Clinical Research Associate - Dept of Social and Behavioral Sciences

Virginia Commonwealth University   Richmond, VA   Full-time     Research
Posted on April 5, 2024
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Virginia Commonwealth University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action university providing access to education and employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, political affiliation, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or disability.

Position Summary:

This position will be responsible for supporting Principal Investigator(s), Clinical Research Coordinators, and other senior members of the OPT for Health research team with administrative, regulatory, and data collection and management tasks as assigned across several behavioral clinical trials to promote cardiometabolic health for emerging adults and adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer survivors. Responsible for participant data collection, management and maintaining source documents and subject files according to Good Clinical Practice. May assist with preparing and shipping medical samples/specimens to/from appropriate labs, providing administrative support to study activation processes and regulatory maintenance of assigned studies.

Core Responsibilities:

1.) Participant Recruitment and Retention:
  • Screen participants for study eligibility in accordance with trial protocol
  • Conduct orientation and informed consent visits
  • Monitor rates of screening, enrollment, and ineligibility
  • Retain study participants for follow up visits
2.) Data Collection and Management:
  • Conduct assessments including collection of anthropometric, physical, interview, and survey data
  • Oversee and coordinate collection of biological samples (e.g., blood, saliva)
  • Data quality control and management
3.) Administrative Responsibilities:
  • Work closely with the lead Clinical Research Coordinator on compliance and regulatory issues, including but not limited to: maintaining trial binders, preparation of data and safety monitoring reports, ensure that all federal / state / local requirements are followed and that ethical obligations are upheld
  • Work closely with the lead Clinical Research Coordinator to manage day-to-day operations on ongoing studies, including both participant-facing activities and assisting with oversight of research assistants and interns working in the lab
  • Assist with preparation of study-related materials (e.g., intervention materials, recruitment flyers and advertisements)
  • Revise and maintain study manual of procedures documents
Minimum Hiring Standards:
  • BA/BS required with a degree in health sciences or related field
  • Familiarity with the research process and principles of research design
  • Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills
  • Outstanding critical thinking skills
  • Ability to multitask and prioritize autonomously
  • Strong organization and time management skills
  • Demonstrated ability to work with individuals across a broad spectrum of socioeconomic background and lived experiences
  • Ability to work well independently and as part of a team
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced research environment while consistently centering participants' needs and experience
  • Flexibility with work hours to include early mornings for assessments, as well as occasional weekends and evenings as needed
  • Must have a demonstrated commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion in past experiences or a commitment to do so as a staff member at VCU
Preferred Qualifications:
  • Prefer master's degree in health sciences, kinesiology, nutrition or related field
  • Previous experience as a research assistant on behavioral clinical trials
The School of Population Health continuously strives for our workplace and learning environment
to reflect the demographic and social milieu of the communities we serve. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply.


This is a restricted position with no set end date and continued employment is dependent upon project need, availability of funding, and performance.

University Job Code: 34001N-34003N

ORP Eligible: No

VCU is committed to hiring veterans! VCU will include a veteran's period(s) of military service in the calculation of their annual leave accrual rate. This may provide veterans with an increased leave accrual!

Salary Range: $45,000-$50,000

Position Details:

Department: Social and Behavioral Sciences
Employment Type: UF - University Employee FT
Restricted Status: Yes
FTE: 1
Exemption Status: Non-Exempt


Contact Information:

Contact Name: SOM HR