Clinical Research Associate

About the role

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 first effort is focused on addressing the unmet needs in serious mental illness. To that end, we will focus on psychosis spectrum disorders, including schizophrenia, schizoaffective and bipolar disorders. We will establish a program for deeply characterizing the biology and information processing changes of affected individuals and their response to different treatments. Research Techniques will include behavioral measurements, fMRI, EEG and organoid ex-vivo modeling, and measurements will be collected longitudinally. Our goal is to create stratification that will meaningfully inform the future of precision medicine for psychotic disorders.

Responsibilities

• Supports the planning, coordination, implementation, and oversight of clinical research studies in accordance with study protocols, regulatory requirements, institutional policies, and applicable federal guidelines.
• 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.
• Carefully coordinates day-to-day study activities, maintains regulatory documentation, supports participant recruitment and enrollment, manages study data, and ensures compliance requirements.
• Requires strong attention to detail, excellent organizational skills, and the ability to manage multiple research activities while maintaining participant safety and data integrity.
• Requires local travel between Roanoke and New River Valley locations.
• Requires pre-employment conviction, driving, and drug-panel screening.

Requirements

• 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, and clear presentation of results.
• Strong documentation skills (protocols/SOPs, ELNs, inventory) and organizational/time management abilities.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, multi-project lab, with strong communication skills.

Qualifications

• Required Qualifications: 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, and clear presentation of results. Strong documentation skills (protocols/SOPs, ELNs, inventory) and organizational/time management abilities. Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a fast paced, multi project lab, with strong communication skills.
• Preferred Qualifications: Experience in one or more of the following research areas: neuroscience, biology, or genetics. Demonstrated basic management skills, including managing lab research protocols and coordinating the training of lower-level researchers. Experience with basic laboratory protocols including proper handling of mice behavior, molecular biology, data collection, and data management. Experience contributing to manuscripts or scientific presentations; familiarity with grant relevant data packaging. Familiarity with relevant biosafety and compliance processes (IBC/IACUC/EHS/DEA). Experience working in a clinical research setting.

Skills

Not specified.

Benefits

Not specified.

Pay

Starting at $55,000; Commensurate with experience.

Schedule

Exempt: Not eligible for overtime.

About Virginia Tech

Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world, 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, sites in Newport News and Richmond, and numerous Extension offices and research institutes. A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $650 million in research annually. Virginia Tech endorses and encourages participation in professional development opportunities and university shared governance. These valuable contributions to university shared governance provide important representation and perspective, along with opportunities for unique and impactful professional development. Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants on the basis of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, ethnicity or national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, or military status, or otherwise discriminate against employees or applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose their compensation or the compensation of other employees or applicants, or on any other basis protected by law. If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact Brittany Shelton at sheltb@vtc.vt.edu during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.