Clinical Research Assistant

Unit: School of Nursing

Department: Research

Summary

Duties & Responsibilities:

VCU School of Nursing is seeking a Clinical Research Assistant to support the collection of qualitative research data through virtual interviews and participant engagement in an ongoing research project. The Research Assistant will collaborate with the Project Director and research team to coordinate and conduct virtual data collection, primarily through Zoom interviews with patient and family participants as well as healthcare providers. The Research Assistant will play a key role in data collection, participant coordination, and research operations support.

Typical Duties

• Coordinate recruitment, scheduling, and communication with patient, family, and healthcare provider participants.
• Obtain informed consent from participants and explain study procedures prior to interviews.
• Schedule and facilitate Zoom interviews with research team for research participants while ensuring a professional and supportive interview environment.
• Upload and organize interview recordings, transcripts, and study documents in secure research platforms (e.g., REDCap or shared research drives).
• Maintain organized records of recruitment, interview scheduling, and completion of study activities.
• Support participant retention by maintaining clear communication, ensuring compensation, and providing follow-up as needed.
• Coordinate with the research team to ensure data are properly documented and available for analysis.
• Participate in regular research team meetings to provide updates on recruitment and interview progress.
• Follow IRB-approved procedures for informed consent, confidentiality, and secure data handling.
• Assist with preparation of study reports and documentation related to research progress.
• Assist with manuscripts and grant writing as needed.
• Assist with coordination of a multi-site, multi-disciplinary study (VCU, University of Iowa, Nest Genomics)
• Other duties as assigned.
  
  

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field, or equivalent training and experience
• Experience using Zoom or other virtual meeting platforms
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, particularly when interacting with research participants
• Ability to work effectively with patients, families, and healthcare professionals
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and manage sensitive information
• Competence with Microsoft Office Suite
• Demonstrated experience working in and fostering 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

• Experience assisting with qualitative research or interview-based studies
• Demonstrated interest or experience in health sciences, genetic counseling, or cardiology
• CITI Training in Biomedical or Social Sciences
• Experience with research data management platforms (e.g., REDCap)
• Experience working in healthcare or academic research settings
• Experience coordinating research participants or conducting interviews
  
  

This is a part-time position with an anticipated end date of September 2026.

Position will remain open until filled, with a priority application date of April 8.

Hourly Range: $20/hour

FLSA Exemption Status: Non-Exempt

Hours per Week: 8-12

Contact Information

Contact Name: Bruna Soria Galvarro

Contact Email: soriagalvaba@vcu.edu