Research Assistant - School of Medicine/Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

The Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation is seeking to hire a Research Assistant. The Research Assistant position will support the operational activities of the research project by working closely with the Principal Investigators and Clinical Research Coordinators. The research assistant is responsible for assisting the Clinical Research Coordinator with coordinating clinical research studies in a compliant and efficient manner. Under the direction of the Principal Investigator (PI), the incumbent will collaborate with all members of the clinical research team to ensure all federal, state, and university protocol requirements are followed, institutional research objectives are met, and ethical obligations are kept. Activities include coordinating, screening, and enrolling participants; meeting regulatory and compliance requirements; maintaining appropriate study documentation and records; and managing study data.

Job Duties and Responsibilities:
The primary responsibilities of this position include, but are not limited to:

1. Research Operations: Communication with the research team and coordination of team meetings, communication with participants for data collection via phone calls, zoom, and in-person meetings, management of the collection and storage of study data including tracking all participant contact information, data, and correspondence, management and maintenance of all lab equipment, and recruitment.

2. Subject Recruitment: Serving as a point of contact for all questions and concerns about the study, to include overseeing the screening of participants over the phone and potentially in person, knowledge of inclusion/exclusion criteria to participation, and ability to describe the study in detail to potentially eligible participants and answer any questions they may have.

3. Administrative Activities: Logging daily research activities, scheduling and coordination of regular research team meetings, preparation of all research materials, as well as taking notes and distribution of meeting minutes. Oversee the process of scheduling phone call screenings with participants and possible travel capabilities for any on site needs. Creation, maintenance, and storage of all study scripts and documents.

Required Qualifications:

Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent experience
Experience as a Clinical Research Coordinator or completion of a clinical research certificate program
Demonstrated experience working in and fostering a diverse faculty, staff, and student environment or commitment to do so as a staff member at VCU
Ability to work both independently and collaboratively as a team
Ability to prioritize work requirements and multi-task in a fast-paced environment
Proficiency using Microsoft Office Suite products
Excellent communication, writing, critical thinking, and interpersonal skills
Ability to manage time effectively, perform daily tasks with minimal supervision
Experience with interviewing individuals through previous employment, academic assignments, or community organization involvement
Experience with managing confidential personal information such as patient health information
Reliable transportation and willingness to travel to study sites and meeting locations, as applicable
Familiarity with SPSS and/or REDCap database entry and management

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience working with participants and scholars in a clinical research, academic or medical setting
Experience working with individuals who have disabilities
Experience with grant proposal development, writing, and submission

This position will remain open until filled.

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

28 hours per week

UNIVERSITY JOB CODE: Labs/Research Assistant (1-3)

Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) School of Medicine is a premier academic medical center located in the heart of Richmond. Accounting for almost half of VCU’s sponsored research, the School of Medicine is internationally recognized for patient care and education. All full-time university staff are eligible for our generous benefits package that includes choices for health, vision, and dental coverage, life-insurance, short and long-term disability coverage, retirement planning, tax-deferred annuity and cash match programs, flexible spending accounts, tuition benefits, significant paid-time off, 12 paid holidays, and more. Explore our benefits further here: https://hr.vcu.edu/current-employees/benefits/university-and-academic-professional-benefits/

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

The School of Medicine 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.

Please note that if you are employed as a university employee working in any of the health system's facilities, you will need to follow VCU Health System policies, which will include but will not be limited to, vaccination requirements.

Salary Range: $18.50



Position Details:

Department: Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Employment Type: H1 - Hourly
Restricted Status: Yes
FTE: .72
Exemption Status: Non-Exempt

Contact Name: Nickie Thomas

Contact Email: raysheena.thomas@vcuhealth.org