Clinical Research Intern (Research Assistant)

Job Description

Clinical Research Intern (Research Assistant)

Location: Duke University Hospital, Durham, NC (Hybrid Eligible)
Anticipated Appointment Length: Two years

About Duke University School of Medicine and Duke Health

Established in 1930, Duke University School of Medicine is a nationally recognized leader, ranked sixth among medical schools. It prides itself on being an inclusive community dedicated to outstanding learning, investigation, clinical care, and interdisciplinary collaboration. This environment accelerates the translation of fundamental scientific discoveries to improve human health locally and globally. Comprising over 2,500 faculty physicians and researchers, 1,300+ students, and 6,000+ staff, the School of Medicine, along with the School of Nursing, Duke University Health System, and Private Diagnostic Clinic (PDC), forms Duke Health – a world-class academic medical center.

About the Opportunity

The Duke University Brain Imaging and Analysis Center (BIAC), in collaboration with the Center for Aging and Human Development and the Department of Population Health Sciences, is seeking a highly motivated Clinical Research Intern (Research Assistant). This full-time position is an ideal opportunity for recent graduates who aspire to pursue medical school or advanced graduate training in fields such as psychology, neuroscience, public health, sociology, epidemiology, or related disciplines.

In this role, you will play a crucial part in cutting-edge research focused on brain health, aging, and health equity. You will gain invaluable hands-on experience working directly with clinical research participants, coordinating complex multi-site studies, and supporting data collection and analysis using advanced research methodologies. This position offers significant exposure to academic research within a nationally recognized health system, providing a robust foundation for future clinical or research-focused careers.

Position Description

The Clinical Research Intern will provide essential support to multiple federally funded research projects investigating critical areas of brain health:

• Repetitive head impacts in contact and collision sports.
• Late-life effects of early-life adversity and social determinants of health.
• Cognitive function, accelerated aging, and risk and resilience factors for Alzheimer’s disease.

Research methodologies employed in these studies include advanced neuroimaging, clinical interviewing, neuropsychological assessment, and genetic testing, often in collaboration with the Boston University Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center.

Key Responsibilities Include

• Recruiting, screening, and enrolling research participants, with a specific focus on increasing participation of older Black men in brain health and aging research.
• Coordinating participant scheduling, travel arrangements, and multi-site visit logistics.
• Administering health, social history, and psychiatric assessments.
• Collecting, recording, and maintaining high-quality research data in strict accordance with study protocols.
• Assisting with biospecimen collection and processing.
• Performing basic statistical analyses and supporting data visualization for manuscripts and grant submissions.
• Conducting literature reviews and assisting with the development of experimental procedures.
• Participating in occasional evening or after-hours participant interviews, as needed to accommodate participant availability.

This role demands close collaboration with investigators, research staff, and clinical partners, alongside the ability to work independently and demonstrate strong organizational skills.

Minimum Requirements

• Work requires an Associate degree. A Bachelor’s degree may substitute for this degree and 2 years of experience.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Strong attention to detail and unwavering commitment to data accuracy and integrity.
• Willingness to commit to a two-year appointment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree (BA or BS) in neuroscience, psychology, biology, public health, statistics, or a related scientific field.
• Prior clinical or human-subjects research experience.
• Experience working with older adult populations.
• Basic knowledge of statistics, data analysis, or research software.
• Interest in neuroscience, cognitive aging, or health disparities research.
• Familiarity with academic research environments.

Other Requirements

• This position is hybrid eligible, with in-person work conducted at Duke University Hospital.
• Occasional evening availability may be required to support participant schedules.

Why Choose Duke?

Join Duke University and become part of an inclusive, mission-driven research community dedicated to advancing health equity, discovery, and innovation. Duke offers a collaborative academic environment, access to world-class research resources, and ample opportunities for professional growth and mentorship. Duke University provides a comprehensive benefits package to its employees.

Application and Compensation

• Screening of Applications: Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
• Anticipated Pay Range: Duke University provides an hourly base salary range for this position as USD $18 to USD $26.49. Offer considerations include scope and responsibilities, candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, and market/organizational considerations.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Duke is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual’s age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions), sexual orientation, or military status.

Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust exchange of ideas—an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values.

Essential Physical Job Functions

Certain jobs at Duke University and Duke University Health System may include essential job functions that require specific physical and/or mental abilities. Additional information and provision for requests for reasonable accommodation will be provided by each hiring department.