Clinical Research Assistant - Department of Epidemiology

• →Supports the implementation of research protocols by recruiting, screening, interviewing, and enrolling participants through telephone, electronic, and/or in-person interactions.
• →Screens potential participants for study eligibility in accordance with approved study protocols and monitors screening, enrollment, and ineligibility rates.
• →Conducts orientation and informed consent visits and obtains and documents written informed consent in accordance with IRB-approved procedures.
• →Clearly explains study purpose, procedures, benefits, risks, and participant responsibilities to potential participants and their support systems, as applicable.
• →Distributes IRB-approved recruitment materials and assists with community engagement and research promotion, including social media outreach when applicable.
• →Identifies and troubleshoots recruitment and retention challenges in a research-compliant manner.
• →Implements strategies to retain participants and supports completion of required follow-up visits and study activities.
• →Assists with participant compensation and maintains accurate compensation and participation records.
• →Maintains participant and study records as required by the VCU IRB and applicable study protocols.
• →Works independently while collaborating effectively with Principal Investigators (PIs), the Lead Clinical Research Coordinator (CRC), research staff, and other study personnel.

• Conducts and supports study assessments, including collection of anthropometric, physical, interview, survey, and other protocol-required data.
• Performs electronic medical record screening and data abstraction, as applicable.
• Coordinates and/or oversees collection of biological specimens, such as blood and saliva, in accordance with approved study procedures and within applicable training and competency requirements.
• Collects, records, and enters study data accurately and independently, as well as in collaboration with other research staff.
• Completes data entry using approved electronic data capture and research platforms.
• Maintains study tracking databases to monitor recruitment, participant progress, study visits, and overall study activities.
• Performs data quality control procedures and identifies and addresses data discrepancies in accordance with study protocols.
• Maintains accurate, complete, and timely research records and documentation.
• Ensures laboratory equipment and spaces are sanitized and reset after participant visits.

• Supports, facilitates, and carries out qualitative and/or quantitative human subjects research projects, including single- and multi-site studies, as applicable.
• Works closely with the Lead CRC and PIs to coordinate day-to-day study operations and ensure research activities are conducted in accordance with approved protocols.
• Assists with regulatory and compliance activities, including preparation and maintenance of IRB documentation, continuing review materials, data and safety monitoring reports, and other required regulatory submissions.
• Maintains study regulatory files, trial binders, and other essential study documentation.
• Assists with the development, revision, and maintenance of study Manuals of Procedures, standard operating procedures, policies, and other study-related materials.
• Regularly reviews and audits research records for compliance with VCU, VCU Health System, departmental, IRB, federal, state, and local requirements, as applicable.
• Upholds human subjects protection requirements, ethical research practices, and duty-to-report obligations related to research conduct.
• Assists with the preparation and maintenance of study materials, including intervention materials, recruitment flyers, advertisements, and participant-facing documents.
• Coordinates with PIs and the Lead CRC to maintain study supplies and inventory and assist with participant reimbursement.
• Assists with organizing study meetings and preparing and disseminating meeting minutes, reports, and other study communications, as applicable.
• Assists with the coordination and oversight of research assistants, interns, and other study personnel as assigned.

• Completes required VCU and VCU Health System orientation, training, and competency requirements for clinical research activities.
• Performs approved clinical research activities within the scope of training, education, licensure, and study-specific requirements.
• Completes required competency verification before performing clinical activities in VCU Health System clinical areas.
• Delivers study interventions to participants
• Maintains all required VCU and VCU Health System competencies related to clinical research activities, biosafety, and human subjects research.
• Follows all applicable biosafety, infection control, occupational health, and research safety requirements.
• Does not perform clinical activities requiring a professional license unless the required license is current, documented, and approved by VCU and/or VCU Health System.

• Performs other related duties and responsibilities as assigned.
• Attends team meetings and trainings as directed, providing status updates as requested.
• Supports the overall goals and operations of the research team and contributes to a collaborative, respectful, and participant-centered research environment.
• Maintains effective communication and collaboration with PIs, Lead CRCs, research coordinators, research assistants, research administrators, and other faculty and staff.
• Flexibility to work varied hours, including early mornings for research assessments and occasional evenings and weekends, as needed.
• Willing to travel to deliver or pick up study equipment from participants within the Metro Richmond Area.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in health sciences or a related field.
• Familiarity with the research process, principles of research design, and basic research procedures.
• Demonstrated knowledge of HIPAA regulations, medical terminology, and confidentiality requirements.
• Proficiency with computer applications, including word processing, spreadsheets, databases, and virtual meeting platforms such as Zoom and Microsoft Teams; entry-level data entry skills required.
• Experience demonstrating strong interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills, with the ability to establish rapport and respond empathetically to research participants.
• Demonstrated experience using critical thinking, problem-solving, and sound judgment skills, with the ability to independently respond to challenges.
• Demonstrated exceptional organizational and time management skills, with the ability to multitask, prioritize responsibilities, and maintain attention to detail in a fast-paced research environment.
• Demonstrated experience working effectively both independently and as part of an interdisciplinary team.
• Participant- and quality-oriented, with a commitment to consistently centering participants’ needs, experiences, and confidentiality.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in health sciences, epidemiology, public health,  psychology, or a related field.
• Previous experience as a research assistant or in a research coordinator role, particularly within behavioral or clinical trials.
• Experience recruiting, screening, consenting, and/or conducting study procedures with research participants.
• Experience working with electronic data capture and research management systems, including REDCap, as well as Electronic Medical Records (EMR).
• Familiarity with federal, institutional, and other regulations, policies, and procedures governing clinical research and study conduct.
• Experience with phlebotomy or willingness to receive training in phlebotomy.
• Experience in teaching or coaching or willingness to receive training in delivery of psychoeducational content or heart rate variability biofeedback.
• Demonstrated knowledge, skills, and abilities relevant to the responsibilities of the position, with the ability to apply them effectively in a clinical research environment.

Position will remain open until filled.  Applications received by November 12, 2026 will be given priority consideration.