Advertising Summary: We are seeking a detail-oriented and community-focused Research Assistant to support participant recruitment, data collection, and study operations. In this role, you will conduct eligibility screenings, assist with informed consent, administer assessments and surveys, and ensure compliance with research protocols.

The ideal candidate is passionate about improving outcomes for youth and families in the Richmond community, comfortable working with diverse and underserved populations, and brings strong communication, organization, and time management skills. Flexibility for occasional evenings and weekends is required.

This is a great opportunity for individuals with an interest in public health, psychology, or community-based research to gain hands-on experience in a meaningful and impactful setting.

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:

Core Responsibilities:

• Must have experience with study recruitment. Applicant will be responsible for answering phone calls and conducting eligibility screenings.
• Conducting informed consent and assent procedures in-person or by phone.
• Conducting psychological and neurocognitive assessments with participants, conducting online surveys via REDCap, and compensating participants when they complete the study.
• Maintaining appropriate documentation and following established study protocol and human subjects protection standards and guidelines as set forth by the funding agency and the VCU Institutional Review Board.
• Participating in staff meetings and trainings.

Qualifications:

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

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.
• The ideal candidates will have some research and community work experience and be comfortable working with underserved populations.
• Have a strong passion and commitment to improving the quality of life for youth and families living in the Richmond community.
• Possess good interpersonal skills – in-person, by phone, and in writing.
• Comfortable communicating with residents by phone, email, and/or text and in their homes and communities.
• Comfortable working with individuals with substance use disorders.
• Flexibility to work some evening and weekend hours, and some holidays.
• Ability to adapt and adjust to changing work plans and environments.
• Comfortable using basic computer, mobile, and virtual technology, and familiarity with G-Suite, Microsoft Office, and REDCap.
• Strong time management skills and ability to meet deadlines.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to complete work accurately and independently.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field (e.g., Public Health, Psychology, Sociology, or a related discipline).
• Healthcare experience preferred.
• Familiarity with RedCap, SPSS, Microsoft Programs a plus.
• Previous research work experience.
• Previous experience working with individuals with substance use disorders.

Salary Range: $40,000-$42,000

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: 34001N - Clinical Research Assistant 1

This position is open until filled.

This is a restricted position with an end date of May 2028. Continued employment is dependent upon project need, availability of funding, and performance.

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!

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.

Contact Information:
Contact Name: Kayla McLean
Contact Email: mcleankl@vcu.edu