Clinical Research Assistant - Department of Epidemiology

Unit: School of Public Health MBU

Department: Epidemiology

Position Summary: The Clinical Research Assistant (CRA) will
support the coordination and conduct of biomedical behavioral
clinical trials under the direction of the Principal Investigators
and Lead Clinical Research Coordinator. Responsibilities include
participant recruitment, screening, enrollment, informed consent,
data collection, study procedures, quality assurance, and
maintenance of study documentation and data. The CRA will assist
with tracking and reporting adverse events and protocol deviations,
study activation, regulatory and compliance activities, and
adherence to IRB-approved protocols, HIPAA, Good Clinical Practice
(GCP), and applicable federal, state, local, and institutional
requirements. The CRA must maintain required CITI, Human Subjects
Protection, GCP, and Clinical Research Coordinator certifications,
as well as any sponsor-required training. The position requires
strong interpersonal and communication skills, cultural competence,
and the ability to collaborate effectively with investigators,
research staff, interdisciplinary teams, and participants from a
variety of backgrounds and lived experiences.

Core Responsibilities

Study Recruitment and Participant Management:

• Supports the implementation of research protocols by

recruiting, screening, interviewing, and enrolling participants
through telephone, electronic, and/or in-person interactions.

• Screens potential participants for study eligibility in

accordance with approved study protocols and monitors screening,
enrollment, and ineligibility rates.

• Conducts orientation and informed consent visits and obtains

and documents written informed consent in accordance with
IRB-approved procedures.

• Clearly explains study purpose, procedures, benefits, risks,

and participant responsibilities to potential participants and
their support systems, as applicable.

• Distributes IRB-approved recruitment materials and assists with

community engagement and research promotion, including social media
outreach when applicable.

• Identifies and troubleshoots recruitment and retention

challenges in a research-compliant manner.

• Implements strategies to retain participants and supports

completion of required follow-up visits and study activities.

• Assists with participant compensation and maintains accurate

compensation and participation records.

• Maintains participant and study records as required by the VCU

IRB and applicable study protocols.

• Works independently while collaborating effectively with

Principal Investigators (PIs), the Lead Clinical Research
Coordinator (CRC), research staff, and other study personnel.

Participant Data Collection and Management:

• Conducts and supports study assessments, including collection

of anthropometric, physical, interview, survey, and other
protocol-required data.

• Performs electronic medical record screening and data

abstraction, as applicable.

• Coordinates and/or oversees collection of biological specimens,

such as blood and saliva, in accordance with approved study
procedures and within applicable training and competency
requirements.

• Collects, records, and enters study data accurately and

independently, as well as in collaboration with other research
staff.

• Completes data entry using approved electronic data capture and

research platforms.

• Maintains study tracking databases to monitor recruitment,

participant progress, study visits, and overall study
activities.

• Performs data quality control procedures and identifies and

addresses data discrepancies in accordance with study
protocols.

• Maintains accurate, complete, and timely research records and

documentation.

• Ensures laboratory equipment and spaces are sanitized and reset

after participant visits.

Clinical Trial and Research Administration:

• Supports, facilitates, and carries out qualitative and/or

quantitative human subjects research projects, including single-
and multi-site studies, as applicable.

• Works closely with the Lead CRC and PIs to coordinate

day-to-day study operations and ensure research activities are
conducted in accordance with approved protocols.

• Assists with regulatory and compliance activities, including

preparation and maintenance of IRB documentation, continuing review
materials, data and safety monitoring reports, and other required
regulatory submissions.

• Maintains study regulatory files, trial binders, and other

essential study documentation.

• Assists with the development, revision, and maintenance of

study Manuals of Procedures, standard operating procedures,
policies, and other study-related materials.

• Regularly reviews and audits research records for compliance

with VCU, VCU Health System, departmental, IRB, federal, state, and
local requirements, as applicable.

• Upholds human subjects protection requirements, ethical

research practices, and duty-to-report obligations related to
research conduct.

• Assists with the preparation and maintenance of study

materials, including intervention materials, recruitment flyers,
advertisements, and participant-facing documents.

• Coordinates with PIs and the Lead CRC to maintain study

supplies and inventory and assist with participant
reimbursement.

• Assists with organizing study meetings and preparing and

disseminating meeting minutes, reports, and other study
communications, as applicable.

• Assists with the coordination and oversight of research

assistants, interns, and other study personnel as assigned.

Clinical Skills, Biosafety, and Training:

• Completes required VCU and VCU Health System orientation,

training, and competency requirements for clinical research
activities.

• Performs approved clinical research activities within the scope

of training, education, licensure, and study-specific
requirements.

• Completes required competency verification before performing

clinical activities in VCU Health System clinical areas.

• Delivers study interventions to participants
• Maintains all required VCU and VCU Health System competencies

related to clinical research activities, biosafety, and human
subjects research.

• Follows all applicable biosafety, infection control,

occupational health, and research safety requirements.

• Does not perform clinical activities requiring a professional

license unless the required license is current, documented, and
approved by VCU and/or VCU Health System.

Other Duties and Team Support:

• Performs other related duties and responsibilities as

assigned.

• Attends team meetings and trainings as directed, providing

status updates as requested.

• Supports the overall goals and operations of the research team

and contributes to a collaborative, respectful, and
participant-centered research environment.

• Maintains effective communication and collaboration with PIs,

Lead CRCs, research coordinators, research assistants, research
administrators, and other faculty and staff.

• Flexibility to work varied hours, including early mornings for

research assessments and occasional evenings and weekends, as
needed.

• Willing to travel to deliver or pick up study equipment from

participants within the Metro Richmond Area.

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in health sciences or a related

field.

• Familiarity with the research process, principles of research

design, and basic research procedures.

• Demonstrated knowledge of HIPAA regulations, medical

terminology, and confidentiality requirements.

• Proficiency with computer applications, including word

processing, spreadsheets, databases, and virtual meeting platforms
such as Zoom and Microsoft Teams; entry-level data entry skills
required.

• Experience demonstrating strong interpersonal, written, and

verbal communication skills, with the ability to establish rapport
and respond empathetically to research participants.

• Demonstrated experience using critical thinking,

problem-solving, and sound judgment skills, with the ability to
independently respond to challenges.

• Demonstrated exceptional organizational and time management

skills, with the ability to multitask, prioritize responsibilities,
and maintain attention to detail in a fast-paced research
environment.

• Demonstrated experience working effectively both independently

and as part of an interdisciplinary team.

• Participant- and quality-oriented, with a commitment to

consistently centering participants’ needs, experiences, and
confidentiality.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in health sciences, epidemiology, public

health, psychology, or a related field.

• Previous experience as a research assistant or in a research

coordinator role, particularly within behavioral or clinical
trials.

• Experience recruiting, screening, consenting, and/or conducting

study procedures with research participants.

• Experience working with electronic data capture and research

management systems, including REDCap, as well as Electronic Medical
Records (EMR).

• Familiarity with federal, institutional, and other regulations,

policies, and procedures governing clinical research and study
conduct.

• Experience with phlebotomy or willingness to receive training

in phlebotomy.

• Experience in teaching or coaching or willingness to receive

training in delivery of psychoeducational content or heart rate
variability biofeedback.

• Demonstrated knowledge, skills, and abilities relevant to the

responsibilities of the position, with the ability to apply them
effectively in a clinical research environment.

Position will remain open until filled. Applications received by
November 12, 2026 will be given priority consideration.

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

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: Clinical Research Assistant
I-III

Contact Information:

Contact Name: Cian Brooks

Contact Email: Brookst10@vcu.edu