Clinical Research Assistant

Advertising Summary: Play a hands-on role in advancing cutting-edge addiction and behavioral health research as a Clinical Research Assistant. In this dynamic position, you’ll work directly with human-subject participants, support data collection for biomedical studies, and collaborate with a multidisciplinary research team.

We’re looking for a detail-oriented, compassionate professional with a background in psychology, neuroscience, or a related field who brings strong organizational, clinical, and technical skills. This role is ideal for someone eager to gain meaningful research experience, especially in areas like substance use, mental health, and clinical populations, while contributing to impactful, real-world outcomes.

If you’re motivated, adaptable, and ready to grow in a fast-paced research environment, this is your opportunity to make a difference in the future of behavioral health science.

Unit: VP Research MBU

Department: Inst for Drug Alcohol Stud

Department Summary: At the VCU Office of the Vice President for Research and Innovation, our mission is to foster transformative research, discovery, and innovation at Virginia Commonwealth University through excellence in service.

We partner with faculty in all schools and departments as they seek funding, plan studies, establish collaborations, calculate budgets, submit grant applications, negotiate industry contracts, and secure patents and licensing agreements.

Our commitment to supporting and elevating the research community at VCU has resulted in record levels of sponsored research and has placed VCU among the nation’s premier public research universities.

Through our passion for discovery and willingness to take on challenges, we continue to advance the work that matters most and position the university as a national leader in research, innovation, creativity, and scholarship.

About the VCU Institute for Drug and Alcohol Studies (IDAS)

The Institute for Drug and Alcohol Studies (IDAS) at Virginia Commonwealth University is a premier hub for scientific discovery, dedicated to advancing multidisciplinary research and training on the neuroscience of addictions and related neurobehavioral disorders. Located in the heart of Richmond, IDAS bridges the gap between the laboratory and clinical practice, utilizing cutting-edge brain-imaging technology and collaborative clinical studies to understand how addiction impacts the brain and to develop life-changing treatments. As a vital part of a nationally renowned public research institution, we foster an "UNcommon" environment where diverse perspectives drive innovation in public health. We invite dedicated professionals to join our team in addressing one of society’s most pressing challenges through rigorous science, compassionate education, and a commitment to community well-being.

Duties & Responsibilities:

The VCU Institute for Drug and Alcohol Studies (IDAS) advances multidisciplinary research and training on the neuroscience of addictions and related neurobehavioral disorders. Research Assistants perform a variety of routine, non-technical duties in assisting technical and professional personnel in a research laboratory setting. The Research Assistant will be expected to perform most components of data collection from human-subject volunteers required for a biomedical behavioral research study.

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelors of Science degree or equivalent in Psychology, Neuroscience or related field..• Proficient in computer skills including word processing, data entry, spreadsheet, database management, and entry level statistical/programming skills required..• Strong clinical skills, including fundamental clinical skills such as establishing rapport, maintaining participant motivation, empathic responding, ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team, and ability to use clinical judgment in (rare) emergency situations..• Strong organizational skills, including understanding of HIPAA regulations..• Ability to organize meetings, and present reports.. • Ability to work around MRI machines. • Availability to work Saturdays. Typical work week is Tuesday-Saturday 9:30-6:00, some flexibility required. • 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.

Only applicants who do not require current or future sponsorship for employment will be considered.

Preferred Qualifications

• Masters degree or equivalent in Psychology, Neuroscience or related field.• Writing experience with first author and co-author peer reviewed manuscripts.• Knowledge of statistical analysis and software applications.• Experience recruiting, consenting, and carrying out study procedures with opioid use disorder (OUD).treatment participants, including during pregnancy and postpartum.• Qualitative research experience, including data collection, coding, analysis.• Ability to set up projects and surveys in REDCap, perform sample size calculations using GPower 3.1,.analyze qualitative data (such as with ATLAS.ti.8) and quantitative statistical analysis (such as with SAS.9.4 and GraphPad Prism)..• Experience with preparing and maintaining Institutional Review Board (IRB) and regulatory paperwork.to comply with institutional regulatory requirements.• Experience in mentoring and training student research trainees, incorporating them into research teams. • Previous experience working with adolescents/young adults. • Phlebotomy certification. • Current CITI Certificates (Social & Behavioral, Biomedical, GCP).

Salary Range: $41,000-$46,000

Benefits: All full-time university staff are eligible for VCU’s robust benefits package that includes 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, and more.

FLSA Exemption Status: Non-Exempt

Hours per Week: 40

Restricted Position: Yes

ORP Eligible: No

Flexible Work Arrangement: Fully Onsite

University Job Title: 34001N - Clinical Research Assistant 1

Contact Information:
Contact Name: Noah Slattery
Contact Email: nslattery@vcu.edu