Clinical Research Assistant

The Chronicle Of Higher Education, Inc.; Richmond (VA); On-site; USD 41,000 - 46,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive health benefits

Paid annual and holiday leave

Generous tuition benefits

Employee discounts

Career development opportunities

Job summary

The Chronicle Of Higher Education, Inc. is seeking a Clinical Research Assistant in Richmond, VA. This role involves supporting addiction and behavioral health research by collecting data from human participants. Ideal candidates should possess a Bachelor’s in Psychology or related field, and have strong clinical and organizational skills. The position offers a salary range of $41,000-$46,000 and requires availability for a typical Tuesday-Saturday work week. Enjoy a comprehensive benefits package and opportunities for career advancement.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science degree or equivalent in Psychology, Neuroscience, or related field.
• Proficient in computer skills including word processing and data management.
• Strong clinical skills, including empathy and participant rapport.

Responsibilities

• Assist technical personnel in data collection from human-subject volunteers.
• Work with participants in a research laboratory setting.
• Organize meetings and present reports.

Skills

Organizational skills

Compassion

Clinical skills

Computer skills

Ability to work in a team

Education

Bachelor of Science in Psychology or related field

Tools

REDCap

SAS

GraphPad Prism

Job description

Overview

Play a hands‑on role in advancing cutting‑edge addiction and behavioral health research as a Clinical Research Assistant. In this dynamic position, you’ll work directly with human‑subject participants, support data collection for biomedical studies, and collaborate with a multidisciplinary research team.

We’re looking for a detail‑oriented, compassionate professional with a background in psychology, neuroscience, or a related field who brings strong organizational, clinical, and technical skills. This role is ideal for someone eager to gain meaningful research experience, especially in areas like substance use, mental health, and clinical populations, while contributing to impactful, real‑world outcomes.

If you’re motivated, adaptable, and ready to grow in a fast‑paced research environment, this is your opportunity to make a difference in the future of behavioral health science.

Duties & Responsibilities

Research Assistant will perform a variety of routine, non‑technical duties in assisting technical and professional personnel in a research laboratory setting. The Research Assistant will be expected to perform most components of data collection from human‑subject volunteers required for a biomedical behavioral research study.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science degree or equivalent in Psychology, Neuroscience or related field.
• Proficient in computer skills including word processing, data entry, spreadsheet, database management, and entry level statistical/programming skills.
• Strong clinical skills, including fundamental clinical skills such as establishing rapport, maintaining participant motivation, empathic responding, ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team, and ability to use clinical judgment in rare emergency situations.
• Strong organizational skills, including understanding of HIPAA regulations.
• Ability to organize meetings, and present reports.
• Ability to work around MRI machines.
• Availability to work Saturdays. Typical work week is Tuesday‑Saturday 9:30‑6:00, some flexibility required.
• Demonstrated ability to work in and foster an environment of respect, professionalism and civility with a population of faculty, staff, and students from all backgrounds and experiences, or a commitment to do so as a staff member at VCU.

Only applicants who do not require current or future sponsorship for employment will be considered.

Preferred Qualifications

• Masters degree or equivalent in Psychology, Neuroscience or related field.
• Writing experience with first author and co‑author peer reviewed manuscripts.
• Knowledge of statistical analysis and software applications.
• Experience recruiting, consenting, and carrying out study procedures with opioid use disorder (OUD) treatment participants, including during pregnancy and postpartum.
• Qualitative research experience, including data collection, coding, analysis.
• Ability to set up projects and surveys in REDCap, perform sample size calculations using GPower3.1, analyze qualitative data (such as with ATLAS.ti.8) and quantitative statistical analysis (such as with SAS.9.4 and GraphPad Prism).
• Experience with preparing and maintaining Institutional Review Board (IRB) and regulatory paperwork to comply with institutional regulatory requirements.
• Experience in mentoring and training student research trainees, incorporating them into research teams.
• Previous experience working with adolescents/young adults.
• Phlebotomy certification.
• Current CITI Certificates (Social & Behavioral, Biomedical, GCP).

Salary Range

$41,000-$46,000

Benefits

All full‑time university staff are eligible for VCU’s robust benefits package that includes comprehensive health benefits, paid annual and holiday leave, generous tuition benefits, retirement planning and savings options, tax‑deferred annuity and cash match programs, employee discounts, well‑being resources, abundant opportunities for career development and advancement, and more.

Employment Details

FLSA Exemption Status: Non‑Exempt

Hours per Week: 40

Restricted Position: Yes

ORP Eligible: No

Flexible Work Arrangement: Fully Onsite