Research Study Coordinator

Job Summary:

Coordinates collection, analysis, processing & reporting of data & assists Principal Investigator (PI) in judging the validity of test data obtained in regard to biomedical &/or social-behavioral research study(ies) of limited complexity involving co-investigators, multiple campuses &/or universities. Completes all activities by strictly following Good Clinical Practices (GCP) & all relevant current local, state, & federal laws, regulations, guidance, policy & procedure developed by the NU Institutional Review Board (IRB), Food & Drug Administration (FDA) Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), & the International Conference on Harmonization (ICH).

Job Activities: Primary activities involve the scheduling and retention of research participants in the RADAR study with young people ages 16-29. Specific activities include: following established protocols for contacting and scheduling participants; tracking participants for retention purposes; conducting study assessments; maintaining accurate, timely and detailed records of participant contact; maintaining and updating databases; and other project-related responsibilities.

The Research Study Coordinator is expected to work in-person at study sites without a regular work from home schedule. The position will also require some evening hours (e.g., 11 AM - 7 PM) and weekend shifts to maximize retention efforts for study participants who are unavailable during the regular workday.

We are seeking a diverse pool of candidates. Candidates from backgrounds traditionally underrepresented in research are encouraged to apply.

Please note: Supervisor provides objectives, deadlines and specific instructions only for new, difficult, and/or unusual work. Work is reviewed upon completion and only occasionally to verify technical accuracy and compliance with practice, policy, and procedures. EE informs supervisor of on-going progress and/or potentially controversial matters.

Work Location Requirement

As this role supports an in-person research study, full-time on-site presence is required. Direct coordination with participants, staff, and study resources must occur on campus to ensure the integrity of study operations and participant engagement. Remote, hybrid, or work-from-home arrangements are not possible for this position.

Driver's License Requirement

Because this position involves the use of a mobile unit to conduct research study visits, applicants must hold a valid driver's license and meet the eligibility criteria of the University's Safe Driver Program. This includes following all program guidelines regarding responsibilities, safe driving practices, and authorization for vehicle use on University business.

Specific Responsibilities:

Technical

• Participates in the planning & conduct of research study including participant recruitment and retention.
• Obtains informed consent
• Administers tests &/or questionnaires following protocols.
• Collects, compiles, tabulates & processes responses.
• Gathers information.
• Extracts & analyzes data from medical charts.
• Completes basic clinical procedures such as drawing blood & obtaining blood pressure.

Administration

• Collects, records, reviews & summarizes research data.
• Collates relevant mathematical results & prepares tables, charts & graphs reflecting relationships of multiple tests.
• Prepares reports for investigators and sponsors on recruitment status and other pertinent study data.
• Writes portions of grant applications & co-author scientific papers.
• Completes documents associated with current local, state, & federal regulatory guidelines, requirements, laws & research protocols.

Finance

• May process payments for research participants per study protocol.
• Works with industry representatives to negotiate tentative grant funding.
• Coordinates reimbursements for expert panel travel, consultant pay, additional gift card orders, etc. & ensure costs remain within allotted grant budget.

Supervision

• May provide work direction &/or train other research staff to interview/test participants.
• May act as a mentor in regard to education of junior coordinators.

Miscellaneous

Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor's or higher degree in a major such as social or health science or related; OR appropriate combination of education and experience and 2 years' research study or other relevant experience required; OR

• Successful completion of a full course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a master's or higher degree in a major such as social or health science or related; OR appropriate combination of education and experience.

• Must complete NU's IRB CITI training before interacting with any participants & must re-certify every 3 years.

Minimum Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities.)

• Strong project coordination skills and the ability to prioritize tasks.

• Supervisory experience.

• Effective time management skills.

• Efficient and resourceful in problem-solving.

• Demonstrated attention to detail and ability to adhere to instructions/procedures.

• Good communication skills; demonstrated effective spoken and written communication.

• Demonstrated ability to take ownership of the work, possessing initiative, and good follow-through.

• Knowledge of basic computer skills, familiarity with Windows environment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working with LGBT youth.

• Experience working in public health, psychology, and/or medical research.

• Experience working in non-profit, community-based settings.

• Experience recruiting and tracking study participants or experience with youth development and community outreach.

• Phlebotomy certification and experience

Preferred Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities)

• Knowledge of HIV and HIV risk among YMSM.
• Ability to work in a team environment.
• Ability to work with minimum supervision and guidance.
• Ability to receive and benefit from feedback; willingness to expand skill set and improve.
• Flexibility in adapting to new procedures and environments.

Target hiring range for this position will be between $19.89 -$24.04 per hour. Offered salary will be determined by the applicant's education, experience, knowledge, skills and abilities, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data.

Benefits:
At Northwestern, we are proud to provide meaningful, competitive, high-quality health care plans, retirement benefits, tuition discounts and more! Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/index.html to learn more.

Work-Life and Wellness:
Northwestern offers comprehensive programs and services to help you and your family navigate life's challenges and opportunities, and adopt and maintain healthy lifestyles.
We support flexible work arrangements where possible and programs to help you locate and pay for quality, affordable childcare and senior/adult care. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/work-life/index.html to learn more.

Professional Growth & Development:
Northwestern supports employee career development in all circumstances whether your workspace is on campus or at home. If you're interested in developing your professional potential or continuing your formal education, we offer a variety of tools and resources. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/learning/index.html to learn more.