Clinical Research Coordinator

About the Role

Advance ground-breaking addiction research as a Clinical Research Coordinator with the Institute for Drug and Alcohol Studies (IDAS) at VCU. In this high-impact, independent role, you will lead all operational phases of multi-site neurobehavioral studies across pediatric and adult populations—from study launch and regulatory compliance to participant recruitment, data management, and multidisciplinary team supervision. Utilizing cutting-edge research technologies, you will independently operate MRI scanners, VR-based therapeutic platforms, and transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) devices while managing complex datasets using tools like REDCap and R. If you have hands-on experience in human-subject clinical research, biosample collection, and behavioral assessments, join us to drive innovative discoveries in a collaborative, mission-driven environment.

Responsibilities

• Independently coordinate all phases of clinical research studies, including study launch with establishment of standard operating procedures, participant recruitment, screening, enrollment, study visit execution, and data management
• Lead operational infrastructure development (e.g., workflows, onboarding systems, study tracking processes) to improve efficiency and scalability
• Manage study timelines and logistics across multiple active protocols, including longitudinal descriptive cohort studies and interventional clinical trials
• Train and supervise research assistants, students, peer support specialists and research immersion volunteers in protocol execution and study operations
• Work with health clinic staff to facilitate recruitment, including with peer-support specialists
• Establish and oversee recruitment pipelines and implement strategies to optimize enrollment and retention
• Conduct informed consent and participant screening using protocol-specific criteria
• Coordinate complex participant scheduling and longitudinal follow-up that may require engagement with multiple informants
• Ensure high-quality participant experience and adherence to study protocols
• Oversee data integrity across studies, including large-scale longitudinal datasets (500+ participants tested in at least two testing waves)
• Utilize systems such as REDCap, Excel, and R for data management, quality control, and preliminary analysis
• Identify and resolve data discrepancies and improve data workflows
• Support investigators with data summaries and preliminary analyses
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary and multi-site research consortia, including harmonization with study teams of other consortium sites (investigators, clinicians, psychologists, data teams)
• Train and mentor research staff, contributing to team development and performance. Provide professional development opportunities and guidance
• Facilitate communication across study stakeholders to ensure alignment and efficiency
• Contribute to manuscripts, publications, and scientific dissemination
• Facilitate/assist with clinicians in mandated reporting of risk in vulnerable participant populations such as minors
• Maintain compliance with patient safety protocols, human subjects protections and informed consent processes
• Support adverse event monitoring and documentation as applicable

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience working with human-subject research populations or training/education in clinical assessment and interviewing
• Experience working with adults with substance use disorders, emerging adults and adolescent minors along with parent or guardian informants
• Experience with collecting different biosamples for toxicology, including blood, saliva, and hair, including in minoritized populations
• Strong organizational, communication, and time management skills, with careful attention to detail
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, team-oriented research environment
• Ability to coordinate across multiple priorities and communicate effectively
• Willingness to work Saturdays and evenings as needed
• 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

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's in Research Administration, Psychology, Clinical Research/Science, or a related field
• Experience in clinical research, particularly involving structured interviews or behavioral/mental health assessments
• Experience training or supervising research staff or students
• Ability to operate MRI scanner independently
• Ability to administer transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) independently
• Ability to perform phlebotomy
• Familiarity with data management and quality control practices in research settings
• Experience working on large-scale, multi-site, or collaborative research projects
• Basic experience with data analysis or statistical software (e.g., R, SPSS) is a plus

Pay

$59,000-$65,000

Benefits

• 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