Job Description

Clinical Research Assistant I

Position Type: Full-Time
Location: Houston, Texas | On-Site
Department: Clinical Research
Reports To: Director of Research

Position Overview

CrofootMD Clinic and Research Center seeks a dependable, motivated Clinical Research Assistant I to support clinical trials involving HIV, infectious diseases, treatments, and vaccines.

This entry-level position assists Study Coordinators, nurses, and investigators with participant visits, recruitment, documentation, laboratory activities, and research operations.

We seek candidates passionate about healthcare who want to develop into Clinical Research Coordinators. Research experience is not required; healthcare or administrative experience is strongly preferred.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Clinical Trial Support and Coordination

• Assist with ongoing and new clinical trials, including startup and closeout.
• Prepare study visits, schedules, documents, and supplies.
• Maintain visit calendars, tracking logs, and assigned deadlines.
• Support monitoring visits, audits, and study activities.
• Learn protocols and communicate concerns to research leadership.

Participant Recruitment and Support

• Assist with approved recruitment, prescreening, and enrollment activities.
• Schedule visits, confirm appointments, and coordinate follow-ups.
• Welcome participants, prepare rooms, and assist with visits.
• Record vital signs and medical histories when trained and authorized.
• Support informed consent; conduct consent discussions only when trained and delegated.
• Report participant concerns, symptoms, and adverse events promptly.
• Maintain participant confidentiality and respectful care.

Research Documentation and Regulatory Compliance

• Maintain accurate source documents and participant records.
• Enter study data into EDC systems under supervision.
• Track missing documents, data queries, and outstanding tasks.
• Scan, upload, and organize study records.
• Assist with IRB submissions, amendments, and monitoring preparation.
• Follow ICH-GCP, HIPAA, and applicable research requirements.
• Report documentation errors and potential protocol deviations.

Laboratory and Specimen Support

• Prepare laboratory kits and supplies.
• Assist with specimen collection, processing, storage, and shipping when trained and authorized.
• Follow laboratory safety and IATA shipping requirements.
• Maintain specimen records and inventory.

Team Collaboration and Operational Support

• Collaborate with coordinators, nurses, investigators, and clinical staff.
• Assist with research communications and administrative duties.
• Maintain organized research rooms, equipment, and supplies.
• Attend required training and team meetings.
• Demonstrate reliability, initiative, and accountability.
• Perform other assigned research duties.

Required Qualifications

Education

• High school diploma or GED required.

Professional Experience

• No prior clinical research experience required.
• Healthcare, medical office, laboratory, patient services, or administrative experience strongly preferred.
• Genuine interest in healthcare and a clinical research career.
• Ability to multitask, follow instructions, and meet deadlines.

Required Certifications and Training

Complete the following within 30 days of employment or before performing applicable duties:

• Good Clinical Practice (GCP).
• Human Subjects Protection (HSP/HRP).
• IATA Dangerous Goods Training for biological specimens.

Training provided or facilitated by CrofootMD at no cost.

Required Skills and Competencies

• Strong organization, communication, and attention to detail.
• Basic Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, and Teams proficiency.
• Ability to learn research software and documentation systems.
• Commitment to confidentiality, professionalism, and participant safety.
• Dependability, punctuality, teamwork, and willingness to learn.
• Respect for diverse backgrounds, identities, and communities.

Preferred Qualifications

• Some college coursework in healthcare, nursing, science, or related fields.
• Healthcare, laboratory, or medical office experience.
• Medical terminology, scheduling, data entry, or specimen handling experience.
• Bilingual English/Spanish.
• Familiarity with eClinicalWorks, RealTime CTMS, Veeva SiteVault, or EDC systems.
• Interest in advancing into clinical research coordination.

Professional Development and Career Advancement

This position offers training and mentorship toward becoming a Clinical Research Coordinator.

Employees will develop skills in participant coordination, documentation, research systems, and regulatory compliance while progressively assuming additional responsibilities.

Candidates are encouraged to work toward eligibility for nationalCCRC (ACRP) or CCRP (SOCRA) certification.

Advancement depends on performance, demonstrated competency, experience, organizational needs, and certification eligibility.

Work Schedule and Expectations

• Full-time (40hrs/week), on-site in Houston, Texas.
• Standard weekday schedule; occasional early, evening, or weekend hours.
• Must meet attendance, training, and performance expectations.

Benefits

Eligible full-time employees are offered medical, dental, and vision insurance options and 401(k) participation, subject to plan eligibility.

About CrofootMD

CrofootMD Clinic and Research Center is a Houston-based healthcare and clinical research organization dedicated to advancing medical care through clinical research, with a particular emphasis on HIV, infectious diseases, and emerging treatment options.

We are committed to delivering high-quality participant care, maintaining rigorous research standards, and fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment for the diverse communities we serve.

Start your career in clinical research with CrofootMD and gain the knowledge, experience, and professional development opportunities to help shape the future of medical research.

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