Hourly Clinical Research Assistant, School of Medicine, Clinical Research Office Coordination

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, affirmative action university providing access to education and employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, political affiliation, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or disability.

Position Summary:

The VCU School of Medicine Clinical Research Office Coordination (SOMCROC) is seeking enthusiastic candidates for an hourly Clinical Research Assistant role. This entry-level position is designed for individuals interested in gaining hands-on experience in clinical research while working closely with Clinical Research Coordinators (CRCs).

This is an hourly (<29 hours/week), non-benefited position that offers an excellent opportunity to learn study procedures, build foundational skills in clinical research, and contribute to the success of VCU School of Medicine's research enterprise. Successful candidates who demonstrate their value to the team may have the opportunity to transition into salaried positions within the next 6–12 months, as our program continues to grow.

Core Responsibilities

Study Support (50%)
Assist CRCs with study-related procedures, including subject recruitment, pre-screening, and scheduling.
Aid in the collection and preparation of study documentation, such as consent forms and research binders.
Help ensure proper storage and organization of study materials and supplies.
Conduct data entry and assist in maintaining audit-ready study files in accordance with GCP guidelines.

Patient Interaction (25%)
Support CRCs during patient visits, including preparation of study materials and room setup.
Observe and assist with conducting informed consent procedures under supervision.
Assist with the monitoring of participants during follow-up visits, including collecting basic information as directed.

Administrative Tasks (15%)
Help organize research participant scheduling and maintain study calendars.
Assist with filing and office organization to ensure efficient study operations.
Coordinate supply orders and manage research materials inventory.

Training & Development (10%)
Participate in regular training sessions to build foundational knowledge of clinical research procedures and compliance.
Complete required certifications, such as CITI training for Human Subjects Protection and GCP.
Collaborate with SOMCROC team members to support a variety of clinical trials, gaining exposure to diverse research areas.

Required Qualifications:

Interest in learning about clinical research in a fast-paced and dynamic environment.
Excellent attention to detail, organizational skills, and the ability to multitask.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to work collaboratively as part of a team.
Professionalism, dependability, and a commitment to ethical research practices.
Ability to work flexible hours, including occasional evenings or weekends as needed.
Must be able to work in a diverse environment and promote inclusion.
Preferred Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree or current enrollment in a health sciences or related program preferred.
Familiarity with RedCap, Microsoft Office, or similar software is a plus.
Experience in a healthcare or research setting is helpful but not required.

Salary Range: $16.00 - $26.00 per hour

Position Details:

Department: School of Medicine, Clinical Research Office Coordination
Employment Type: H1 - Hourly
Restricted Status: Yes
FTE: .725
Exemption Status: Non-Exempt

Contact Information:

Contact Name: Liliana Valladares

Contact Email: Liliana.Valladares@vcuhealth.org

Contact Phone: