Lead Research Project Coordinator

UMB School of Medicine, Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science

About the role

This position serves as the primary interface, along with the faculty member, for participants in an NIH-funded clinical trial. The trial includes virtual group nutrition education and virtual teaching kitchen cooking demonstrations paired with free produce for older adults. The role involves overseeing study protocols, data analysis, recruitment, study coordination, data collection and entry, and compliance with chart maintenance regulations. The Research Project Lead Coordinator will assist with supervision of virtual education classes, contribute to presenting findings at professional meetings, writing manuscripts for publication, and developing ideas for future research directions.

Responsibilities

• Independently manage and provide complex support for designated research studies or clinical trial protocols.
• Serve as the primary liaison to other departments, outside organizations, government agencies, and product representatives.
• Provide guidance and direction to personnel engaged in research studies or clinical trials to ensure compliance with protocols.
• Plan, develop, administer, and coordinate project goals, objectives, workflows, and policies for the duration of the research study or clinical trial.
• Implement approved study or trial policies and procedures.
• Assist Principal Investigators and regulatory staff in preparing new protocol submissions, amendments, and renewals.
• Ensure project goals and objectives are accomplished within priorities, time, and funding limitations.
• Evaluate project effectiveness and implement improved methods.
• Devise and implement evaluation methodologies.
• Oversee subject enrollment, ensuring proper informed consent is secured and documented.
• Assess eligibility of potential subjects through screening interviews, medical record reviews, and discussions with research personnel.
• Coordinate research project activities through delegation and monitor compliance with protocols and relevant policies.
• Train personnel on compliance and protocol requirements.
• Identify protocol problems, inform investigators, and assist in problem resolution.
• Manage complex study or trial data, including collection, database storage, tracking, analysis, and interpretation.
• Develop and prepare study-related documentation such as protocol worksheets, procedural manuals, adverse event reports, case report forms, and IRB documents.
• Develop and produce custom and routine reports.
• Coordinate budget development, expenditure adherence, grant applications, and maintenance of inventory for equipment and supplies.
• Review proposed study protocols to evaluate factors such as sample collection processes, data management plans, and potential subject risks.
• Conduct quality assurance audits on data and regulatory documentation.
• Obtain tissue and blood samples as necessary and collect information through interviews, questionnaires, test results, and charts.
• Complete functional assessments.
• Provide training and guidance to less experienced personnel.
• Attend research-related meetings, conferences, and teleconferences, and participate in planning and development activities.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in nursing, emergency services, chemistry, biology, public health, psychology, or another scientific discipline appropriate to the position.
• Three (3) years of research coordination experience in aging-focused research, with at least two (2) years in research specialization.
• Ability to work in a multi-disciplinary team setting as well as independently.
• Familiarity with functional assessment measures.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Self-motivated and willing to learn.
• Good interpersonal skills and attention to detail.
• Must have access to a car to conduct participant home visits.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package prioritizing wellness, work/life balance, and professional development.
• Retirement program (pension or optional retirement plan/ORP) effective on date of hire.
• Generous paid leave package: over 4 weeks of vacation accrued each year, 16 paid holidays, 3 personal leave days, and unlimited accrual of sick time.
• Comprehensive health insurance.
• Professional learning and development programs.
• Tuition remission for employees and their dependents at any University System of Maryland school.
• Flexible work schedules and teleworking options (if applicable per job).

Pay

$70,000 - $78,000 per year

Schedule

Full-time, exempt regular staff position. Expected to work primarily within the State of Maryland.