Clinical Research Coordinator I - 100% on site

Located in Nashville, Tennessee, Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC) operates at a global crossroads of teaching, discovery, and patient care. It is a community where expertise is valued, knowledge is expanded, and abilities are challenged. Vanderbilt Health is committed to an environment where everyone has the chance to thrive and where uniqueness is celebrated.

About the Division

The Behavioral and Cognitive Neurology division is a multidisciplinary research team dedicated to improving the lives of those with neurodegenerative disorders and their families. The division focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and scientific study of neurodegeneration, particularly cognitive, movement, and behavioral disorders. The team integrates clinical neurology, neuropsychology, neuroscience, neuroimaging, and translational research to advance clinical care and treatment options.

Mission and Values

Mission Statement: To improve the lives of patients with cognitive and behavioral disorders, their families, and society through innovative clinical care, research, education, and community engagement.

Values Statement: To achieve this mission, the division fosters a culture that values personal autonomy, collaboration, and innovation. Team members are empowered to develop expertise, compassion for patients, respect for others, and passion for their work.

Responsibilities

• Accurately and compliantly perform procedures required by each study protocol, collaborating with study participants, staff, and other departments to safely and accurately execute study procedures (e.g., assessing participant eligibility, scheduling, administering neuropsychological assessments, conducting interviews, tracking medication usage).
• Implement, coordinate, manage, and report on clinical/translational research operations, troubleshooting problems as they arise.
• Record data from participant interactions onto case report forms (paper or electronic) with attention to accuracy, completeness, and timeliness; resolve queries promptly.
• Ensure research information is collected and stored in compliance with regulations, policies, and good clinical practice.
• Participate in the informed consent process, ensuring participants, families, and healthcare providers understand expectations.
• Maintain open communication with participants, providing contact information and addressing or referring their inquiries.
• Demonstrate knowledge of policies, procedures, and regulations governing human subjects research, including FDA, OHRP, GCP/ICH, and HIPAA.
• Prepare and process IRB research proposals, amendments, continuing review applications, and adverse event reports in compliance with institutional, departmental, and federal regulations.
• Maintain required documentation for regulatory authorities and sponsors before, during, and after clinical trials.
• Participate in site visits from sponsors and regulatory authorities to review research, source documentation, and procedures.
• Determine eligible candidates for study participation, ensuring they meet eligibility requirements.
• Implement effective screening and recruitment strategies to ensure timely study completion.
• Monitor, detect, and report adverse events in compliance with study protocols, IRB, FDA, and other regulatory bodies.
• Coordinate activities and gather information from various sources to achieve study outcomes.
• Serve as an advocate for human subjects by maintaining communication with investigators, research staff, sponsors, participants, and regulatory bodies.
• Perform or instruct others in protocol procedures, deviating only when participant safety is at risk and reporting as required.
• Actively participate in training, education, and professional development to enhance knowledge and performance (e.g., GCP, human subjects protections, regulatory processes, biospecimen handling, cognitive testing).
• Engage in continuous learning through literature searches, research seminars, in-services, and other opportunities.
• Attend and actively participate in weekly meetings, providing summaries of ongoing studies.
• Participate in research-related programs, such as the Clinical/Translational Research Staff Council, by submitting issues, suggesting solutions, and sharing information.

Qualifications

• Skills in organization, problem-solving, effective communication, and motivation.
• Strong interpersonal skills, including empathy and comfort working with individuals with cognitive and movement symptoms.
• Interest in neurology, neuropsychology, neuroscience, or medicine.
• Commitment to hands-on clinical research experience in a collaborative academic environment.

Professional Development

The division is committed to training the next generation of clinicians, scientists, and research professionals. Team members participate in:

• Weekly meetings, seminars, and protocol trainings.
• Journal clubs and observation of clinical evaluations, non-invasive procedures, neuroimaging, and cognitive assessments.
• Hands-on training in good clinical practice (GCP), human subjects protections, regulatory processes, biospecimen handling, cognitive testing, and clinical data collection.
• Mentorship opportunities from faculty, research managers, and staff.

Schedule

This is a fully in-person role with potential occasional evening or weekend hours.