Clinical Research Coordinator Training: Cell/Gene Therapy and Cancer Research | Clinical and Translational Science Center | UC Davis Health

Clinical Research Coordinator Training: Cell/Gene Therapy and Cancer Research

Overview

The UC Davis CTSC innovative programs focuses on teaching foundational skills needed to become a clinical research coordinator (CRC). Clinical research coordinators play a crucial role in managing clinical trials, overseeing various stages from beginning to end. The program includes lectures, in-class activities, field trips, and hands-on experiences like shadowing and on the job experience. The program aims to develop student skills, knowledge, and abilities to qualify for entry level career positions after graduation.

The Fall 2025 Cohort is created in the partnership with La Familia Counseling Center, City of Sacramento and Sacramento Education and Training Agency (SETA). To participate in this program, you need to meet certain qualifications and be onboarded with La Familia. The funding for this program is provided by the High Road training Partnerships Healthcare Grant Program (HRTP), by City of Sacramento and by the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, through grant number UL1 TR001860.

This training specifically aims to prepare the participants to meet demands of Cancer Research. Training will include scientific materials on immunology, gene therapy, cellular therapy, cancer treatments, and some molecular biology.

What to expect:

•    11 weeks of in-person training and on-line self-study totaling up to 15 hours per week. Two incentive payments will provided to accepted students You need to meet the course requirements for attendance and academic achievement to receive the payments.
•    The Fall cohort training starts on October 1, 2025, and ends on December22, 2025. It followed by the full time internship from January 2026 through May 2026 (approximately 5 months). Internship is compensated at $24/hr
•    Classes will be held in-person on Monday-Thursdays (4 days a week), 8 a.m. - 3 p.m. Note that the hours may vary.
•    There is no guarantee of a position with UC Davis after the completion of the program. UC Davis and La Familia will provide support with job applications and interview preparation 

 Learning Outcomes and Objectives

  • Explain the knowledge, skills, and abilities to be a competent clinical research coordinator, specifically in Cell and Gene Therapy and Cancer Research
  • Describe the different study designs and aspects of protocols
  • Describe the general roles and responsibilities of the study personnel
  • Describe the required essential documents and documentation best practices for a clinical trial
  • Describe the subject recruitment and retention process
  • Describe investigational product (IP) management process
  • Describe study communication best practices
  • Describe the feasibility, site qualification, and site selection process
  • Describe a regulatory and ethical informed consent process
  • Describe the elements and purpose of good clinical practice (GCPs)
  • Describe the monitoring process and the CRC’s role in supporting monitoring
  • Define the types of adverse events (AEs) and processes for capturing, assessing, and reporting AEs