Research Project Coordinator

Job Summary:

The Impact Institute at Northwestern University conducts research on the health of LGBTQ populations. We are committed to improving lives through pioneering research, data-driven evaluation, and evidence-based implementation strategies that promote health for all. Building on more than a decade of community-engaged work, the Impact Institute leads scientific innovations that advance health knowledge, transform healthcare delivery, and support thousands of individuals and families.

The Impact Institute is hiring a Research Project Coordinator for the FAB400 project, a multi-site, longitudinal study examining mental health trajectories among young sexual minority women from adolescence into early adulthood, with a focus on depression, anxiety, and suicidality. Grounded in minority stress theory, the study investigates biological, psychological, and social mechanisms of risk and resilience to inform the development of culturally responsive, evidence-based interventions to reduce mental health disparities in LGBTQ populations. This position will work closely with study investigators, project managers, and other research personnel to coordinate the project and ensure the completion of the project's scientific objectives. The primary responsibilities include:

• Manages daily operations of a biomedical &/or social-behavioral research study involving multidisciplinary teams of colleagues, sponsors & other external project stakeholders.
• Monitors study performance, analyzes & reviews results, & supervises development & implementation of new protocols.
• Assigns work & supervises study staff & reviews technical operations ensuring that all processes, protocols & procedures are quality controlled & functioning up to standards.
• Develops implements & administers budgets, grant & administrative procedures.
• May co-author scientific papers for presentation & publication & coordinates writing, submission & administration of grants.

• Ensures that all study activities are completed by strictly following Good Clinical Practices (GCP) & all 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).

• The Research Project 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.

Specific Responsibilities:

Technical

• Leads execution & control of a biomedical &/or social science project or research study.
• Coordinates processing & analysis of data, conduct of experimental tests & procedures
• Develops new &/or revised research methodologies.
• Ensures completion of study activities per protocol including recruitment.
• Ascertains pretreatment & eligibility requirements.
• Obtains informed consent.
• Registers participant with appropriate sponsor.
• Interviews & obtains medical & social histories.
• Collects data from medical records.
• Administers, schedules &/or scores tests.

Administration

• Oversees & manages collection, maintenance, analysis & evaluation of data that will be used in grant submissions, presentations & publications.
• Ensures that information is entered correctly into databases.
• Assists PI in reviewing, analyzing, interpreting, summarizing, formatting, editing, & preparing tables, charts, graphs, progress & final reports, etc.
• Coordinates between sponsoring agencies, collaborating organizations &/or other research &/or educational institutions.
• Ensures that all study documents associated with current local, state, & federal regulatory guidelines, requirements, laws & research protocols are completed in a timely manner.

Finance

• Manages lab/study budget & inventory including purchasing of supplies & services ensuring that they are necessary, reasonable & project related.
• Orders & maintains inventory of study supplies.
• Distributes intra-departmental charges.
• Negotiates with vendors, obtain quotes & arrange for demos of large equipment.

Supervision

• Trains, directs, assigns duties to & supervises research staff, students, residents &/or fellows.
• Acts as a mentor in regard to education of junior coordinators.

Miscellaneous

Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications: (Education, experience, and any other certifications or clearances)

• 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 3 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 and 1 year research study or other relevant experience.
• Supervisory or project management experience required.

• 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.
• Demonstrated attention to detail and ability to adhere to instructions/procedures.
• Good communication skills; demonstrated effective spoken and written communication, including willingness to ask questions when clarification or amplification is required.
• Good time management skills; efficient and resourceful in problem-solving.
• Demonstrated ability to take ownership of the work, possessing initiative, good follow-through; ability to work without supervision.
• Ability to receive and benefit from feedback; willingness to expand skill set and improve.
• Flexibility in adapting to new procedures and environments.
• Ability to work in a team environment.
• Knowledge of basic computer skills, familiarity with Windows environment.
• Knowledge of social media platforms, advertising and research participant recruitment strategies

Preferred Qualifications: (Education and experience)

• Experience working in public health and/or medical research.
• Two to four years of experience working in a team
• Experiencing supervising research assistants and interns.
• Experience with mental health and related issues.

• Experience working with LGBTQ and/or marginalized populations.

Preferred Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities)

• Ability to write scientifically for dissemination of findings.
• Familiarity with data management software, including REDCap.
• Able to generate timelines for research activities that require participation from individuals in large teams
• Able to conduct tasks analysis and adjust project/product timelines to successfully meet deadlines
• Knowledge of LGBTQ issues.
• Knowledge of racial disparities in health and related issues.

Target hiring range for this position will be between $55,000 - $65,000 per year. 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.

Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected characteristics, including disability and veteran status. View Northwestern's non-discrimination statement. Job applicants who wish to request an accommodation in the application or hiring process should contact the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance. View additional information on the accommodations process.

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