizes known potential adverse events, identified in the protocol or investigator brochure, and reports to study team. Assists with the development of consent plans and documents for participants. Assists in conducting and documenting consent for participants. May independently consent participants for non-complex studies and under guidance for studies involving investigational products, devices, or clinical research orders.

• Data:

Enters basic data for research studies. Scores tests and measures that do not require interpretation, according to the protocol. Under supervision, corrects and documents incomplete, inaccurate, or missing data for studies. Follows SOPs for quality assurance. Follows required processes, policies, and systems to ensure data security and provenance. Learns and uses new technology when required.

• Scientific Concepts:

May assist with simple literature searches under supervision from PI or CRC.

• Site and Study Management:

Assists in preparing for site visits. Assists in preparing studies for closeout, (e.g., packing files, documenting files for storage, shipping extra supplies back to sponsor). Associates patients with studies in CRMS, OnCore. For studies with simple supplies or equipment, ensures that there are ample supplies and that equipment is in good working order.

• Leadership and Professionalism:

Participates in work based learning and related instruction opportunities and applies knowledge and skills learned. Works with a mentor to identify growth areas and develop a tailored training plan. Keeps current with research updates by attending key external departmental meetings (i.e. Research Wednesday, RPN, additional training, etc.). Communicates effectively with study Attends key departmental meetings and communicates effectively with study team for study implementation and problem resolution.

Choose Duke.

Join a prestigious institution committed to excellence in research and education. At Duke, you will be part of a collaborative and innovative community that values professional growth. Our Clinical Research Unit offers a supportive environment where you can develop your skills and make a meaningful impact.

Duke is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual's age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy and pregnancy related conditions), sexual orientation or military status.

Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends onthe robust exchange of ideas—an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values.

Essential Physical Job Functions: Certain jobs at Duke University and Duke University Health System may include essential job functions that require specific physical and/or mental abilities. Additional information and provision for requests for reasonable accommodation will be provided by each hiring department.