Clinical Research Assistant

Position Summary

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.

The VCU Institute for Drug and Alcohol Studies (IDAS) advances multidisciplinary research and training on the neuroscience of addictions and related neurobehavioral disorders. Research Assistants perform routine, non‑technical duties in a laboratory setting, assisting technical and professional personnel. The Research Assistant will be expected to perform most components of data collection from human‑subject volunteers required for a biomedical behavioral research study.

• Bachelor of Science degree or equivalent in Psychology, Neuroscience, or a related field.
• Proficiency in computer skills, including word processing, data entry, spreadsheets, database management, and entry‑level statistical/programming skills.
• Strong clinical skills, including establishing rapport, maintaining participant motivation, empathic responding, effectively working as part of a multidisciplinary team, and using clinical judgment in 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, with some flexibility required.
• Demonstrated ability to work in, and foster an environment of respect, professionalism, and civility with faculty, staff, and students from all backgrounds and experiences, or a commitment to do so at VCU.

• Master’s degree or equivalent in Psychology, Neuroscience, or a related field.
• Writing experience as first author and co‑author of 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, and analysis.
• Ability to set up projects and surveys in REDCap, perform sample size calculations using GPower 3.1, analyze qualitative data with ATLAS.ti.8, and quantitative statistical analysis with SAS 9.4 and Graph Pad Prism.
• Experience preparing and maintaining Institutional Review Board (IRB) and regulatory paperwork to comply with institutional regulatory requirements.
• Experience 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).

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

$41,000‑$46,000

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.

FLSA Exemption Status:
Non‑Exempt

Hours per Week: 40

Restricted Position:
Yes

Flexible Work Arrangement:
Fully Onsite

University

Job Title:

34001N - Clinical Research Assistant 1