Research Professional 2

Position Overview

The Center for Applied Research and Educational Improvement (CAREI) has a position open for a Project Coordinator to support research projects that focus on the wellbeing of children and families. This position is part of CAREI's research support team and actively supports and advances the University's commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion. The individual in this position will assist in coordinating daily operations of assigned research projects. The Project Coordinator will be responsible for contacting families (initial, follow-up and reminders), providing descriptions of the studies, scheduling appointments, recruiting research participants via informed consent procedures, coordinating protocol implementation and the administration of research assessments such as computer-based tasks, questionnaires, and behavioral tasks, and monitoring regulatory compliance.

The ideal candidate will have prior educational, behavioral and/or clinical research experience, as well as experience working with children, teens and/or families. To accommodate the needs of study participants, some work may occur in the afternoon, evenings or weekends.

The University of Minnesota encourages a healthy work life balance for employees. CEHD is committed to an excellent employee experience, offering a flexible work environment that meets the needs of students, staff, faculty, and the communities we serve. Flexible work arrangements may include flexibility in schedule and/or work location. All UMN employees are expected to follow applicable public health and safety procedures.

Job Responsibilities

Coordinate Research Protocols (40%)

• Work closely with Principal Investigators to create and maintain project protocols and assist with sponsor reporting requirements
• Establish project timelines and track project milestones
• Provide logistical coordination and oversight of protocol implementation and assessment processes including (but not limited to) scheduling and confirming participant appointments, data collection coaching and quality assurance
• Develop and maintain tools and databases to track participant retention and completion of protocol activities (e.g. participant contacts, intervention exposure, data collection, etc.)
• Oversee participant compensation
• Assist with research compliance tasks including training and regulatory procedures for human subject research, as well as initiating protocol application and ongoing reporting for the Institutional Review Board (IRB)

Participant Recruitment and Retention (20%)

• Attend recruitment and outreach events
• Manage recruitment and retention plan for participants across assigned studies
• Serve as point of contact for study participants and partners; establish and maintain communication and answer questions about study intervention(s) and/or protocols
• Contact families who have expressed interest in participating in research; screen confidential information to assess for study eligibility (i.e. inclusion/exclusion criteria)
• Schedule and manage recruitment appointments across assigned research studies
• Conduct participant recruitment by obtaining informed consent and assent from adolescent participants, parents, educators and/or providers
• Organize, complete, and maintain all records associated with recruitment and retention efforts
• Evaluate and implement participant retention strategies

Data Collection and Management (35%)

• Develop and manage electronic surveys via tools such as Qualtrics or Redcap
• Maintain data collection flow and timeline, making adaptations as necessary
• Call families to schedule data collection appointments across multiple studies; when applicable, coordinate assessment schedules by matching and assigning team members to schedule appointments based on availability
• Develop rapport with study participants to ensure a positive research experience
• Assist with participant assessments and other data collection activities such as fidelity observations and coding
• Assist with data entry and cleaning tasks
• Ensure data quality control
• Follow protocol for appropriate storage and transfer, safeguarding of all study-related materials

Other Administrative Duties (5%)

• Store and maintain adequate supply of all study-related materials (questionnaires, assessment supplies, equipment, etc.)
• Attend all assigned research project meetings
• Participate in CAREI's research support team meetings
• Other special projects or duties as assigned

Required Qualifications

• BA/BS with at least 2 years of experience or a combination of related education and work experience to equal 6 years

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in social sciences or related field (psychology, education, family social science, public health, or other related field)
• Experience working with research participants including children/youths, parents, educators and/or providers
• Knowledge of IRB regulations and processes
• Experience with both quantitative and qualitative data collection
• Excellent organization skills and proven ability to complete detailed work accurately
• Effective oral and written communication skills
• Ability to analyze and solve problems
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to collaborate effectively with people from a variety of communities, backgrounds, and identities
• Proficiency with standard computer resources and software including email, Microsoft Office, database systems, PDF files, and other web-based platforms such as search engines, google docs/sheets, etc.

Department Overview

CAREI is a well-established college-wide center that serves as the link between research and practice in Minnesota schools and other agencies interested in applied educational and social science research. CAREI's mission is to improve the quality of education for all learners, thereby society as a whole. This mission and impact will expand in the upcoming years as CAREI envisions itself as a full-service center that provides research, evaluation and assessment services to educational and social service agencies throughout the state. This is an exciting period of growth and opportunity.

College Overview
The College of Education and Human Development (CEHD), the third largest college and the University, contributes to a just and sustainable future through engagement with the local and global communities to enhance human learning and development at all stages of the life span. We know diversity is necessary to do our best work and foster our humanity. That's why the CEHD community is collectively dedicated to cultivating an inclusive and equitable environment, embracing and celebrating all identities of our students, staff, and faculty. These values are also a moral imperative requiring continuous proactive measures and a firm stance against prejudice, discrimination, and systemic injustice.

Working at the University

At the University of Minnesota, you'll find a flexible work environment and supportive colleagues who are interested in lifelong learning. We prioritize work-life balance, allowing you to invest in the future of your career and in your life outside of work. The University also 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
• 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)
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost

Please visit the for more information regarding benefits.

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.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-UOHR (8647).

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu.

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

Please note: All employees at the University of Minnesota are required to comply with the University's Administrative Policy: COVID-19 Vaccination and Safety Protocol by either providing proof of being fully vaccinated on their first day of employment, or complete a request for an exemption for medical exemption or religious reasons. To learn more please visit: .

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.