Careers

Description:

The Institute for Research and Education for Advancement of Community Health (IREACH) at Washington State University is a team of about 70 faculty and staff engaged in conducting community-centered, multidisciplinary research, training and education, and outreach with underserved populations. IREACH focuses on improving the health and quality of life of American Indian, Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander populations.

The Research Coordinator will apply scientific knowledge to coordinate a significant research project or multiple smaller projects within the Institute for Research and Education to Advance Community Health (IREACH). Participate in developing research designs, data collection methods, and strategies for data management. Coordinate multiple data collection efforts which may include collaborating agencies or institutions. Duties may also include recruiting or overseeing the recruitment and interviewing of human subjects, preparing human subject applications, writing and editing technical reports and manuscripts for publication or presentation, developing and monitoring project budgets, preparing progress reports/proposals, and acting as a liaison between the project team and research partners and funding agencies. Supervises research and support staff.

This is a temporary position expected to end 1 year after the effective start date. Renewal is dependent on performance appraisal, mutual consent, and available funding.

Essential Duties:

Study Design and Management - 40%

• Independently develops study recruitment, pilot study scientific plans, and data collection protocols including materials and procedures.
• Assist with the development of project/research alternatives if the project/research is not compatible with program goals or participating community environment.
• Design methodology and specific phases of the research projects to achieve stated specific aims. Prepare weekly reports on study progress to PI and project lead.
• Review and assess study data to ensure adherence to study protocol and compliance with IRB regulations. Collaborate with PIs/Scientific Operations Manager if protocols are not being met.
• Develop, maintain, and troubleshoot computerized data collection systems, including building and maintaining databases, and directing quality assurance and data cleaning efforts. Develops and independently maintains REDCAP project databases.
• Establish and maintain a tracking system for research subjects, and training and supporting others in utilizing these collection and tracking systems.
• Establish and manage data transfer system ensuring prompt transfer and data safety Perform internal data management audit with Data Manager
• Collaborate with analysts and investigators to develop resources and procedures for data collection. Exercise independence to design processes for data collection and management, leveraging considerable knowledge of these requirements.

Human Subjects and Sample Management - 25%

• Develop, coordinate and monitor the day-to-day implementation of all study procedures for recruitment, study intervention, and data collection, including tracking progress.
• Prepare and present recruitment, data collection, and study intervention reports to PIs and supervisor. Troubleshoot problems as they arise and address protocol deviation to IRB coordinator and PI.
• Create study-specific compliance applications, amendments, renewals, informed consent documents, and study protocols, Ensure that staff and PIs are aware of policy and procedures concerning human subjects.
• Assist in preparing and analyzing data for presentation at regional and national meetings.
• Collaborate in writing manuscripts for publication and presentation.

Study Budget and Grant Management - 15%

•  Independently develops study budgets.
• Maintain and reconcile study budgets as money is allocated and spent.
• Independently prepares, establishes, and manages subcontracts, including negotiating field staff FTE and other project costs. Assist in preparing progress reports to funders and proposals, as needed.
• Prepares solid drafts of communications and memos to funders to communicate information regarding change of field sites and carryforward requests.
• Coordinate reimbursement for study participation and billing procedures related to study visits. Prepare documents for granting agencies and renewal, interpreting data, and guiding future research.

Leadership and Training - 15%

• Train and develop training material and written instructions for study procedures and ensure that all research staff is informed about studies, project(s), protocol(s), and pertinent data security and confidentiality issues.
• Directly supervises hourly field staff ensuring compliance to protocol and IRB regulations, providing support, as needed, and coordinating all logistical efforts. Drafts position descriptions for field staff provides onboarding training and troubleshoots issues as they arise.
• Assign work and follow-up to ensure completion. Provide direction as needed.
• Travel, as needed, to study sites to train and direct field staff project procedures and file management, to resolve problems and to conduct project management activities with partners such as project presentation, subcontract management, and to undertake support study findings and data dissemination efforts.
• Support and ensure understanding of confidentiality of participants and data.
• Acts as the main liaison between the IREACH PI and field site PIs and their teams.

Other - 5%
Other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

A Bachelor’s degree in an appropriate related scientific or engineering discipline and three (3) years of progressively responsible related professional research experience. Any combination of relevant education and experience may be substituted for the educational requirement on a year-for-year basis. A Master’s degree in an appropriate related scientific or engineering discipline may be substituted for up to one year of the required work experience.

Additional Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in biology, health sciences, public health or a related discipline.
• Demonstrated professional research experience that includes preparation of IRB documents and understanding of human subjects compliance and regulations.
• Demonstrated experience with proactive problem-solving skills, the ability to work independently, and the ability to take the appropriate autonomous initiative to carry out study-related functions with human subjects.
• Outstanding interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Experience in the Microsoft Office suite of products.
• Willing to work evenings and weekends on occasion to meet the needs of the project, including scheduling participant visits and contacts, as well as meeting project deadlines.
• Possession of valid driver’s license by date of hire.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in scientific or public health field highly desired.
• Experience working with American Indian/Alaska Native populations.
• Experience using Microsoft SharePoint for collaboration.
• Demonstrable experience developing, managing, or maintaining research