Clinical Research Associate

Job Description

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.

The Clinical Research Associate supports the planning, coordination, implementation, and oversight of clinical research studies in accordance with study protocols, regulatory requirements, institutional policies, and applicable federal guidelines. This position 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.

The Clinical Research Associate is responsible for coordinating day-to-day study activities, maintaining regulatory documentation, supporting participant recruitment and enrollment, managing study data, and ensuring compliance requirements. This role requires strong attention to detail, excellent organizational skills, and the ability to manage multiple research activities while maintaining participant safety and data integrity.

Position requires local travel between Roanoke and New River Valley locations. Position requires pre-employment conviction, driving, and drug-panel screening.

Required Qualifications
• 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.

Overtime Status

Exempt: Not eligible for overtime

Appointment Type

Restricted

Salary Information

Starting at $55,000; Commensurate with experience

Hours per week

40+

Review Date

8/12/26

About Virginia Tech

Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world, Virginia Tech is an inclusive community dedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges, a school of medicine, a veterinary medicine college, Graduate School, and Honors College. The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including Blacksburg, the greater Washington, D.C. area, the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke, sites in Newport News and Richmond, and numerous Extension offices and research institutes. A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $650 million in research annually.

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