Professional Research Associate
Aurora, CO
Full Time
Mid Level
Classification: Non-Exempt/Full Time
Salary Range: $33 – 36 per hour
Reports to: Principal Investigator
Date: 09.2026
JOB SUMMARY
Under the supervision of the Principal Investigator and/or Program Manager, the Professional Research Associate is responsible for executing day-to-day operations and study coordination for research, evaluation and implementation projects within the Denver Veteran’s Health Administration.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
QUALIFICATIONS
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY
This is a non-supervisory position.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
This job operates in a business-casual office environment and hospital clinical environment, both outpatient and inpatient. This role routinely uses standard office equipment.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, sit, use hands and fingers to handle or feel objects, tools or controls. Specimen collection (phlebotomy, urine, stool), handling, processing and shipping may be required. Reach with hands and arms, climb stairs, talk or hear. The employee must occasionally lift or move office products and supplies up to 20 pounds.
OTHER DUTIES
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
For all Full and Part-Time DRI Positions:
For all DRI Positions working at least 30 hours a week:
Benefits for you and your family at the first of the month following first day of employment:
Work Authorization/Security Clearance
Candidate must be able to be federally badged via a WOC (without compensation) Letter as administered by the VA and to include any background tests or screenings as required by the VA.
Employment with Denver Research Institute is contingent upon a candidate obtaining and holding VA appointment, which could be jeopardized by marijuana use which is permissible under state law but prohibited by VA’s employment policies.
DRI is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status or any other protected status. We encourage individuals of all backgrounds to apply.
Salary Range: $33 – 36 per hour
Reports to: Principal Investigator
Date: 09.2026
JOB SUMMARY
Under the supervision of the Principal Investigator and/or Program Manager, the Professional Research Associate is responsible for executing day-to-day operations and study coordination for research, evaluation and implementation projects within the Denver Veteran’s Health Administration.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Perform a variety of duties to support the organization’s medical and health science research programs.
- Execute a variety of administrative duties to maintain specialized clinical research data and implement study design which may include the following aspects of clinical trials: submission to regulatory boards for study approval and site initiation; subject recruitment, enrollment and retention; and appropriate data collection and management.
- May assist with fiscal negotiations under management oversight.
- Develop and submit regulatory packages to regulatory bodies (PRMS, VA RDC and study-specific IRBs including COMIRB, NCI, CIRB, and other external IRBs.
- Set up and maintain study records in accordance with study design and regulatory rules (VA R&D, COMIRB reporting, e.g.) across study lifecycles.
- Ensure accurate, timely reporting of relevant research-related events (AEs, UAPS, PDs, e.g.).
- Screen and evaluate candidates for clinical studies.
- Screen and assess candidates for projects of limited complexity.
- Uses objective ratings techniques (inclusion/exclusion criteria) to identify potential candidates for participation in study.
- Recruit participants, providing information on study objectives and constraints, and ensuring ethical recruitment of all candidates.
- Randomizes candidates.
- Manage implementation, control and reporting on clinical tests, per scope.
- Administers standard test as per study protocols to measure and track indicators.
- Administers or monitors administration of tests and measurements required by project design.
- Record data from samples and specimens to ensure that all data is organized and monitored during the progress of the study, shipped to 3rd party vendors as required by study protocols.
- Maintain records, prepare project administrative and reports.
- Performs additional duties as assigned by Program Manager and/or PI
QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor's degree
- Strong knowledge of medical terminology.
- Minimum of 2 years of clinical research experience
- Highly organized, reliable, and able to work semi-autonomously; ability to multi-task and manage competing priorities; attention to detail.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills
- Excellent computer skills, particularly with all software in Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, and Outlook. Experience with the Internet and conducting Internet searches.
- Up to date on required immunizations or willingness to obtain upon hire.
- Ability to independently drive to study recruitment sites, which may be outside of the Denver metropolitan area.
- Must be willing and able to acquire new skills as needed
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Master’s degree
- Advanced knowledge of GCP, FDA Rules and Regulations in relation to clinical trials, NIH guidelines, ICH guidelines and HIPAA regulations in relation to clinical trials.
- Strong clinical knowledge highly desired.
- Phlebotomy certification highly desired.
- Minimum of 2 years prior clinical research experience with increasing responsibility.
- Experience working with veterans
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY
This is a non-supervisory position.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
This job operates in a business-casual office environment and hospital clinical environment, both outpatient and inpatient. This role routinely uses standard office equipment.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, sit, use hands and fingers to handle or feel objects, tools or controls. Specimen collection (phlebotomy, urine, stool), handling, processing and shipping may be required. Reach with hands and arms, climb stairs, talk or hear. The employee must occasionally lift or move office products and supplies up to 20 pounds.
OTHER DUTIES
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
For all Full and Part-Time DRI Positions:
- 403(b) – employer match up to 5% eligibility
- AD&D
- Family Medical Leave
- Long Term Disability
- Basic Life Insurance
- Paid Holidays
- Paid Sick Days
- Paid Vacation Days
- Telehealth
- Voluntary Life Insurance
- Hospital Indemnity
For all DRI Positions working at least 30 hours a week:
Benefits for you and your family at the first of the month following first day of employment:
- Dental insurance
- Vision insurance
- Flexible spending accounts
- Dependent Care account
- Health savings account with high-deductible health care plan
Work Authorization/Security Clearance
Candidate must be able to be federally badged via a WOC (without compensation) Letter as administered by the VA and to include any background tests or screenings as required by the VA.
Employment with Denver Research Institute is contingent upon a candidate obtaining and holding VA appointment, which could be jeopardized by marijuana use which is permissible under state law but prohibited by VA’s employment policies.
DRI is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status or any other protected status. We encourage individuals of all backgrounds to apply.
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