Hourly Clinical Research Assistant (ACORN) | School of Medicine, Family Medicine

The Department of Family Medicine and Population Health seeks to hire several part-time, hourly clinical research assistants to join the ACORN research team- a multidisciplinary team of researchers devoted to improving the quality of primary health care. New hires will primarily contribute to research on two new clinical trials. One study will recruit adults seeking care at primary care and urgent care clinics in Virginia to explore the best treatment options for sinusitis. Another will recruit adults to explore early cancer detection through blood testing. Both trials are open to English—and Spanish-speaking adults. The clinics are located in Northern Virginia and Central Virginia and will require travel.

Position Responsibilities:

The clinical research assistant positions will support primary care research activities conducted by the VCU Department of Family Medicine Research Team. They will primarily contribute to research on two new clinical trials, with patient (and clinician) engagement occurring in clinics. Most of the work will be in person, at area clinics, or the regional office. Applicants must be available to work at least 16 hours per week, with an opportunity to work an average of 29 hours per week. They must be available between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m., Monday through Friday. Depending on clinic schedules and participants’ availability, evening and/or weekend work may be required.

Training will start in January 2025, and the study will start in February. Reliable transportation is required, as the work will occur in area clinics and community events, with occasional needs to meet participants outside their homes or at a local establishment. Travel reimbursement is available.

Key responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Traveling to primary care clinics, partner sites, and community events across Virginia [Please note: one position requires travel across Central Virginia, and another requires travel across Northern Virginia]
• Engaging and building rapport with clinicians, practice staff, and patients
• Participant recruitment, screening, consenting, and enrollment with detailed documentation, following study protocols
• Collecting, labeling, storing, and shipping participant biospecimens
• Timely response to patients and participants
• Scheduling study participants
• Responsible for delivery of study materials and participant compensation
• Review and record medical chart abstraction
• Accurate and secure transmission and storage of study data and documentation
• Collaborate and communicate closely with study team members, keeping them updated on study activities
• Attend and participate in meetings and trainings
• Adherence to policies and guidelines specific to clinical sites as communicated by site contacts
• Support the principal investigator and senior study staff with other studies and ACORN activities

Required Qualifications:

• A bachelor’s degree and experience in health research and/or healthcare-related fields are preferred, or an equivalent combination of training and experience is required.
• Excellent verbal and written communication, ability to interact professionally with patients, participants, and clinicians, strong interpersonal skills, and the ability to establish rapport with participants and community partners
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, conscientious, self-motivated, and excellent time management skills
• Ability to think independently and critically, with discretionary decision-making skills
• Ability to conduct and prioritize multiple competing tasks
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively
• Ability to maintain HIPAA standards as required by VCU and VCU Health
• Applicants interested in the position based in Central Virginia must be available to work at the Richmond study offices (830 E. Main Street, Richmond), travel to primary care clinics (VCUHS and others), and meet participants across Central Virginia
• Applicants interested in the position based in Northern Virginia must be available to work, travel to primary care clinics, and meet study participants across Northern Virginia. Many clinics are part of Inova HS, with Fairfax Family Practice as the leading clinic and regional office
• Demonstrate experience in, or commitment to, working and fostering an inclusive environment
• Highly proficient with multiple computer applications, including but not limited to Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, spreadsheet management, PDF file creation/use, online database use/maintenance, internet-based research, network & online file maintenance & management, and custom report generation
• Reliable transportation and valid driver’s license if using a personal vehicle

Preferred Qualifications:

• Interest in primary care research/work
• Previous experience working in research
• Strong, fluent communication skills (speaking and listening) in both Spanish and English
• Interest and experience with direct patient care working in clinical settings
• Experience using REDCap for data collection

Typical Physical and Cognitive Requirements:

Physical Demands and Activities (Essential)

• Light lifting (<20 lbs.)
• Standing
• Sitting
• Traveling/Driving

Emotional Demands (Essential)

• Average-Fast pace
• Customer interaction

Mental/Sensory Demands (Essential)

• Reading
• Reasoning
• Memory
• Verbal and written communication

These positions will be open until filled.

ORP Eligible: No

This is a restricted position with no set end date; continued employment is dependent upon project need, availability of funding, and performance.

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.

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.

University Job Code: 34001N - 34003N

Salary Range: $17-$24/hour commensurate with experience

Position Details:

Department: 1610 | Family Medicine
Employment Type: H1 - Hourly
Restricted Status: Yes
FTE: .5
Exemption Status: Non-Exempt

Contact Information:

Contact Name: Gabriela Villalobos

Contact Email: s2gvilla@vcu.edu

Contact Phone: