Department: The Stravitz-Sanyal Liver Institute of Virginia Commonwealth University

Department Summary: 

Duties & Responsibilities:

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. Virginia Commonwealth University is an equal opportunity employer.

The Stravitz-Sanyal Liver Institute of Virginia Commonwealth University is seeking a Clinical Research Nurse to join its world-renowned team of Hepatologists, researchers and imaging experts in changing the landscape of liver and metabolic diseases through research. The candidate will have the ability to engage in translational molecular research imaging at our new facility to include state-of-the-art research scanners and equipment. The successful candidate will have experience in imaging safety, research protocols, and patient care and monitoring in a radiology environment. The Clinical Research Nurse will provide all research study coordination and pre-scanning activities for the care of the research participant being seen by the Imaging Center. They will report to the Manager of Research Imaging with regulatory oversight from the Associate Director of Clinical Trials. Anticipated start date for May-June 2026. 

Core Responsibilities:

• Be directly responsible for study coordination and regulatory management of an assigned portfolio of clinical research studies covering a variety of diseases and conditions

• Will coordinate all study specific imaging needs with internal & external Principal Investigators

• Ensures compliance with each study’s protocol by providing thorough review and documentation at each subject study visit

• Communicates and collaborates specific study requirements to the research team, including internal and external parties, sponsor, monitors, PI, and study participants

• Perform pre-scan checks including medication allergies, safety screenings/evaluations of all MRI participants for contraindicated devices, and clinical labs as indicated. Consults with appropriate research staff on participant devices and contraindications as needed

• Obtain participant vascular access, vital signs as needed and other clinical duties in caring for research imaging participants during visit

• Administers investigational medications and performs patient assessments during clinic visits to determine presence of side effects 

• Work with research staff to monitor participants post-injection while following all reaction protocols per ACR guidelines

• Provides accurate and timely data collection, documentation, entry, and reporting in either internal and sponsor databases

• Works with technologists on protocol questions, and participates in other operational tasks within the Imaging Center as needed including administrative duties such as maintaining inventory, staffing operations, and participant scheduling

• Work with Associate Director of Clinical Trials to ensure best practice guidelines are followed for the research participant in areas such as study activation, study coordination, data management, and records management

• Maintain current CITI credentials for Human Subjects Protections, Good Clinical Practice (GCP), Clinical Research Coordinator, plus additional sponsor GCP certifications as required.

• Understand and adhere to all IRB requirements, Human Subjects protection regulations, and all aspects of IRB approved protocols

• Ensures site compliance with research protocols by reviewing all regulatory requirements to confirm implementation of appropriate methods, practices, and procedures for all research activities

• Ensures compliance with research protocols, by providing ongoing quality control audits, including maintaining ongoing investigational drug accountability

• Maintain appropriate training, licensure and certifications per job requirements

• Engage with staff and departmental leadership to streamline research workflow and operational efficiencies, while ensuring compliance to MRI and PET/CT policy and procedures

• Perform quality assurance procedures and implement process improvement changes as required

• Serve as an ongoing resource for providing information and expert advice on clinical research issues.

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications

Minimum Hiring Standards:

•  Active clinical RN licensure is required for duties

•  Bachelor's degree or equivalent applicable combination of training, education and experience. At least 2 years of relevant clinical experience and at least one (1) year clinical trials research experience preferred

•  Must be able to work around an MRI machine and handle biological samples containing radioactivity

•  Ability to practice and/or learn principles of MRI safety and radiation protection to minimize risk to research participants, self, and others

•  Current active BLS certification

•  Ability to work independently, think critically, and use professional and ethical judgment in all aspects of work

•  Must be able to complete mandatory competencies and certifications required by VCU, individual clinical trials and the NIH Human Subjects Protection training.

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.

Preferred Qualifications

Preferred Qualifications:

•  ACRP or SOCRA certification preferred

•  Level 2 trained MRI Registered Nurse preferred

•  Previous training in PET/CT and MRI modalities preferred

•  Previous experience in radiation safety and with handling radioactive materials is a plus

•  Experience with research program development and implementation preferred

•  Clinical and regulatory background in research is preferred

Additional Information:
ORP Eligible: - NO
Hours / weeks - 40 hours weekly 
Title Details:  Clinical Research Nurse          
University Title: Clinical Research Nurse, RS 1-3   
University Code: 34081N-34083N 
University Job Family: Research & Innovation   

Virginia Commonwealth University is an equal opportunity.

Salary Range: $57,900-$95,900

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: EXEMPT

Hours per Week: 40

Restricted Position: Yes

ORP Eligible: NO

Contact Information: Demetria Patterson
Contact Name: Demetria Patterson
Contact Email: demetria.patterson1@vcuhealth.org