Research Coordinator

The Substance Use Research and Education (SURE) Center at the University of New Mexico College of Pharmacy (Albuquerque, NM) is seeking a qualified candidate to join a dynamic and highly productive multi-disciplinary research team. The SURE Center conducts multiple clinical, translational, and community-based research studies focusing on impact of substance use disorders on vulnerable populations. The SURE Center and partners at the UNM School of Medicine and at the Mind Research Network were awarded a large NIH grant to participate in the Healthy Brain and Child Development (HBCD) study - a national longitudinal study focusing on early childhood development in vulnerable and general populations. The HBCD Study with the SURE center is one of a dozen centers across the U.S. working to enroll and follow participating families from pregnancy through early childhood. The long-term goal of the HBCD study is to gain better understanding of how child development is affected by exposures to environmental and social experiences and conditions. (https://hbcdstudy.org/).

Under the direct supervision of the SURE Center's Research Scientist 3, the Research Coordinator will be responsible for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-based and lab-based activities for the HBCD study. The MRI-based research activities include participant scheduling and the oversight of study visits, completing MRI safety screening with the assistance of MRI technicians, obtaining infant anthropometrics, administering questionnaires, and biospecimen collection. The lab-based activities include collection, processing, aliquoting, analyzing, and delivery of urine, blood, saliva, and possibly placental tissue biospecimens. This position is an integral part of the clinical research team to maintain oversight of research collection and specimens in accordance with protocols, uphold BSL-2 laboratory standards, and maintain regulatory and laboratory files, and oversee the process of data entry and quality assurance.

The Research Coordinator will work closely with UNM faculty to coordinate and complete assessments, and assist with assigned research protocols. The incumbent will also coordinate study-related procedures, including completion of structured interviews and data entry. He/she/they will work closely with the study consultants, co-investigators, and laboratory personnel.

This position requires the ability to work flexible hours, as required by studies. Flexible hours include either early morning and/or late evening hours. Rotated weekend coverage of research activities is also required within a 40-hour work week.

Duties, Requirements, and Responsibilities:

• Plan, implement, and maintain MRI study visit data collection, and documentation under the supervision of the PI and/or Co-Investigators.
• Administer structured interviews with study participants.
• Establish and coordinate logistical arrangements for research subjects.
• Monitor the progress of research activities; develop and maintain records of research activities, and prepare periodic and ad hoc reports, as required by investigators.
• Coordinate the collection and management of research specimens, data entry and documentation in support of the research protocol.
• May abstract study specific information from patient's electronic medical records.
• Monitors, stocks, and procures research equipment and supplies inventories, as appropriate for study visits.
• Ensures the smooth and efficient day-to-day operation of research and data collection activities, and resolve procedural and logistical problems as appropriate to the timely completion of research activities.
• Plan and organize day-to-day on-site study visit activities, and resolve procedural and logistical problems as appropriate to the timely completion of MRI visits, laboratory, and other research activities.
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills required to communicate with clinical staff and research participants.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills required to work in a fast-paced research environment.
• Must possess a current valid Driver's License.

See the Position Description for additional information.

• Successful candidate must submit to a post-offer, pre-employment physical examination and medical history check. Additional health screenings may be required, dependent on the nature of the research conducted, as determined by Employee Occupational Health Services.
• Employees who provide services or work in patient care or clinical areas are required to be in compliance with the University's influenza vaccination requirement.
• All regular, non-temporary positions assigned to this classification are represented by a labor union and subject to the terms and conditions of the US-UNM Collective Bargaining Agreement.

Bachelor's degree; at least 1 year of experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified.

Completed degree(s) from an accredited institution that are above the minimum education requirement may be substituted for experience on a year for year basis.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Prior experience working with diverse and vulnerable populations (including women, children, and participants with substance use and/or mental health disparities).
• Demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality of subjects.
• Prior research experience, especially with multi-faceted clinical studies.
• Prior experience coordinating biospecimen collection and processing with clinical and/or research personnel.
• Prior experience with electronic medical record review and/or abstractions.
• Ability to effectively adapt to changing priorities.
• Prior experience with data entry and data management.
• Fluency in Spanish.
• Ability to work in a multi-disciplinary and deadline-oriented environment.

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To receive full consideration for this position:

1. Complete the official Online Application.

2. Attach current Resume.

3. Attach Cover Letter.

4. Attach telephone and email contact information for three professional references, preferably supervisors.

Positions posted with a Staff Type of Regular or Term are eligible for the Veteran Preference Program. See the Veteran Preference Program webpage for additional details.

The University of New Mexico is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class.

The University of New Mexico requires all regular staff positions successfully pass a pre-employment background check. This may include, but is not limited to, a criminal history background check, New Mexico Department of Health fingerprint screening, New Mexico Children, Youth, and Families Department fingerprint screening, verification of education credentials, and/or verification of prior employment. For more information about background checks, visit https://policy.unm.edu/university-policies/3000/3280.html. Refer to https://policy.unm.edu/university-policies/3000/3200.html for a definition of Regular Staff.