Assistant Clinical Research Coordinator

Stanford University School of Medicine; Palo Alto (CA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

The BRIDGE Lab at Stanford invites applications for an Associate Clinical Research Coordinator to manage study operations from recruitment to close-out, serving as the primary liaison between families and the research team.

You will coordinate participant involvement, schedule visits, travel, administer cognitive and behavioral assessments, and help acquire pediatric MRI data while upholding data quality and participant experience.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in neuroscience, psychology, engineering, chemistry, biology, physics, or related science.
• Strong technical background with applicable lab or clinical research experience.
• Experience or familiarity with MRI or neuroimaging concepts.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate recruitment, scheduling, travel arrangements, behavioral data collection, and MRI acquisition.
• Maintain and update databases of demographic, cognitive, behavioral, and imaging data; track assessments.
• Schedule MRI scan time, ensure protocol readiness, operate pediatric MRI scanners, and perform QC.
• Communicate with families clearly; create welcoming environment; maintain professional demeanor.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Programming basics

Statistics knowledge

Image processing

MRI familiarity

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in neuroscience or related field

Tools

Magnetic resonance imaging

Job description

Job Description

The BRIDGE Lab at Stanford is dedicated to researching the effect of altered genetics on brain development and neuropsychiatric conditions, with the aim of improving children's mental health and development. Our research is focused on identifying the mechanistic targets for medical interventions through clinical research. We are committed to translational research, which provides a deeper understanding of the brain that can ultimately enhance the lives of those affected by neuropsychiatric conditions.

We are seeking a highly organized, technical, and detail-oriented Associate Clinical Research Coordinator to manage study operations from initial recruitment through study close-out. This individual will serve as the primary liaison between participating families and the research team, ensuring smooth study visits, high-quality data collection, and an exceptional participant experience.

Role Overview

As a key member of the research team, you will coordinate all aspects of participant involvement, including recruitment, scheduling, travel arrangements, behavioral data collection, and MRI acquisition. The ideal candidate combines strong technical aptitude with exceptional interpersonal skills, particularly when working with children and neurodiverse populations.

Core Responsibilities

Participant Recruitment & Coordination: Contact and screen interested families to determine study eligibility; Serve as the primary point of contact for participants and their families; Schedule study visits and coordinate availability of lab personnel; Book participant travel (flights, hotels, rental cars); Distribute cognitive, behavioral, and emotional questionnaires; Ensure consent documentation is completed and securely maintained; Process participant reimbursements.

Study Operations & Data Management: Maintain and update databases of demographic, cognitive, behavioral, and imaging data; Order and track cognitive and behavioral assessments; Provide recruitment and study progress updates to the lab.

MRI Coordination & Acquisition: Obtain training in operation of Stanford Research MRI systems and transition to independent operation; Schedule MRI scan time and ensure protocol readiness; Operate research MRI scanners with pediatric participants; Acquire high-quality MRI data and conduct quality control procedures; Assist in training research assistants on MRI protocols after achieving proficiency; Troubleshoot scanner or protocol issues independently in clinical settings; Work occasional non-standard hours for protocol setup, quality control, and participant visits.

Participant Experience & Professional Conduct: Communicate clearly, calmly, and effectively with neurodiverse children and their families; Create a welcoming and supportive environment during study visits; Adapt flexibly to technical or behavioral challenges; Respect site-specific policies and maintain professional demeanor.

• Additional study activities, as needed.
• - Other duties may also be assigned

Desired Qualifications

Bachelor's or Master's degree in neuroscience, psychology, engineering, chemistry, biology, physics, or other natural or behavioral science with a strong technical background.

Desired Skills and Abilities: Strong interpersonal skills; Familiarity with magnetic resonance imaging; Experience with neurodivergent pediatric populations; Some knowledge of programming, statistics, or image processing.

Responsibilities

Core Duties

• Schedule and/or call subjects for appointments; contact participants with reminders or other requirements.
• Prepare, distribute, and process questionnaires.
• Perform clerical duties in the preparation of regulatory documents. Maintain all forms and documents, including consent forms and master subject logs. File all appropriate correspondence.
• Assist with the screening, recruiting, and obtaining consent of study participants. Review medical records and/or perform telephone or in-person interviews to gather data, as needed.
• Administer standard study questionnaires and tests, score test measurements and questionnaires, and code data for computer entry. Perform quantitative review of forms, tests, and other measurements for completeness and accuracy.
• Extract data from source documents for research studies as directed. Collect data and complete case report forms.
• Perform basic measurements and tests on patients according to protocol, such as obtaining vital signs and performing phlebotomy and EKG, after appropriate training/certification. Collect study specimens according to protocol.
• Prepare, process, and ship specimens/samples accurately under well-defined requirements.
• Order and maintain equipment and supplies.
• Process study compensation payments and thank you letters to subjects upon completion of trial activities. Assist with post-study activities, as needed.

Minimum Education And Experience

Two-year college degree and one year of relevant experience or an equivalent combination of experience, education, and training.

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

• General knowledge of medical terminology.

Certificates And Licenses Required

Working toward certification(s) to perform basic patient measurements and tests, such as phlebotomy and EKG.

Must possess and maintain a valid California non-commercial Class C Driver's License, if applicable.

Drivers License Requirements

• Must possess and maintain a valid California non-commercial Class C Driver's License.
• Ability to drive day or night.
• When conducting university business, must comply with the California Vehicle Code and Stanford University driving requirements.