What does a research nurse do? – Tasks and work environment
A research nurse works at the intersection of advanced healthcare and clinical research. The main tasks involve coordinating and conducting clinical studies, including recruiting and informing study participants, collecting, documenting, and analyzing data. The work is often carried out in close collaboration with doctors, researchers, and other healthcare teams, with responsibility for ensuring that studies adhere to ethical guidelines and current legislation. The work environment is typically hospital-based or connected to research institutions, balancing patient-related tasks with administrative duties.
Salary development over time
Over the past three years, the salary of research nurses has shown steady growth. In 2022, the average salary was 42,100 SEK per month. The following year, the salary increased to 44 000 SEK, representing an increase of just over 4.5%. In 2024, the average salary has risen further to 45 500 SEK, an increase of approximately 3.4% compared to the previous year. The positive trend can be explained by an increased demand for qualified research nurses in line with growing clinical research and higher requirements for specialized skills. The market is also influenced by regional investments in research projects and a general shortage of specialist nurses, which helps push salaries upward.
Research nurse salary – comprehensive overview
- Average salary: 45 500 SEK/month
- Lowest salary: 43,100 SEK/month (men), 43,200 SEK/month (women)
- Highest salary: 58,600 SEK/month (men), 52,600 SEK/month (women)
- Hourly wage: 274 SEK/hour
- Gender pay gap: Women earn 98% of what men do (men 46 500 SEK, women 45 400 SEK)
- Regional differences: Data not available
Education and qualifications
To work as a research nurse, a license as a registered nurse is required, along with postgraduate training to become a specialist nurse, often with a focus on oncology, anesthesia, or other relevant specialties. Many employers prefer candidates with experience in clinical research, good English skills, and experience in project management. Certifications in GCP (Good Clinical Practice) are advantageous and may sometimes be a requirement.
- Nursing degree: 3 years at university/higher education
- Postgraduate training as a specialist nurse: 1–1.5 years
- GCP certification: Often required for research projects
- Practical experience: Experience in clinical care and research is highly advantageous
- Language skills: Advanced proficiency in English and Swedish
As a research nurse, you have the opportunity to contribute to medical development in a very tangible way. Many working in the field report being involved in groundbreaking treatments, and the tasks vary greatly from day to day. The fast pace and continuous contact with different professional groups make the profession both challenging and stimulating.
Common benefits and compensations
The profession often offers competitive benefits such as extra vacation days, wellness allowances, professional development, and flexible working hours. In some cases, bonuses linked to research project success are available, along with opportunities for international collaboration and conferences. Pension schemes and insurance coverage are typically included in employment terms.
Challenges and competition
Demand for research nurses remains stable, but competition for the most attractive positions at research-intensive hospitals and universities is fierce. The main challenge is often balancing patient care with the demands of meticulous documentation and project management. Advances in medical research technology require ongoing training. Since the profession is grouped with other specialist nurses, making precise forecasts is difficult, but currently, there are 375 job openings. Limited specialized training places and high experience requirements can make entry into the job market difficult for recent graduates.
Tips for aspiring research nurses
To succeed as a research nurse, it is beneficial to combine analytical skills with a strong interest in medical development. Precision is essential, as the work requires accurate documentation and handling sensitive study data. Being communicative and pedagogical facilitates collaboration with patients and research teams. Flexibility is a valuable asset, as tasks can vary quickly depending on project phases. Good organizational skills make it easier to manage multiple studies and deadlines. Patience and stress resilience are important, especially when unexpected obstacles arise during research. Finally, a curious and solution-oriented attitude is appreciated by employers, as the job often involves finding new paths within medical research.
Key facts about Research Nurse
- Education level: Specialist nurse degree with postgraduate training
- Work environment: Hospitals, universities, and research institutions
- Typical work form: Project-based and interdisciplinary collaboration
- Demand: 375 job openings within the profession
- Special skills: Clinical research, GCP, advanced documentation
Career paths and future outlook
After three to five years in the profession, research nurses can advance to more senior roles, such as project managers for clinical trials or coordinators of larger research programs. Some choose to specialize further in a specific medical area, while others move into teaching or consulting within the pharmaceutical industry. Forecasts from the Employment Service are lacking for this specialization, but within the group of other specialist nurses, demand remains stable. Limited statistical data means that future assessments should be made with some caution.
Frequently asked questions about Research Nurse
- What is the average salary of a Research Nurse?
- The average salary is 45 500 SEK per month.
- What are the requirements to become a research nurse?
- Licensed nurse, postgraduate training as a specialist nurse, and often experience in clinical research and GCP certification.
- Are there significant salary differences between men and women?
- Women earn approximately 98% of what men do in the profession.
- What are the most common workplaces?
- Hospitals, university hospitals, and research institutions are most common.
- What are the future prospects?
- The outlook is stable, but detailed future assessments are limited due to sparse data.
- What specialized skills are in demand?
- Clinical research, GCP, advanced documentation, and good language skills.
- How many job openings are available?
- There are 375 job openings within the profession according to the latest survey.
