Clinical Research Coordinator

Virginia Commonwealth University

Richmond (VA)

On-site

USD 59,000 - 65,000

Full time

8 days ago

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Job summary

Virginia Commonwealth University is seeking a Clinical Research Coordinator for the Institute for Drug and Alcohol Studies (IDAS) to lead all operational phases of neurobehavioral studies across pediatric and adult populations. You will launch studies, manage regulatory approvals, recruit participants, and oversee data quality while supervising trainees.

The role requires independent operation of MRI scanners, VR-based therapeutic platforms, and tDCS devices, with data management using REDCap

Qualifications

Experience working with human-subject research populations.
Experience with adults with substance use disorders and with emerging adults/minors and parent/guardian informants.
Experience collecting biosamples (blood, saliva, hair) including minoritized populations.
Strong organizational, communication, and time management skills.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.
Willingness to work Saturdays and evenings as needed.
Demonstrated ability to work with diverse faculty, staff and students with professionalism and respect.

Responsibilities

Independently manage all phases of neurobehavioral clinical research studies across multiple sites.
Lead study launch activities, regulatory approvals, recruitment, screening, and data management.
Train and supervise research staff and trainees in protocol execution and operations.
Operate MRI scanners, VR-based equipment, VR therapies, and brain stimulation devices (tDCS).
Coordinate across multiple studies in pediatric and adult populations across locations.

Skills

Human-subject research experience

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Time management

Independent and collaborative work

Flexibility (weekends/evenings)

Study coordination

Education

Master’s in Research Administration, Psychology, Clinical Research/Science, or related field

Tools

MRI scanner operation

VR-based platforms

tDCS device operation

REDCap

R programming

Data management software

Job description

Advertising Summary

Advance ground-breaking addictionresearch as a Clinical Research Coordinator with the Institute forDrug and Alcohol Studies (IDAS) at VCU. In this high-impact,independent role, you will lead all operational phases ofmulti-site neurobehavioral studies across pediatric and adultpopulations—from study launch and regulatory compliance toparticipant recruitment, data management, and multidisciplinaryteam supervision. Utilizing cutting-edge research technologies, youwill independently operate MRI scanners, VR-based therapeuticplatforms, and transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS)devices while managing complex datasets using tools like REDCap andR. If you have hands-on experience in human-subject clinicalresearch, biosample collection, and behavioral assessments, join usto drive innovative discoveries in a collaborative, mission-drivenenvironment.

Unit

VP Research MBU

Department

Inst for Drug Alcohol Stud

Department Summary

At the VCU Office of the VicePresident for Research and Innovation, our mission is to fostertransformative research, discovery, and innovation at VirginiaCommonwealth University through excellence in service. We partner with faculty in all schools and departments as they seekfunding, plan studies, establish collaborations, calculate budgets,submit grant applications, negotiate industry contracts, and securepatents and licensing agreements. Our commitment to supporting and elevating the research communityat VCU has resulted in record levels of sponsored research and hasplaced VCU among the nation’s premier public researchuniversities. Through our passion for discovery and willingness to take onchallenges, we continue to advance the work that matters most andposition the university as a national leader in research,innovation, creativity, and scholarship.

About the VCU Institute for Drug and Alcohol Studies (IDAS)

The Institute for Drug and Alcohol Studies (IDAS) at VirginiaCommonwealth University is a premier hub for scientific discovery,dedicated to advancing multidisciplinary research and training onthe neuroscience of addictions and related neurobehavioraldisorders. Located in the heart of Richmond, IDAS bridges the gapbetween the laboratory and clinical practice, utilizingcutting-edge brain-imaging technology and collaborative clinicalstudies to understand how addiction impacts the brain and todevelop life-changing treatments. As a vital part of a nationallyrenowned public research institution, we foster an \"UNcommon\" environment where diverse perspectives drive innovation in publichealth. We invite dedicated professionals to join our team inaddressing one of society’s most pressing challenges throughrigorous science, compassionate education, and a commitment tocommunity well-being.

Duties & Responsibilities

The Clinical Research Coordinator at the Institute for Drug and Alcohol Studies (IDAS) will independently manage all phases ofneurobehavioral clinical research studies, including study launchactivities, regulatory approvals, recruitment, screening, studyvisit execution and data quality control. The coordinator willfacilitate multidisciplinary collaboration and provide training andsupervision to research assistants, students and other trainees. Additionally, this role requires the ability to independentlyoperate an MRI scanner, virtual reality (VR)-based equipment and VRtherapeutic program content, and brain stimulation devices, such astranscranial direct current stimulation (tDCS). Coordinator will beexpected to work across multiple studies in both pediatric andadult age groups within the department at multiple locations.

Job Duties

Study Leadership and Operations

Independently coordinate all phases of clinical research studies,including study launch with establishment of standard operatingprocedures, participant recruitment, screening, enrollment, studyvisit execution, and data management

Lead operational infrastructure development (e.g., workflows,onboarding systems, study tracking processes) to improve efficiencyand scalability

Manage study timelines and logistics across multiple activeprotocols, including longitudinal descriptive cohort studies andinterventional clinical trials

Train and supervise research assistants, students, peer supportspecialists and research immersion volunteers in protocol executionand study operations

Work with health clinic staff to facilitate recruitment,including with peer-support specialists

Participant Recruitment and Coordination

Establish and oversee recruitment pipelines and implementstrategies to optimize enrollment and retention

Conduct informed consent and participant screening usingprotocol-specific criteria

Coordinate complex participant scheduling and longitudinalfollow-up that may require engagement with multipleinformants

Ensure high-quality participant experience and adherence to studyprotocols

Data Management and Quality Oversight

Oversee data integrity across studies, including large-scalelongitudinal datasets (500+ participants tested in at least twotesting waves)

Utilize systems such as REDCap, Excel, and R for data management,quality control, and preliminary analysis

Identify and resolve data discrepancies and improve dataworkflows

Support investigators with data summaries and preliminaryanalyses

Team Leadership and Collaboration

Collaborate with multidisciplinary and multi-site researchconsortia, including harmonization with study teams of otherconsortium sites (investigators, clinicians, psychologists,data teams)

Train and mentor research staff, contributing to team developmentand performance. Provide professional development opportunities andguidance.

Facilitate communication across study stakeholders to ensurealignment and efficiency

Contribute to manuscripts, publications, and scientificdissemination

Ethics, Safety and Compliance

Facilitate/assist with clinicians in mandated reporting of riskin vulnerable participant populations such as minors

Maintain compliance with patient safety protocols, human subjectsprotections and informed consent processes

Support adverse event monitoring and documentation asapplicable

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

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

Demonstrated experience working with human-subject researchpopulations or training/education in clinical assessment andinterviewing.

Experience working with adults with substance use disorders,emerging adults and adolescent minors along with parent or guardianinformants.

Experience with collecting different biosamples for toxicology,including blood, saliva, and hair, including in minoritizedpopulations.

Strong organizational, communication, and time management skills,with careful attention to detail.

Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, team-oriented research environment.

Ability to coordinate across multiple priorities and communicateeffectively.

Willingness to work Saturdays and evenings as needed.

Demonstrated ability to work in and foster an environment ofrespect, professionalism and civility with a population of faculty,staff, and students from all backgrounds and experiences, or acommitment to do so as a staff member at VCU.

Preferred Qualifications

Master’s in Research Administration, Psychology, ClinicalResearch/Science, or a related field.

Experience in clinical research, particularly involvingstructured interviews or behavioral/mental healthassessments.

Experience training or supervising research staff orstudents.

Ability to operate MRI scanner independently

Ability to administer transcranical direct current stimulation(tDCS) independently

Ability to perform phlebotomy

Familiarity with data management and quality control practices inresearch settings.

Experience working on large- scale, multi-site, or collaborativeresearch projects.

Basic experience with data analysis or statistical software(e.g., R, SPSS) is a plus.

Salary Range

$59,000-$65,000

Benefits

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

FLSA Exemption Status

Exempt

Hours per Week

Restricted Position

Yes

ORP Eligible

Flexible Work Arrangement

Fully Onsite

University Job Title

34111N - Clinical Research Coordinator1

Contact Information

Contact Name: NoahSlattery
Contact Email: nslattery@vcu.edu