Assistant Clinical Research Coordinator

Stanford University; Palo Alto, Northern (CA, KY); Hybrid; USD 65,000 - 82,000; Full time

Job summary

Stanford University BRIDGE Lab seeks an Associate Clinical Research Coordinator to manage study operations from recruitment through close-out, serving as liaison to families and ensuring high-quality data collection.

The role combines strong organizational skills with technical MRI knowledge, data handling, and exceptional interactions with children and neurodiverse populations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or master's in neuroscience, psychology, engineering, biology, physics, or related field.
• Strong technical background plus data handling across studies.
• Experience with neurodivergent pediatric populations and MRI familiarity.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate recruitment, scheduling, travel, and reimbursements.
• Maintain databases of demographic, cognitive, behavioral, and imaging data.
• Schedule and operate MRI sessions with pediatric participants; ensure data quality.
• Train and supervise staff in MRI protocols and study procedures.
• Communicate clearly with families; uphold professional conduct and participant experience.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Technical aptitude

Data management

Recruitment coordination

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in neuroscience/psychology/engineering/biology/physics

Tools

MRI systems

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