Clinical Research Assistant

Overview

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.

Research Assistant will perform a variety of routine, non‑technical duties in assisting technical and professional personnel in a research laboratory setting. 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 related field.
• Proficient in computer skills including word processing, data entry, spreadsheet, database management, and entry level statistical/programming skills.
• Strong clinical skills, including fundamental clinical skills such as establishing rapport, maintaining participant motivation, empathic responding, ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team, and ability to use clinical judgment in rare 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, some flexibility required.
• 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.

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

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

$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

ORP Eligible:
No

Flexible Work Arrangement:
Fully Onsite