CLINICAL RESEARCH INTERN

School of Medicine Established in 1930, Duke University School of Medicine is the youngest of the nation's top medical schools. Ranked sixth among medical schools in the nation, the School takes pride in being an inclusive community of outstanding learners, investigators, clinicians, and staff where interdisciplinary collaboration is embraced and great ideas accelerate translation of fundamental scientific discoveries to improve human health locally and around the globe. Composed of more than 2,500 faculty physicians and researchers, more than 1,300 students, and more than 6,000 staff, the Duke University School of Medicine along with the Duke University School of Nursing, Duke University Health System and the Private Diagnostic Clinic (PDC) comprise Duke Health. a world-class academic medical center. The Health System encompasses Duke University Hospital, Duke Regional Hospital, Duke Raleigh Hospital, Duke Primary Care, Duke Home and Hospice, Duke Health and Wellness, and multiple affiliations.

Be You.

The Duke University Brain Imaging and Analysis Center in collaboration with the Center for Aging and Human Development, and Department of Population Health Sciences, is seeking a Clinical Research Intern (Research Assistant) to join the laboratories of Drs. Rajendra Morey, MD and Robert Turner, PhD. This full-time position is ideal for recent graduates who are interested in pursuing medical school or advanced graduate training in psychology, neuroscience, public health, sociology, epidemiology, or related fields.

In this role, you will contribute to cutting-edge research focused on brain health, aging, and health equity. You will gain hands-on experience working with clinical research participants, coordinating multi-site studies, and supporting data collection and analysis using advanced research methodologies. This position offers meaningful exposure to academic research within a nationally recognized health system and provides a strong foundation for future clinical or research-focused careers.

Be Bold.

Position Description

The Clinical Research Intern will support multiple federally funded research projects examining:

• 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 methods include advanced neuroimaging, clinical interviewing, neuropsychological assessment, and genetic testing 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 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 position requires close collaboration with investigators, research staff, and clinical partners, as well as independent work and strong organizational skills.

Minimum Requirements

• Work requires an Associate degree. A Bachelor degree may substitute for this degree and 2 years of experience.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work 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 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