Clinical Research Coordinator (Health Science Specialist)

Job Title: Health Science Specialist

Primary job location: VA Portland Healthcare System - Vancouver campus (1601 E Fourth Plain Blvd, Vancouver, WA  98661)

FTE: 1.0

Estimated start date: June 1, 2026 (pending onboarding status)

SUMMARY 

The Social Neuroscience and Psychotherapy (SNaP) Lab (www.chrisstauffermd.com) aims to maximize the benefits of therapeutic alliance and psychotherapy through the adjunct use of social psychopharmacology—such as oxytocin, MDMA, and psilocybin—for the treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder, substance use disorders, and depression. We are looking for a motivated and independent Clinical Research Coordinator for a full-time position to support multiple research projects at the Portland Veterans Affairs (VA) Healthcare System. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Facilitating Institutional Review Board and other regulatory approvals (e.g., FDA, DEA, VA R&D)
• Maintaining detailed records for audits and compliance with regulatory bodies 
• Identifying, recruiting, and screening subjects consistent with research project eligibility requirements
• Overseeing the coordination of research subjects across different studies and visits
• Contributing to the refinement of study protocols 
• Assisting with recruiting, managing, and training volunteer and junior research assistants

JOB DUTIES

• Obtaining informed consent 
• Administering surveys and/or conducting screening interviews 
• Responding to general inquiries from study participants, collaborators, trainees, and general public
• Maintaining databases
• Maintaining confidentiality and managing Protected Health Information
• Basic data entry, organization, scoring, coding, analysis, and reporting 
• Assisting with grant preparation and other writing tasks, including literature reviews 
• Maintaining website and other lab communications
• Purchasing supplies
• Scheduling and organizing meetings
• Completing additional administrative tasks to support project management

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Supervise 1-5 volunteers and junior research assistants. 

QUALIFICATIONS 

Ability to perform essential job duties with or without reasonable accommodation and without posing a direct threat to safety or health of employee or others. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Must be a US citizen (US Federal Government-funded position).

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE 

• Bachelor’s degree
• At least 1 year of experience in human subjects research 
• Experience working in a psychedelic medicine lab (preferred)
• Demonstrated cultural competency working with marginalized communities in a mental health context
• Experience with policies, procedures, and guidelines that govern research projects
• Experience with regulatory compliance (at least FDA, DEA, and IRB)
• Experience managing junior research assistants

LANGUAGE SKILLS 

English

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS 

Basic biostatistics

COMPUTER SKILLS

Microsoft Office

REDCap

Medrio

SPSS, R

Zotero

REASONING ABILITY 

Strong critical thinking skills

Multitasking

Organization