I always say “no one sets out to be a clinical research coordinator”. It’s often the type of job that people just fall in to. As a result there are ridiculously diverse backgrounds of clinical research staff - from high school graduates to MDs! So what really makes a successful research coordinator? It’s not necessarily credentials or education. I always look for soft skills first when hiring new research staff. Why? The technical aspects of clinical research can be always be trained. In fact, many experienced coordinators have picked up bad habits along the way in their careers. As a result, I often find it’s best to start from scratch. Focusing on finding applicants with these soft skills just may help you land your next successful research coordinator.