Clinical Research Coordinator 1, Center for Neuromodulation Research

The Rector & Visitors of the University of Virginia; Charlottesville (VA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Virginia's Center for Neuromodulation Research seeks a Clinical Research Assistant to manage day-to-day operations across trials on non-invasive neuromodulation for addiction and psychiatric disorders. The role involves off-site work at community treatment centers and direct interaction with service users.

Ideal candidates are early in their research career, committed to research, and prepared for growth into advanced clinical positions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent in health/life sciences or related field.
• Prior research experience in a clinical setting preferred.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to engage participants with warmth and without judgment.
• Ability to work with psychiatric and substance-using populations and complete GCP training.

Responsibilities

• Screen and identify eligible participants against protocol criteria and document logs.
• Obtain informed consent under supervision after training.
• Support recruitment activities at treatment centers and with service users.
• Conduct vital signs, pregnancy testing, and urine-based testing per protocol.
• Collect, process, store, and ship study specimens; administer questionnaires and assessments.
• Maintain study documentation and assist with scheduling and payments.
• Enter data accurately and support REDCap data quality checks.
• Ensure participant safety and adherence to GCP and HIPAA requirements.

Skills

Clinical research

Interpersonal skills

GCP training

Vulnerable populations

Travel readiness

Education

Bachelor's degree in health/science/psychology/neuroscience

Tools

REDCap

Data entry

Job description

The Center for Neuromodulation Research (CNR) in the Department of Psychiatry and Neurobehavioral Sciences seeks an experienced Clinical Research Assistant to lead day-to-day operations across a portfolio of clinical trials investigating non-invasive neuromodulation, including focused ultrasound (FUS) and vagus nerve stimulation (VNS), as treatments for substance use disorders and behavioral addictions.

Working under the guidance of the study investigators, the Research Assistant supports participant recruitment and screening, study visit procedures, specimen handling, and data collection and entry. The role includes regular off-site work at community addiction treatment centers, working directly with service users.

This is an excellent position for someone early in their research career looking for growth to more senior clinical positions; alternatively, would suit candidates preparing for graduate, medical, or clinical training. We are looking less for a long resume than for evidence of real commitment to research, a strong record of curiosity and follow-through, and an authentic desire to work with people affected by addiction and psychiatric illness. Comprehensive training will be provided in clinical research procedures, neuromodulation methods, and regulatory practice. Successful Research Assistants have opportunities to contribute to manuscripts and conference presentations.

Job Description

Participant recruitment and screening and consent

• Screen and identify eligible participants against protocol inclusion and exclusion criteria; maintain accurate screening logs.
• Obtain and document informed consent under supervision and in accordance with IRB-approved procedures, once trained and delegated.
• Support recruitment activities at partnering addiction treatment centers and community organizations, including off-site visits working directly with service users.

Clinical study procedures

• Perform vital signs, pregnancy testing, and other urine-based testing (e.g., toxicology screening) per protocol.
• Collect, process, store, and ship study specimens according to protocol and laboratory procedures.
• Administer study questionnaires, behavioral tasks, and assessments as trained and delegated.
• Recognize and promptly report adverse events, participant concerns, and protocol deviations to the Coordinator or investigator.

Study organization and documentation

• Assist with ongoing study organization, including scheduling study visits, coordinating research visit logistics, maintaining accurate research study data, and assisting with the processing of participant study payments.
• Assist in the preparation and maintenance of study documentation, including study visit schedules, study drug/device diaries, monitoring and training logs, equipment records, and study communications.
• Learn to read and follow a clinical trial protocol exactly as it is written.

Data

• Collect and enter study data in a timely and accurate fashion, and maintain corresponding source documentation.
• Support study database maintenance and data quality checks (REDCap or equivalent).
• Assist with literature searches and reviews to support protocol development, manuscripts, and grant applications.

Patient safety

• Develop and demonstrate a clear understanding of the importance of participant safety in clinical research, and learn to identify the components of a clinical trial protocol that are employed to protect participants.
• Adhere to Good Clinical Practice (GCP), Human Subjects Protection, HIPAA, and all applicable federal, state, and University regulations.

Necessary Skills

• Bachelor's degree in a health, life sciences, psychology, neuroscience, or related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Prior research experience in a clinical research setting (may include undergraduate research assistantships, internships, or volunteer research roles).
• Highly personable, with excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to build rapport and engage participants with warmth and without judgment.
• Demonstrated ability or clear aptitude for working with psychiatric and substance-using patient populations.
• Willingness and ability to complete Good Clinical Practice (GCP) and human subjects protection training (CITI) prior to study activities.
• Strong organizational skills, reliability, and attention to detail.
• A demonstrated commitment to research and a strong desire to learn: evidenced by academic record, research involvement, or relevant volunteer/clinical experience.
• Ability to accept direction, ask questions, and follow written procedures precisely.
• Valid driver's license and ability to travel to off-site partner locations in the local region.
• Legal right to work in the United States without visa sponsorship, now and in the future. The University will not sponsor visas for this position.

Desired Skills

• Experience with REDCap or comparable electronic data capture systems, and general comfort with research data infrastructure.
• Experience conducting literature reviews or supporting scientific writing.
• Prior exposure to substance use disorder, addiction, or psychiatric populations - clinical, research, harm-reduction, peer-support, or volunteer settings all count.
• Familiarity with neuromodulation (FUS, VNS, TMS) or neuroimaging research.
• Experience with vital signs, specimen handling, or point-of-care testing.
• Familiarity with statistical or coding software (JASP, SPSS, MATLAB, Python).

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Education: Bachelor's Degree Required or equivalent combination of experience, education and or certifications.

Experience: None. Some experience in a healthcare setting and/or knowledge of medical terminology is preferred.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

This is primarily a sedentary job involving extensive use of desktop computers. The job does occasionally require traveling some distance to attend meetings, and programs.

Salary will be commensurate with education and experience.

This is a non-exempt-level, benefited position. Learn more about UVA benefits.

This is a restricted position, which is dependent on funding and is contingent upon funding availability.

This position is based in Charlottesville, VA, and must be performed fully on-site.

About UVA and the Community

To learn more about UVA and in the Charlottesville area, visit UVA Life and Embark CVA.

Additional Requirements

Background checks, pre-employment health screenings, and drug screenings will be conducted on all new hires prior to employment.

This position will not consider candidates who require immigration sponsorship now or in the future.

Reference Check Process

Reference checks will be completed by UVA's third-party partner, SkillSurvey, during the final phase of the interview. Five references will be requested, with at least three responses required.

Contact

For questions about the application process, please contact Jeremy Brofft, Senior Academic Recruiter at [e-mail].

The University of Virginia is an equal opportunity employer. All interested persons are encouraged to apply, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Learn more about UVA's commitment to non-discrimination and equal opportunity employment.