Visiting Research Specialist -DOM: Center for Dissemination and Implementation Science

Location: Chicago, IL USA

Salary: The budgeted salary range for the position is $65,000 to $75,000.

About the Role

The Center for Dissemination and Implementation Science (CDIS) within the Department of Medicine at the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) is seeking a Visiting Research Specialist to direct the operations of our research team. Our activity is currently centered primarily on an NIH-funded hybrid effectiveness-implementation clinical trial, collaborating with community stakeholders to adapt, implement, and evaluate a physical activity and health education program for older women with HIV. This includes a randomized controlled trial (RCT) of the intervention built with and for older women with HIV in Chicago Cook County (R01 MD021005-01).

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with Principal Investigator and researchers to develop objectives and design of research projects and proposals.
• Formulate and conduct research studies and analyses; perform complex data collection and study methods.
• Analyze and evaluate research results; replicate, refine, and add new research approaches based on project needs.
• Test, customize, and implement new methods and procedures.
• Develop and write advanced, comprehensive protocols.
• Monitor project developments on an ongoing basis; propose and implement changes as needed.
• Contribute material, prepare results, and assist in writing research findings for publications, papers, presentations, grants, and other documents.
• Assist Principal Investigator in grant and manuscript submission.
• Guide, train, and advise lower-level researchers and students on techniques, methods, and procedures.
• Manage project timeline, proactively anticipating project needs and closely overseeing the study team to ensure deadlines are met.
• Develop, implement, and enforce administrative and operational policies and procedures.
• Plan and supervise daily administrative and research activities.
• Ensure compliance with all local, state, and national regulations, including serving as the primary liaison with the institutional review board (IRB) and relevant funders.
• Serve as the primary liaison with academic, professional, and community partners (e.g., co-investigators, vendors, community recruitment sites).
• Recruit, hire, train, and provide ongoing supervision to research assistant(s).
• Oversee participant recruitment, enrollment, and retention.
• Lead weekly project meetings with research assistant staff.
• Support meetings with external and regulatory collaborators, such as Combined Community Advisory Board (CCAB) and Data Safety and Monitoring Board (DSMB) meetings.
• Keep clear records of all meetings, decisions, and action items; proactively assign action items with clear deadlines and monitor progress.
• Develop project budgets with the PI and actively implement and oversee these budgets.
• Support the professional development of research personnel by providing training and mentorship as appropriate.
• Assist with preparation of grant applications, peer-reviewed manuscripts, scientific and community presentations, and reports for scientific and community partners.
• Perform other related duties and participate in special projects as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in social science or related field required; Master’s degree in social science preferred.
• A minimum of 3 years of related research experience.
• Advanced knowledge of research principles, concepts, practices, and methods.
• Strong ability to manage teams, including enforcing administrative and operational policies and procedures in accordance with project needs and deadlines.
• Strong professionalism and ability to foster professional communication among staff.
• Knowledge of research protocols, principles, and procedures; clinical trials and experimental design; and ethics and regulatory procedures (e.g., IRB applications, data safety and monitoring plans).

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong computer skills, with REDCap experience preferred.
• Knowledge of physical activity and health education interventions, research with vulnerable populations (e.g., older adults, persons living with HIV), and/or community/public health.

Benefits

• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Retirement Plan
• Paid Time Off
• Tuition waivers for employees and dependents