Per Diem Nurse- California

Overview 

Lightship is a virtual-first clinical research company focused on improving how trials are delivered. Our hybrid model, broad clinical capabilities, and in-house patient care team help sponsors run studies efficiently while creating a better experience for participants. 

The Per Diem Clinical Research Nurse provides high-quality care to study participants in their homes, mobile research units, and clinical sites. This role supports clinical research activities under the direction of study investigators and clinical study leads. 

The ideal candidate is self-directed, dependable, and comfortable working independently. 

This position requires regular local travel to participant homes and research facilities within the assigned region, primarily by car or train, with occasional air travel. 

Key responsibilities 

Support investigators, sub-investigators, and Lightship team members in the execution of clinical research studies. 

Deliver protocol-required research nursing services in participants’ homes and, when needed, in clinics or other approved settings. 

Follow study protocols and internal procedures, and complete accurate documentation for every visit. 

Perform protocol-defined procedures and assessments, including venipuncture and biospecimen collection; pediatric venipuncture experience is preferred. 

Process, package, and ship ambient, refrigerated, or frozen biospecimens on schedule, including dry ice shipments when required. 

Administer investigational products or educate participants on self-administration, including topical, oral, IM, IV injection, and IV infusion routes as applicable. 

Report findings, issues, and possible adverse events promptly to the Principal Investigator and study team. 

Educate participants on study procedures, answer questions with compassion and cultural sensitivity, and direct concerns to the appropriate study team members. 

Document study data accurately in paper and electronic records, as applicable. 

Coordinate participant visits and serve as a key contact for patients, investigators, and study staff, including shipping study materials and supporting the informed consent process as delegated. 

Support study operations, including: 

Order and manage clinical and study supplies, materials, and equipment. 

Troubleshoot issues with supplies, equipment, and vendors for participants and study teams. 

Complete all Lightship and study-specific training on time. 

Participate in site initiation visits, monitoring visits, and audits as requested. 

Track business expenses accurately and submit reports and documentation on time. 

Perform other study-related duties as assigned. 

Knowledge, skills, and abilities 

Strong adult venipuncture skills required; pediatric venipuncture experience preferred. 

Experience processing, centrifuging, and aliquoting biospecimens in a clinical research setting preferred. 

Strong verbal and written communication skills. 

Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to follow through to resolution. 

Ability to build positive, lasting relationships with patients, caregivers, and families. 

Ability to remain calm and professional when working with patients, physicians, and research teams. 

Ability to manage travel and visit logistics independently. 

Collaborative team player who can participate in virtual meetings as needed. 

Commitment to maintaining clinical compliance and submitting required health documentation on time, including immunity verification if required. 

Willingness to receive annual influenza and recommended COVID-19 vaccinations in accordance with CDC guidance. 

Education and experience 

Associate degree in nursing required; BSN preferred. 

Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification through the American Heart Association preferred. 

Current, valid California RN license required

Current vaccination record, including full COVID-19 vaccination, required. 

At least 2 years of recent clinical nursing experience in a hospital, clinic, or similar healthcare setting. 

At least 2 years of sponsored clinical research experience in pharma, biotech, or a related setting required. 

Demonstrated nursing competencies within scope of practice, including vital signs, nursing assessments, ECG/EKGs, injections, and venipuncture. 

Knowledge of medical terminology, drug calculations, and clinical care. 

Certification in Shipping Category B Biological Substances preferred. 

Ability to perform nursing tasks and lift equipment up to 15 kg. 

Valid driver’s license required. 

Consistent access to reliable vehicle for participant visits. 

Ability to travel to local and remote locations to complete participant visits and study activities. 

Bilingual English and Spanish skills preferred. 

What we offer 

The opportunity to help reshape clinical research to be more inclusive, diverse, and accessible. 

A patient-centered, clinically focused, and collaborative team environment. 

The chance to grow with an established startup backed by industry expertise and strong market potential. 

Competitive hourly compensation. 

The hourly pay range for this role is $50.00 to $55.00, depending on education, skills, and experience. Lightship uses a geographically neutral, market-based compensation approach that reflects our commitment to valuing each team member’s contributions and performance.