Senior Research Nurse - Surgical Oncology
UT MD Anderson · Houston, Texas, United States
Full-time
Posted Aug 26, 2026
Job Description
The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center is a leading institution focused on cancer care, research, education, and prevention. The Surgical Oncology department is dedicated to advancing the treatment of cancer through innovative surgical approaches, multidisciplinary collaboration, and clinical research that improves patient outcomes. The Senior Research Nurse supports complex clinical trials within Surgical Oncology and serves as a key resource for patients, investigators, and research teams.
UT MD Anderson is internationally recognized for excellence in cancer research and patient care. The Senior Research Nurse plays a critical role in the successful execution of clinical research studies by coordinating protocol-related activities, ensuring regulatory compliance, and supporting high-quality patient care. The Senior Research Nurse collaborates closely with multidisciplinary teams to achieve study objectives while maintaining patient safety and protocol integrity. The Senior Research Nurse also provides leadership, education, and operational support across research initiatives.
The ideal candidate will possess experience in interventional treatment trials, demonstrate exceptional organizational skills while managing multiple protocols, and have a proven ability to engage effectively with principal investigators, managers, ancillary departments, and sponsors. Strong verbal and written communication skills, responsiveness, follow-through, collaborative teamwork, and the flexibility to support onsite research activities are preferred. Education, experience, and licensure requirements were not provided.
Salary Range: Minimum $89,000 - Midpoint $111,000 - Maximum $133,000
Typical Work Schedule: Day shift, with after-hour communication with patients/PI if needed.
Work Location: Hybrid. Minimum of 2 days/week onsite plus additional onsite presence as patient and business needs arise. No set onsite days and schedule may depend upon PI and protocol needs. Some training and precepting will occur in clinic, with duration varying based on learning pace.
Why Us?
At UT MD Anderson, the Senior Research Nurse contributes directly to clinical research that advances surgical oncology treatments and improves patient outcomes. This role offers opportunities to work alongside leading clinicians and researchers, develop expertise in investigational therapies and protocol management, and build a rewarding career within a mission-driven organization that supports professional growth and work-life balance.
Employer-paid medical coverage starting day one for employees working 30+ hours/week, plus optional group dental, vision, life, AD&D, and disability insurance.
Accruals for PTO and Extended Illness Bank, plus paid holidays, wellness, childcare, and other leave options.
Tuition Assistance Program after six months of service and access to extensive wellness, fitness, and employee resource groups.
Defined-benefit pension through the Teachers Retirement System, voluntary retirement plans, and employer-paid life and reduced salary protection programs.
Key Responsibilities
Research Protocol Operations
Assess patients for protocol eligibility through personal interviews and medical record review in outpatient and inpatient settings
Assess patients during follow-up visits according to protocol requirements
Recruit, schedule, and retain research participants accurately and efficiently
Coordinate and monitor patients enrolled in research protocols
Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to support study execution
Maintain documentation in medical records and recruitment logs according to protocol and institutional requirements
Manage designated secondary protocol assignments
Review new protocol assignments for consistency and clarity
Create protocol-specific documentation and reference tools
Perform day-to-day regulatory management activities
Clinical Monitoring & Evaluation
Evaluate patient response to protocol therapy, treatment toxicities, and adverse drug reactions
Report findings to the Principal Investigator, Institutional Review Board, and study sponsor as required
Prepare protocol summary reports upon request
Assist the Principal Investigator and support staff with protocol management, content review, and data analysis
Organize and coordinate materials required for monitoring and audit activities
Protocol-Specific Activities
Identify and address patient and family educational needs regarding research treatment, evaluation, and follow-up requirements
Provide education through in-person discussions, telephone communication, and written materials
Prepare for external monitoring and auditing visits
Administer investigational medications according to protocol requirements and nursing guidelines
Support protocol consultations and research-related activities
Participate in protocol budgets and research-related charge review for assigned studies
Professional Development
Maintain current knowledge of research, oncology, and data management practices through continuing education
Attend departmental research meetings and conferences
Educate professional and ancillary staff regarding research protocols through formal and informal training
Provide accurate protocol-related information to multidisciplinary teams
Maintain required licensure, certifications, and institutional training requirements
Leadership & Supervision
Supervise personnel in the absence of the Research Nurse Manager
Assist Research Nurses with protocol management activities
Serve as a preceptor for new Research Nurses
Support the training and development of research personnel
Perform other duties as assigned
Requirements
EDUCATION
Required: Graduation from an accredited school of professional nursing.
Preferred: Bachelor's Degree Nursing.
Work Experience
Required: 2 years Registered nurse experience.
Preferred: Interventional Treatment trial experience
LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS
Required: RN - Registered Nurse State of Texas Professional Nursing License (RN). Upon Hire and
Required: BLS - Basic Life Support Upon Hire or
Required: Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Upon Hire
Preferred: ACLS - Advanced Cardiac Life Support Certification as required by patient care area. Upon Hire
Preferred: PALS - Pediatric Advanced Life Support Certification as required by patient care area. Upon Hire
The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center offers excellent benefits, including medical, dental, paid time off, retirement, tuition benefits, educational opportunities, and individual and team recognition.
This position may be responsible for maintaining the security and integrity of critical infrastructure, as defined in Section 113.001(2) of the Texas Business and Commerce Code and therefore may require routine reviews and screening. The ability to satisfy and maintain all requirements necessary to ensure the continued security and integrity of such infrastructure is a condition of hire and continued employment.
It is the policy of The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center to provide equal employment opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other basis protected by institutional policy or by federal, state, or local laws unless such distinction is required by law.http://www.mdanderson.org/about-us/legal-and-policy/legal-statements/eeo-affirmative-action.html
Additional Information
Requisition ID: 182579
Employment Status: Full-Time
Employee Status: Regular
Work Week: Days
Minimum Salary: US Dollar (USD) 89,000
Midpoint Salary: US Dollar (USD) 111,000
Maximum Salary : US Dollar (USD) 133,000
FLSA: exempt and not eligible for overtime pay
Fund Type: Hard
Work Location: Hybrid Onsite/Remote
Pivotal Position: No
Referral Bonus Available?: No
Relocation Assistance Available?: No
UT MD Anderson is internationally recognized for excellence in cancer research and patient care. The Senior Research Nurse plays a critical role in the successful execution of clinical research studies by coordinating protocol-related activities, ensuring regulatory compliance, and supporting high-quality patient care. The Senior Research Nurse collaborates closely with multidisciplinary teams to achieve study objectives while maintaining patient safety and protocol integrity. The Senior Research Nurse also provides leadership, education, and operational support across research initiatives.
The ideal candidate will possess experience in interventional treatment trials, demonstrate exceptional organizational skills while managing multiple protocols, and have a proven ability to engage effectively with principal investigators, managers, ancillary departments, and sponsors. Strong verbal and written communication skills, responsiveness, follow-through, collaborative teamwork, and the flexibility to support onsite research activities are preferred. Education, experience, and licensure requirements were not provided.
Salary Range: Minimum $89,000 - Midpoint $111,000 - Maximum $133,000
Typical Work Schedule: Day shift, with after-hour communication with patients/PI if needed.
Work Location: Hybrid. Minimum of 2 days/week onsite plus additional onsite presence as patient and business needs arise. No set onsite days and schedule may depend upon PI and protocol needs. Some training and precepting will occur in clinic, with duration varying based on learning pace.
Why Us?
At UT MD Anderson, the Senior Research Nurse contributes directly to clinical research that advances surgical oncology treatments and improves patient outcomes. This role offers opportunities to work alongside leading clinicians and researchers, develop expertise in investigational therapies and protocol management, and build a rewarding career within a mission-driven organization that supports professional growth and work-life balance.
Employer-paid medical coverage starting day one for employees working 30+ hours/week, plus optional group dental, vision, life, AD&D, and disability insurance.
Accruals for PTO and Extended Illness Bank, plus paid holidays, wellness, childcare, and other leave options.
Tuition Assistance Program after six months of service and access to extensive wellness, fitness, and employee resource groups.
Defined-benefit pension through the Teachers Retirement System, voluntary retirement plans, and employer-paid life and reduced salary protection programs.
Key Responsibilities
Research Protocol Operations
Assess patients for protocol eligibility through personal interviews and medical record review in outpatient and inpatient settings
Assess patients during follow-up visits according to protocol requirements
Recruit, schedule, and retain research participants accurately and efficiently
Coordinate and monitor patients enrolled in research protocols
Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to support study execution
Maintain documentation in medical records and recruitment logs according to protocol and institutional requirements
Manage designated secondary protocol assignments
Review new protocol assignments for consistency and clarity
Create protocol-specific documentation and reference tools
Perform day-to-day regulatory management activities
Clinical Monitoring & Evaluation
Evaluate patient response to protocol therapy, treatment toxicities, and adverse drug reactions
Report findings to the Principal Investigator, Institutional Review Board, and study sponsor as required
Prepare protocol summary reports upon request
Assist the Principal Investigator and support staff with protocol management, content review, and data analysis
Organize and coordinate materials required for monitoring and audit activities
Protocol-Specific Activities
Identify and address patient and family educational needs regarding research treatment, evaluation, and follow-up requirements
Provide education through in-person discussions, telephone communication, and written materials
Prepare for external monitoring and auditing visits
Administer investigational medications according to protocol requirements and nursing guidelines
Support protocol consultations and research-related activities
Participate in protocol budgets and research-related charge review for assigned studies
Professional Development
Maintain current knowledge of research, oncology, and data management practices through continuing education
Attend departmental research meetings and conferences
Educate professional and ancillary staff regarding research protocols through formal and informal training
Provide accurate protocol-related information to multidisciplinary teams
Maintain required licensure, certifications, and institutional training requirements
Leadership & Supervision
Supervise personnel in the absence of the Research Nurse Manager
Assist Research Nurses with protocol management activities
Serve as a preceptor for new Research Nurses
Support the training and development of research personnel
Perform other duties as assigned
Requirements
EDUCATION
Required: Graduation from an accredited school of professional nursing.
Preferred: Bachelor's Degree Nursing.
Work Experience
Required: 2 years Registered nurse experience.
Preferred: Interventional Treatment trial experience
LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS
Required: RN - Registered Nurse State of Texas Professional Nursing License (RN). Upon Hire and
Required: BLS - Basic Life Support Upon Hire or
Required: Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Upon Hire
Preferred: ACLS - Advanced Cardiac Life Support Certification as required by patient care area. Upon Hire
Preferred: PALS - Pediatric Advanced Life Support Certification as required by patient care area. Upon Hire
The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center offers excellent benefits, including medical, dental, paid time off, retirement, tuition benefits, educational opportunities, and individual and team recognition.
This position may be responsible for maintaining the security and integrity of critical infrastructure, as defined in Section 113.001(2) of the Texas Business and Commerce Code and therefore may require routine reviews and screening. The ability to satisfy and maintain all requirements necessary to ensure the continued security and integrity of such infrastructure is a condition of hire and continued employment.
It is the policy of The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center to provide equal employment opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other basis protected by institutional policy or by federal, state, or local laws unless such distinction is required by law.http://www.mdanderson.org/about-us/legal-and-policy/legal-statements/eeo-affirmative-action.html
Additional Information
Requisition ID: 182579
Employment Status: Full-Time
Employee Status: Regular
Work Week: Days
Minimum Salary: US Dollar (USD) 89,000
Midpoint Salary: US Dollar (USD) 111,000
Maximum Salary : US Dollar (USD) 133,000
FLSA: exempt and not eligible for overtime pay
Fund Type: Hard
Work Location: Hybrid Onsite/Remote
Pivotal Position: No
Referral Bonus Available?: No
Relocation Assistance Available?: No
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