Clinical Research Project Specialist

About The Job

Job Class: 8354CP – Research Support Professional 4
Working Title: Clinical Research Project Specialist
Supervisor: Mary Farnsworth
Program Description: At the University of Minnesota, Department of Surgery, our experts, care teams and researchers are advancing science and patient care. The Surgery Clinical Trials Office (SurgCTO) supports a variety of research projects and portfolios in the Department of Surgery. We serve the University's research mission by providing comprehensive research support to faculty investigators conducting medical research. We accomplish our mission by 1) developing competent professionals specialized in clinical research, 2) creating effective and efficient pathways for conducting compliant clinical research, and 3) fostering a participant-centric research culture. We especially strive to have our community better reflect the broad range of identities in our state, including race, ethnicity, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, language, disability, age, national origin, religious practice, access to health services, and socioeconomic status. Our program seeks to foster an inclusive environment in which members from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to develop their skills of scientific inquiry.

Position Summary

In close partnership with the SurgCTO leadership team (Clinical Research Operations Director and Program Managers), this position is responsible for the project-level coordination and operational execution of a portfolio of research studies within assigned Surgical divisions. The Clinical Research Project Specialist serves as a subject matter resource on research implementation and serves as an on-the-ground resource for investigators. The Clinical Research Project Specialist supports the efficient use of resources within SurgCTO, University of Minnesota, Fairview, and MHealth resources. Research Project Lead duties include: assisting with the development of research studies, securing regulatory approvals, partnering with unit leadership on budget development and financial management, monitoring study accrual, and ensuring successful overall study coordination and compliance with applicable regulations and guidelines. The Clinical Research Project Specialist works independently on project tasks of moderate complexity, but receives guidance and direct support/training in complex situations. This is a project-focused role without supervisory or team leadership responsibilities. Occasional evenings, weekends, and on-call duties may be required. There may be times that the nature of this work would require that the employee be considered an ‘essential employee.’ This hybrid position will primarily work independently with day-to-day activities; and report to the unit Director of Operations. Given the supportive nature of the role, the successful candidate should expect to be in the office at minimum 3 days per week. The ability to work remotely exists and is dependent on work duties. This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.

Major Duties/Job Description

• Clinical Trial Portfolio Management and Oversight (50%)
  Support faculty: serve as a resource to faculty and staff conducting research, both ad-hoc generically and throughout the lifecycle of any given research project
  Serve as the point-person and provide guidance for investigators on resourcing needs required to advance clinical research and assist investigators with gaining access to respective resources. This includes the identification and coordination of internal and external stakeholders (e.g. biostatistics, recruitment, information, regulatory, finance, data management, study coordination, outside industry sponsors, cooperative groups, University consortiums, etc.)
  Efficiently and effectively participate in study start-up, which includes:
  Determining billing designations, informing calendar build, ensuring accurate pricing and budget development; assist the OM, as requested, with budget development and negotiation for industry- sponsored trials;
  partner with Surgery Grants and Contracts (SGC) for grants and subawards
  Ensuring IRB and other regulatory approvals
  Collaborate with clinical partners to establish study logistics, including specimen collection and management, investigational product management, clinical procedures, etc.
  Serve as point person for faculty investigators and research sponsors; build effective relationships that uphold ethical standards and promote high quality research
  Facilitate the timely review and reporting of adverse reactions and severe adverse events
  Be primary contact and information resource to University faculty and staff for protocol specific queries, including availability of trials, enrollment requirements, specimen needs, and other research-related resources
  Engage with investigators and ensure research procedures comply with regulations, policies, and best practices

• Regulatory and Clinical Research Coordination (20%)
  Responsible for initiating all regulatory tasks associated with assigned portfolio, including, but not limited to: initial IRB application, any ceding tasks, regulatory document creation and collection, and ongoing reporting requirements
  May delegate and work with the assistance of the assigned Regulatory Specialist to collect necessary regulatory documents and to establish e-binders
  Facilitate the timely review and reporting of adverse reactions and severe adverse events
  Be primary contact and information resource to University faculty and staff for protocol specific queries, including availability of trials, enrollment requirements, specimen needs, and other research-related resources
  Engage with investigators and ensure research procedures comply with regulations, policies, and best practices

• Research Operations, Compliance and Process Improvement (10%)
  Serve as a Quality Management resource
  Review monitoring reports and data quality reports to identify trends and resolve problems. This includes development of action plans utilizing SurgCTO processes and available resources
  Lead audits, implement Corrective and Preventative Action (CAPA) plans. Serve as a liaison between the sponsors, investigator, and any governing body on audit findings
  Oversee completeness of Clinical Trial Management System, Clinicaltrials.gov, and unit specific tracking tools for assigned projects
  Support development of standardized research practices and workflows
  Attend professional development and training sessions to ensure compliance with newest policies and procedures
  Monitor trends and offer suggestions for improvements to unit leadership
  Support other special projects and program initiatives as directed

• Project-Based Staff Support and Knowledge Sharing (15%)
  Provide indirect oversight and mentoring of research support staff assigned within the assigned portfolio - providing project and disease specific training
  Collaborate with Operations Manager and department supervisors to assess project demands, identify team training or development needs, and share insight on future staffing requirements
  Support faculty and staff by providing ongoing education on regulatory requirements and processes relevant to research operations
  Contribute, upon request, to interview and hiring process of entry-level staff (coordinators, data coordinators, or trial assistants) by offering input during interviews and assisting with onboarding and initial project-specific training

• Publishations Facilitation (5%)
  Prepare and submit manuscripts, articles, abstracts, research reports, and presentations
  Collaborate with department administrators, grants management team, and division chairs to increase DOS visibility in the scientific community
  Source publication opportunities and manage deadlines
  Contribute to the production of research publications or presentations of research data

Qualifications

• All required qualifications must be included in the application materials
  Required Qualifications: BA/BS in a related field, and five years of relevant experience; or advanced degree with three years of relevant experience; or a combination of related education and experience to tota nine years
  Expert knowledge of the federal regulations governing human subject research, including protections for vulnerable populations
  Experience preparing and managing IRB and other regulatory review submissions, including securing initial IRB approvals and required pre-review approvals
  Computer proficiency, and ability to navigate multiple software applications
  Electronic document management experience and strong skills with Adobe and Microsoft Word
  Detail-oriented with exceptional organizational, planning and problem-solving skills
  Ability to work independently, as part of a team, with changing priorities
  Demonstrated ability to meet deadlines and prioritize assignments
  Excellent written, verbal and interpersonal skills

• Preferred Qualifications: Masters-level degree in relevant field
  Experience in an academic setting
  Project management experience
  Clinical Research Certification (CCRC or CCRP)
  Research or clinical experience in one of the following clinical fields: Cardiothoracic Surgery, Surgical Critical & Acute Care, Surgical Oncology, and experience with biospecimen management

About The Department

Committed to innovation and diversity, the Medical School educates physicians, scientists, and health professionals; generates knowledge and treatments; and cares for patients and communities with compassion and respect. We value excellence, inclusiveness, collaboration, and discovery. To learn more about the Department of Surgery, please visit https://med.umn.edu/surgery.

Pay And Benefits

Pay Range : $71,000 - $85,000; depending on education/qualifications/experience
Time Appointment: 100% Appointment
Position Type: Civil-Service & Non-Faculty Labor Represented Staff
Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

About The Employer

The University Offers a Comprehensive Benefits Package That Includes Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
University HSA contributions
Disability and employer-paid life insurance
Employee wellbeing program
Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
Financial counseling services
Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

How To Apply

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume. Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.