Research Coordinator I

About the role

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.

Additional information

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.

Pay and benefits

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.

Minimum Education

Bachelor's degree, Combined experience/education as substitute for minimum education

Minimum Experience: 1 year

• Minimum Field of Expertise: Administrative or research experience.
• Working knowledge of MS Office applications.
• Demonstrated effective communication and writing skills.
• Ability to multi-task and prioritize.
• Demonstrated ability to work as part of a team as well as independently.

• Notice of Non-discrimination
• Employment Equity
• Read USC’s Clery Act Annual Security Report
• USC is a smoke-free environment
• Digital Accessibility

Additional information

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