Clinical Research Program Coordinator - Internal Medicine, Cardiology

The Clinical Research Program Coordinator provides operational and administrative support for a high-volume cardiovascular clinical research program under the direction of the Lead Cardiology Clinical Research Manager. This position serves as a central liaison among clinical area managers, investigators, study sponsors, research staff, and institutional partners to facilitate the efficient startup, implementation, and ongoing management of clinical research studies. The coordinator helps ensure that research activities are well organized, compliant with institutional and regulatory requirements, and aligned with study timelines. This role also provides broad programmatic support across study operations, regulatory activities, fiscal administration, academic productivity, and trainee engagement.

• Serve as the primary liaison between the Cardiology Clinical Research Manager and clinical area managers, investigators, study sponsors, and research personnel to facilitate communication and coordinate research activities.
• Support the startup and activation of new clinical research studies by coordinating operational requirements and ensuring readiness within the clinical environment.
• Perform study coordination activities, including participant scheduling, visit coordination, and study logistics, as assigned.
• Coordinate investigator, laboratory, and multidisciplinary research meetings to support study planning, implementation, and ongoing collaboration.
• Monitor study progress, including startup milestones, enrollment goals, and project timelines, escalating potential delays or barriers as appropriate.
• Assist with special projects and provide operational support to maintain efficient research program workflows.

• Provide administrative support for research fiscal activities, including coordination with pre-award and post-award administrators as needed.
• Assist with sponsor communications, study documentation, contracts, and other administrative processes supporting clinical research operations.
• Support manuscript preparation and submission, including formatting, reference management, journal submission, and document coordination.
• Assist investigators with preparation and maintenance of NIH and other sponsor biosketches, curricula vitae, and supporting documentation.
• Prepare correspondence, reports, presentations, and other program documents to support research initiatives and leadership needs.
• Perform additional administrative and operational duties as assigned to support the cardiovascular clinical research program.

• Foster effective communication and collaboration among investigators, research coordinators, clinical staff, sponsors, and institutional stakeholders.
• Support the onboarding, orientation, and mentorship of undergraduate students, graduate students, medical students, postdoctoral fellows, and clinical fellows participating in the research program.
• Assist trainees with research documentation, project organization, and program-related activities under investigator supervision.
• Promote consistent research processes and best practices to enhance program efficiency and quality.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives that strengthen research operations, participant recruitment, and overall program performance.

• Maintain essential study documents and investigator files in accordance with institutional policies, sponsor requirements, and Good Clinical Practice (GCP) guidelines.
• Assist regulatory coordinators with Institutional Review Board (IRB) submissions, continuing reviews, amendments, safety reporting, and other regulatory activities as needed.
• Support study data management activities, including data entry, quality assurance, document reconciliation, and query resolution.
• Ensure accurate organization, maintenance, and archival of study records and research documentation.
• Prepare and maintain reports, tracking tools, and study metrics to support program oversight and compliance.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a health sciences, biological or behavioral sciences, public health, nursing, or related program or three (3) years of experience working in a clinical, healthcare, or research environment.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities, deadlines, and projects simultaneously.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams and external partners.
• Demonstrated proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint) and the ability to learn new software applications and research systems.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to maintain accurate records while handling confidential information.
• Ability to work independently while exercising sound judgment and contributing effectively as a member of a collaborative team.
• 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.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience supporting clinical research, clinical trials, or academic research in a healthcare or university setting.
• Working knowledge of Good Clinical Practice (GCP), human subjects research regulations, or Institutional Review Board (IRB) processes.
• Experience with clinical research databases or electronic data capture systems (e.g., REDCap, OnCore, Epic, or sponsor electronic data capture platforms).
• Experience coordinating meetings, managing project timelines, or providing administrative support for complex programs or multidisciplinary teams.
• Experience supporting scholarly activities, including manuscript preparation, literature management, grant applications, or preparation of NIH biosketches.