Research Coordinator

Research Coordinator – Patient Screening & Enrollment

Location: On-site in Schaumburg, IL

Organization: Clinical Research Program (Cardiovascular Focus)

Great research starts with the right patients—and the clinical insight to identify them.

We’re seeking a Research Coordinator – Patient Screening & Enrollment who brings both clinical judgment and operational precision to the front end of the clinical trial lifecycle. This role is ideal for someone who can interpret protocols, navigate medical records with confidence, and engage patients thoughtfully—even when that means initiating outreach.

If you’re comfortable combining clinical knowledge, technology, and patient communication to drive enrollment success, this role was built for you.

The Role

As the Research Coordinator – Patient Screening & Enrollment , you will lead patient identification and enrollment coordination for industry-sponsored clinical trials. You’ll apply clinical skills to review protocols and medical records, use EMR systems to develop eligibility lists, and communicate directly with patients to support enrollment goals.

You’ll work in close partnership with Principal Investigators (PIs) , clinical teams, and research leadership to ensure studies enroll efficiently, ethically, and on schedule.

What You’ll Do

Clinical Screening & Eligibility Assessment

• Review clinical trial protocols and apply inclusion/exclusion criteria accurately.

• Conduct detailed medical record reviews to assess patient eligibility.

• Collaborate with PIs and sub-investigators to confirm eligibility determinations.

• Maintain precise documentation of screening decisions and eligibility status.

Technology & EMR-Based Identification

• Use the electronic medical record (EMR) to identify potential study participants through chart review, reports, and registries.

• Develop and maintain screening and recruitment lists aligned with protocol criteria.

• Enter and track screening and enrollment activity in CTMS or other tracking systems.

Patient Outreach & Engagement

• Conduct direct patient outreach, including phone calls and follow-up communications, to introduce research opportunities.

• Confidently and professionally cold-call patients identified through EMR screening, using approved scripts and patient-centered communication.

• Educate patients about study participation, next steps, and scheduling expectations.

Scheduling & Coordination

• Schedule screening visits, study visits, and follow-up appointments in coordination with clinic workflows.

• Ensure visit schedules align with protocol requirements and investigator availability.

Enrollment Tracking & PI Communication

• Track enrollment progress against sponsor targets and timelines.

• Provide PIs and site leadership with regular updates on screening pipelines and enrollment performance.

• Identify and escalate barriers to enrollment and collaborate on solutions.

What We’re Looking For

• Clinical background or experience (e.g., RN, LPN, MA, CRC , or equivalent clinical research experience).

• Demonstrated ability to read and interpret clinical trial protocols and medical records.

• Strong proficiency with EMR systems and comfort navigating complex patient data.

• Excellent communication skills, including comfort with outbound patient calls and cold outreach.

• Strong organizational and time-management skills with attention to detail.

• Experience with CTMS or research tracking tools ( REALTIME-CTMS a plus ).

• A proactive, patient-focused professional who takes ownership of enrollment outcomes.

Ideal Experience

• Prior experience in patient screening, recruitment, or enrollment for clinical trials.

• Cardiovascular or specialty clinic experience.

• Experience working in a fast-paced clinical environment with multiple protocols.

• Comfort balancing clinical judgment with enrollment goals and sponsor expectations.

Why This Role Matters

Enrollment is the engine of clinical research. In this role, your clinical expertise, technical skills, and patient engagement directly determine whether studies succeed—and whether patients gain access to innovative therapies.