Clinical Research Associate

Job Description

The Patient Research Center (PRC) at the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute will conduct research to advance human health and identify new ways of diagnosing and treating illnesses. Our firsteffort is focused on addressing the unmet needs in serious mental illness. To that end, we will focus on psychosis spectrumdisorders, including schizophrenia, schizoaffective and bipolardisorders. We will establish a program for deeply characterizingthe biology and information processing changes of affectedindividuals and their response to different treatments.

Research Techniques will include behavioral measurements, fMRI, EEG andorganoid ex-vivo modeling, and measurements will be collectedlongitudinally. Our goal is to create stratification that willmeaningfully inform the future of precision medicine for psychoticdisorders.

The Clinical Research Associate supports the planning,coordination, implementation, and oversight of clinical research studies in accordance with study protocols, regulatory requirements, institutional policies, and applicable federalguidelines. This position works closely with principal investigators, research staff, clinical teams, study participants,sponsors, and regulatory partners to ensure the successful execution of clinical trials and research studies.

The Clinical Research Associate is responsible for coordinating day-to-day study activities, maintaining regulatory documentation,supporting participant recruitment and enrollment, managing studydata, and ensuring compliance requirements. This role requires strong attention to detail, excellent organizational skills, andthe ability to manage multiple research activities whilemaintaining participant safety and data integrity.

Position requires local travel between Roanoke and New River Valley locations. Position requires pre-employment conviction, driving,and drug-panel screening.

• Master’s degree in biology, neuroscience, psychology, or related field; or an equivalent combination of education and research experience.
• Possess a solid background in developmental biology,neurophysiology, or molecular biology.
• Evidence of independent experimental design, data analysis, andclear presentation of results.
• Strong documentation skills (protocols/SOPs, ELNs, inventory) and organizational/time management abilities.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a fastpaced, multi project lab, with strong communication skills.

• Experience in one or more of the following research areas:neuroscience, biology, or genetics.
• Demonstrated basic management skills, including managing labresearch protocols and coordinating the training of lower-levelresearchers.
• Experience with basic laboratory protocols including properhandling of mice behavior, molecular biology, data collection, anddata management.
• Experience contributing to manuscripts or scientific presentations; familiarity with grant relevant datapackaging.
• Familiarity with relevant biosafety and compliance processes(IBC/IACUC/EHS/DEA)
• Experience working in a clinical research setting.

Overtime Status
Exempt:
Not eligible for overtime

Appointment Type
Restricted

Salary Information
Starting at $55,000;
Commensurate with experience

Hours per week
40+

Review Date
8/12/26

About Virginia Tech

Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking ahands-on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to beleaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout theworld, Virginia Tech is an inclusive community dedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges, a school of medicine, a veterinary medicine college, Graduate School, and Honors College.

The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including Blacksburg, the greater Washington, D.C.area, the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke, sitesin Newport News and Richmond, and numerous…