Research Coordinator I

Dr. Rael Cahn’s Meditation and Psychedelic Therapy Lab, within the USC Department of Psychiatry at the USC Brain and Creativity Institute, invites applications for a Clinical Research Coordinator on the ARPA-H EVIDENT TA-1 EVIDENT-MAP / SENTINEL project — a clinical research program investigating the mechanisms and outcomes of psychedelic-assisted therapy and contemplative practice. The coordinator is central to the day-to-day execution of the trial, serving as the operational backbone that allows the clinical and scientific teams to function effectively.

Working directly under the supervision of the Principal Investigator, the coordinator will manage participant recruitment, screening, and scheduling and serve as the primary point of contact for study participants across all phases of the protocol. A core responsibility is the integrity of study data: the coordinator will oversee data collection (including clinical assessments such as the PHQ-9), maintain quality control, and handle the pre-processing, organization, and secure management of both clinical and biological data within an IRB-approved protocol. The successful candidate will be motivated, pro-active, resourceful, and detail-oriented, with excellent organizational and communication skills.

Essential job duties include, but are not limited to:

• Coordinate participant recruitment, screening, and enrollment.
• Manage participant scheduling and serve as primary point of contact across study phases.
• Collect data, including administration and tracking of clinical assessments (e.g., PHQ-9).
• Perform quality control, pre-processing, organization, and secure management of clinical and biological data.
• Assist with sample collection, processing, and shipment.
• Maintain regulatory documentation and protocol compliance (IRB, FDA, GCP, HIPAA).
• Optional engagement in data analysis and manuscript preparation, with pathway to co-authorship.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree (in psychology, neuroscience, public health, or a related field) or combined experience/education.
• Minimum one year of administrative or research experience.
• Working knowledge of MS Office applications.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to multi-task and prioritize, with meticulous attention to detail in data handling.
• Demonstrated ability to work as part of a team as well as independently.
• Practices a high level of integrity and honesty in maintaining confidentiality.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree, or two years of relevant experience.
• Prior experience in clinical research coordination or human-subjects research.
• Knowledge of medical environment and terminology.
• Familiarity with REDCap, data management practices, or statistical software.
• Interest in meditation, psychedelic research, or mental health treatment.

Follows established USC and department policies, procedures, objectives, performance improvement, attendance, safety, environmental, and infection control guidelines, including adherence to the workplace Code of Conduct and Compliance Plan.

This position is fully on-site; the employee must report to work at the USC Brain and Creativity Institute (Hedco Neuroscience Building), Los Angeles, CA. Work hours and on-site days may be subject to change depending on business needs.

The hourly rate range for this position is $32.01 - $36.06. When extending an offer of employment, the University of Southern California considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, federal, state, and local laws, contractual stipulations, grant funding, as well as external market and organizational considerations.

USC is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or USC policy. USC observes affirmative action obligations consistent with state and federal law. USC will consider for employment all qualified applicants with criminal records in a manner consistent with applicable laws and regulations, including the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for employers and the Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, and with due consideration for patient and student safety. Please refer to the Background Screening Policy Appendix D for specific employment screen implications for the position for which you are applying. 

We provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants with questions about access or requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact USC Human Resources by phone at (213) 821-8100, or by email at [email protected]. Inquiries will be treated as confidential to the extent permitted by law.

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