Clinical Research Coordinator Fellowship Program
The UT Southwestern Clinical Research Coordinator Fellowship Program is a two-year opportunity designed for recent college graduates interested in careers in medicine, clinical research, and the basic sciences.
We have designed the Clinical Research Coordinator Fellowship to prepare competitive applicants for roles in clinical research. Through a structured curriculum, close faculty mentorship, and hands-on research experience with investigators across UTSW, the program will prepare you to work independently in coordinator roles or add experience to your applications to graduate or professional programs.
Fellows are awarded a certificate upon successful completion of the program. This is a paid position with a stipend and fringe benefits.
Faculty Mentors
Fellows are paired with a faculty mentor and embedded within a research team, supporting both observational and interventional studies. Faculty mentors support our fellows in creating a focused project suited for presentation and publication in a peer-reviewed journal.
Program Highlights
- Hands-on experience in clinical and translational research
- Formal training as a research coordinator within the Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center Disease-Oriented Teams or the Neurology Department
- Close mentorship from accomplished researchers on the UT Southwestern faculty
- A structured training curriculum designed to prepare fellows for independent coordinator roles
Minimum Requirement
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university
Preferred Candidates
- Individuals who have previously applied to graduate or professional programs and are seeking additional clinical research experience
- Candidates planning to apply or reapply to graduate or professional programs (e.g., medical, PA, or nursing school) within two to three years of hire. Please note that this program does not provide test preparations and participation in this program does not guarantee admission to a postbaccalaureate program.
Curriculum
- Introduction to Analysis of Public Health Data (QDS5401)
- Introduction to Principles & Methods of Clinical & Translational Research (CTM5301)
- Responsible Conduct of Research (CTM5107)
- Socratic Seminar/Clinical & Translational Science Forum (CTM5120)
- Manuscript Writing (PUBH 5103W)
- Ethics in Clinical Research (CTM 5105)
- Directed Research/Research Practicum (CTM 5097)
Fellows have the opportunity to complete a Master’s degree by finishing the remaining required coursework.
Our Fellows
Nayna Nambiar
Coming from a strong background in bench research during my undergraduate training, I was eager to gain exposure to clinical research and better understand how research can be integrated into patient care.
As a Clinical Research Coordinator in Neuroimmunology, I work with complex patient populations, which has significantly broadened my knowledge of neurology and deepened my understanding of disease processes. In addition to my CRC responsibilities, I am actively involved in research projects, allowing me to gain hands-on experience with study design, data analysis, and translating clinical questions into meaningful research. This dual role has strengthened my appreciation for how research directly informs and improves patient care.
I have greatly enjoyed the opportunity to interact with patients while working closely with attendings and residents as an integrated member of the neurology team. Being involved in the day-to-day clinical and research operations has been both educational and fulfilling. Throughout this experience, I have received exceptional mentorship and guidance from Dr. Lind Nguyen, who has been a strong advocate for my learning, professional growth, and understanding of medicine.
Overall, this program has been instrumental in shaping my perspective on clinical research and its role in advancing patient care. I aspire to become a physician who meaningfully integrates research into clinical practice, and this fellowship has been an invaluable step toward that goal.