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.

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

• Strong attention to detail.
• Excellent organizational skills.
• Ability to manage multiple research activities.
• Strong communication skills.

Benefits

N/A

Pay

$55,000; Commensurate with experience

Schedule

Exempt: Not eligible for overtime