Ready to join a workforce UNLIKE any other?

Advertising Summary: Be part of a groundbreaking national research initiative as a Clinical Research Assistant supporting the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) Study. In this part-time role, you’ll work directly with adolescent participants to collect data, conduct interviews, assist with MRI procedures, and support longitudinal research shaping the future of neuroscience and behavioral health.

Ideal candidates are detail-oriented, empathetic, and highly organized, with a background in psychology, neuroscience, or a related field. You’ll gain hands-on experience in clinical research, participant engagement, and data collection while collaborating with a multidisciplinary team.

This is a great opportunity for someone seeking meaningful research experience in a flexible, participant-facing role with real-world impact.

Unit: VP Research MBU

Department: Inst for Drug Alcohol Stud

Department Summary: At the VCU Office of the Vice President for Research and Innovation, our mission is to foster transformative research, discovery, and innovation at Virginia Commonwealth University through excellence in service.

We partner with faculty in all schools and departments as they seek funding, plan studies, establish collaborations, calculate budgets, submit grant applications, negotiate industry contracts, and secure patents and licensing agreements.

Our commitment to supporting and elevating the research community at VCU has resulted in record levels of sponsored research and has placed VCU among the nation’s premier public research universities.

Through our passion for discovery and willingness to take on challenges, we continue to advance the work that matters most and position the university as a national leader in research, innovation, creativity, and scholarship.

About the VCU Institute for Drug and Alcohol Studies (IDAS)

The Institute for Drug and Alcohol Studies (IDAS) at Virginia Commonwealth University is a premier hub for scientific discovery, dedicated to advancing multidisciplinary research and training on the neuroscience of addictions and related neurobehavioral disorders. Located in the heart of Richmond, IDAS bridges the gap between the laboratory and clinical practice, utilizing cutting-edge brain-imaging technology and collaborative clinical studies to understand how addiction impacts the brain and to develop life-changing treatments. As a vital part of a nationally renowned public research institution, we foster an "UNcommon" environment where diverse perspectives drive innovation in public health. We invite dedicated professionals to join our team in addressing one of society’s most pressing challenges through rigorous science, compassionate education, and a commitment to community well-being.

Duties & Responsibilities:

The VCU Institute for Drug and Alcohol Studies (IDAS) advances multidisciplinary research and training in the field of neuroscience. The part-time, hourly Research Assistant will be expected to carryout data collection procedures from human volunteers as required as part of the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) Study. This is a multisite study longitudinal study taking place across the United States. 

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

•             Primary research activities: collect biological specimens (i.e. hair, saliva, breath, blood pressure), conduct interviews, administer psychological tasks and games, assist in completing MRI scans.

•             Conduct informed consent and assent procedures with study participants.

•             Contact enrolled participants to schedule upcoming visits.

•             Retention activities such as mailing out cards, birthday and holiday greetings, etc.

•             Follow business office procedures to pay participants. 

•             Perform all other research duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications

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.

Only applicants who do not require current or future sponsorship for employment will be considered.

•             Bachelors of Science degree or equivalent in Psychology, Neuroscience or related field or equivalent experience.

•             Proficient in computer skills including word processing, data entry, spreadsheet.

•             Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, excellent interpersonal/organizational skills.

•             Interpersonal skills such as establishing rapport, maintaining participant motivation, empathic responding, ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team, and ability to use clinical judgment in (rare) emergency situations.

•             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 around MRI machines.

•             Availability to work Saturdays. Typical work week is Tuesday-Saturday 9:30-6:00, some flexibility required.

Preferred Qualifications

•             Previous experience working with adolescents/young adults.

•             Previous experience using REDCap.

•             Phlebotomy certification.

•             Current CITI Certificates (Social & Behavioral, Biomedical, GCP).

Salary Range: $16-18/hr

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: up to 20

Restricted Position: Yes

ORP Eligible: No

Flexible Work Arrangement: Fully Onsite

University Job Title: 34001N - Clinical Research Assistant 1