HR
Headlands Research
Escondido, California

PRN/Per-Diem Research Nurse (RN)

Registered Nurse Top 25% in Registered Nurse rolesPer Diem

Listed compensation

$114K - $125K

Listing transparency1 of 6 stated

Ask the employer about the work setting, call expectations and weekend coverage.

Employment & setting
Per Diem
Call expectations
Not specified
Weekends
Not specified
Posted 1mo ago

Job Description

At Headlands Research, we are dedicated to enhancing clinical trial delivery within our communities. As a leading network of advanced clinical trial sites, we leverage cutting-edge technology and exceptional support services to broaden outreach and participation. Founded in 2018, our rapidly growing company currently operates 20+ sites across the US and Canada, with plans for further expansion.

Overview / Position Description

The AMCR Institute is a cutting-edge research institute specializing in the execution of Phase I-IV diabetes device and biopharmaceutical trials. Eligible subjects are offered the latest treatment options carried out under the strict guidelines from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Research subjects (Volunteers) become the most critical link in a chain of research and testing to develop breakthrough treatments for a broad range of health problems including Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes. At all times the safety and confidentiality are guarded with the utmost concern.

As a member of AMCR Institute, you will contribute to the development of novel therapies and supportive technology for people with diabetes and be part of the discovery of new treatments.

The Clinical Research Nurse (RN) is a licensed clinical professional working with and under the direction of the Principal Investigator, Assistant Director, Lead Research Nurse, and in close conjunction with the Clinical Project Manager on early or late phase clinical trials related to the treatment of diabetes. The Clinical Research Nurse is an integral member of the clinical trial team and assumes responsibility and accountability for the direct research care of a group of research subjects during a designated time frame. The Clinical Research Nurse is responsible for assuring compliance with the Federal and State regulations relating to research and the study protocol requirements.

Materials and Equipment Directly USED

  • Phlebotomy and IV supplies including infusion pumps
  • Office equipment such as personal computer, printer and copier, telephone, fax

Diabetes-related medical devices (e. g. glucometer, insulin delivery devices, etc.)

INTERRELATIONSHIPS

Physicians, Nurse Practitioners, Physician Assistants, Nurses, Research Staff, Research Subjects, and Clinical Office and Administrative Staff

Duties and Responsibilities

  • Research / Regulatory:
  • Contributes to data collection by adhering to “Good Documentation Practices”
  • Documents in detail the data obtained following AMCR Institute’s Standard Operating Procedure (SOP).

Competently recognizes signs and symptoms of Hypoglycemia, Hyperglycemia, and Ketosis and alerts the lead coordinator and clinician.

Working knowledge of research protocol to understand the science behind the study.

Assists research staff in specimen processing: spinning, pipetting, and analyzing using the YSI glucose instrument.

Discharge research subject upon completion of in-clinic visit following the “Glycemic Discharge Protocol for AMCR Institute”.

Clinical

Conducts a centered research subject assessment focusing on safety and venous access placement.

Using aseptic technique, identifies the largest accessible vein and starts intravenous placement (IV) on adults and pediatric research subjects. Number of IV lines depending on the research design. May place two (2) IV lines on the same arm and/or another line on the opposite arm.

Using aseptic technique, changes IV bags PRN and adjust infusion pumps flow rate.

Employs strategies in maintaining subject’s safety: monitoring heating pad temperature, awareness of blood glucose levels, phlebitis.

  • Administers research drugs and/or medications as ordered by a clinician.
  • Using aseptic technique, assists research staff in blood drawing using a 3-way stopcock method.
  • Assists research staff with performing vital signs and EKG tracings.

Provides the tools and necessary support to subjects in learning their diabetes management responsibilities in accordance with the protocol.

  • Provides nursing support to staff regarding diabetes issues as needed.
  • Organizes and prioritizes workload to effectively accomplish goals.
  • Communication
  • Communicates clearly and effectively with clinicians, nursing and research staff, and research subjects.

Check-in and report with the Lead Research Coordinator and/or RN at the start and end of each shift and provide a complete outgoing report.

Sign / initial / and date all documents that were worked on during shift prior to leaving.

Schedule

Shift availability varies depending upon the type and number of active research protocols being executed. Shift may range from 4 to 12 hours. Some flexibility may be possible depending upon the protocol. RNs are strongly encouraged to attend monthly meetings led by the Lead Research Nurse. These meetings may include protocol and skills training, updates, and other topics as needed.

  • California Pay Range
  • $55—$60 USD

Headlands Research will never ask a candidate for personal identifiable information (date of birth, social security number, driver’s license information, etc) via email or messenger tools, or for a financial deposit of any kind.

Headlands Research is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

Need Assistance?

Headlands Research is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its employment for individuals with disabilities. To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact recruiting@headlandsresearch.com for further assistance. Please note this is for individuals to request an accommodation as part of the application process and any other correspondence will not receive a response.

Qualifications

Experience
2+ years of experience

Key Skills

IV PlacementPatient AssessmentEKG TracingClinical Trial CoordinationInfusion Pump Operation

Work-Life Balance Analysis

WeekdayDoc's proprietary algorithm rates PRN/Per-Diem Research Nurse (RN) at Headlands Research a 6.6 out of 10 for work-life balance — classified as good. This places the position in the top 25% in Registered Nurse roles — ranked against 5,299 active Registered Nurse roles listings on WeekdayDoc.

Clinical Research — Registered Nurse Career Context

In California, the Registered Nurse weighted monthly median benchmark on WeekdayDoc is ~$117k (113 salary observations; 176 listings), vs ~$93k nationally (1,568 salary observations; 3,922 listings). Monthly aggregates cover 2026-01-01 through 2026-09-01; these are not the modal's selected comparable-job medians.

Of the 50 active Registered Nurse listings this role was benchmarked against, 28% are remote, 52% have no call, 64% require no weekends.

Registered Nurse pay on WeekdayDoc is up 2.9% vs. the prior quarter (through Aug 2026).

The cost-of-living index for California is 110.7 (US average = 100; BEA Regional Price Parities (2024)), so the posted ~$58k midpoint carries the purchasing power of roughly $52k in an average-cost state. 63.6% of California clinicians report burnout symptoms in WeekdayDoc's Burnout Index (2026-01 data).

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Annual compensation range

Benefits & Perks42 jobs · 37 employers

401k / retirement match
88%
Sign-on bonus
24%
CME allowance
24%
Loan repayment
5%
Relocation assistance
2%

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Work-life snapshot

6.6/ 10
Listing-based score

Top 25% in Registered Nurse roles

Living in Escondido

Typical 3-bedroom home value
$801k
Typical market rent
$2,547/mo
Residents’ average commute
28 min
Metro price indexU.S. average = 100
111.9
State income tax
Up to 13.3%
Sources & methodology

Sources: Zillow home values (Aug 2026), Zillow market rents (Aug 2026), U.S. Census ACS 2024 five-year.

BEA 2024 · San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA metro prices. Housing figures are city-level.

City-level figures. Not a cost-of-living guarantee.