Clinical Research Coordinator

Clinical Research CoordinatorAdvance 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.The Clinical Research Coordinator at the Institute for Drug and Alcohol Studies (IDAS) will independently manage all phases of neurobehavioral clinical research studies, including study launch activities, regulatory approvals, recruitment, screening, study visit execution and data quality control. The coordinator will facilitate multidisciplinary collaboration and provide training and supervision to research assistants, students and other trainees. Additionally, this role requires the ability to independently operate an MRI scanner, virtual reality (VR)-based equipment and VR therapeutic program content, and brain stimulation devices, such as transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS). Coordinator will be expected to work across multiple studies in both pediatric and adult age groups within the department at multiple locations.Study Leadership and OperationsIndependently 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 managementLead operational infrastructure development (e.g., workflows, onboarding systems, study tracking processes) to improve efficiency and scalabilityManage study timelines and logistics across multiple active protocols, including longitudinal descriptive cohort studies and interventional clinical trialsTrain and supervise research assistants, students, peer support specialists and research immersion volunteers in protocol execution and study operationsWork with health clinic staff to facilitate recruitment, including with peer-support specialistsParticipant Recruitment and CoordinationEstablish and oversee recruitment pipelines and implement strategies to optimize enrollment and retentionConduct informed consent and participant screening using protocol-specific criteriaCoordinate complex participant scheduling and longitudinal follow-up that may require engagement with multiple informantsEnsure high-quality participant experience and adherence to study protocolsData Management and Quality OversightOversee 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 analysisIdentify and resolve data discrepancies and improve data workflowsSupport investigators with data summaries and preliminary analysesTeam Leadership and CollaborationCollaborate with multidisciplinary and multi-site research consortia, including harmonization with study teams of other consortium sites (investigators, clinicians, psychologists, datateams)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 efficiencyContribute to manuscripts, publications, and scientific disseminationEthics, Safety and ComplianceFacilitate/assist with clinicians in mandated reporting of risk in vulnerable participant populations such as minorsMaintain compliance with patient safety protocols, human subjects protections and informed consent processesSupport adverse event monitoring and documentation as applicableMinimum QualificationsOnly applicants who do not require current or future sponsorship for employment will be considered.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 QualificationsMaster'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 independentlyAbility to administer transcranical direct current stimulation (tDCS) independentlyAbility to perform phlebotomyFamiliarity 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.Salary Range: $59,000-$65,000Benefits: 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: Exempt Hours per Week: 40Restricted Position: YesORP Eligible: NoFlexible Work Arrangement: Fully OnsiteUniversity Job Title: 34111N - Clinical Research Coordinator 1Contact Information: Contact Name: Noah Slattery Contact Email: View email address on click.appcast.io agency within the Commonwealth of Virginia is dedicated to recruiting, supporting, and maintaining a competent and diverse work force. Equal Opportunity Employer