Center Director, Community-Engaged Primary Care-Based Research (Clinical Research Associate - Scientific Center Director)

Department: Med-DevSci
Salary/Grade: RES/

Job Summary:

The Mental Health, Earlier P50 is seeking a full time Scientific Center Director who will be responsible for scientific administration, community engagement and day-to-day operation of a new National Institutes of Mental Health Center grant (Notice of award pending). The Center employs a community-engaged equity-oriented framework to integrate toddler mental health screening and prevention into routine pediatric care in partnership with a network of health centers. Its multi-components include a data and administrative core and four projects including screening/prevention, clinician training, brief empowerment interventions and examination of the impact of the intervention on the health system as well as annual seed grants and creation of a virtual learning collaborative. The Scientific Director will work closely with the Principal Investigator Team: J.D. Smith (implementation scientist) and Lauren Wakschlag, PhD (developmental scientist) in carrying out the objectives of the Center, along with a multi-disciplinary Center administrative and research team. The Center is based at Northwestern's Institute for Innovations in Developmental Sciences (DevSci) which PI Wakschlag directs, in partnership with University of Utah where PI Smith is based and multiple pediatric community partners, and multidisciplinary investigators from across the country. Drs. Wakschlag, Smith and the Center research and operations team to develop and promote center-wide efficiencies and communication, community-engagement processes, support studies' implementation and monitor progress, seed studies, training, and workforce development. A key role of the Scientific Director will to be to work with the Center leadership to promote teamwork and collaboration across all levels (scientists, staff, trainees, communities) to foster an inclusive, welcoming and equitable Center culture and ensure success across all Center components.

This Scientific Director will be responsible for supervising staff who coordinate the multiple components of the Center and providing high-level Center-wide support. They will also be a central bridge across scientists and staff. This includes but is not limited to: providing connective tissue with diverse community partners, developing and implementing standard operating procedures for the Center, orchestrating Center-wide communications and activities and providing guidance and supervision to research staff on how best to prepare and implement research activities, operationalize and adapt research methods, collect and manage data, and appropriately report progress and achieved benchmarks. The Scientific Director will be responsible for clear and ongoing communication and engagement of a diverse cadre of community partners, including community health systems, advocacy groups, and community-based organizations. Additionally, the Scientific Director supervision of our full-time staff will involve overseeing the recruitment, hiring, training, supervision, and evaluation of staff on an ongoing basis.

In addition to full-time research staff, our lab also has trainees (e.g., graduate students) whom the Scientific Director will interact with and provide guidance to. This scientific administrative leadership role will work alongside other center leadership in promoting strong working relationships with grants management and administrative staff and University officials to ensure all grant and administrative needs are met. The position will also oversee the management of regulatory aspects of above-mentioned research projects to ensure all requirements are being met and will collaborate with the investigative and business administrative teams to ensure adherence to departmental, University, industry, and federal policies and/or procedures to maintain compliance.

*Note: Not all aspects of the job are covered by this job description.

Specific Responsibilities:

• Manages project, collaborating and partnering with all internal/external staff including sponsoring agencies, community partners, organizations &/or other research &/or educational institutions to ensure project objectives and timelines are attained. Advises project staff on enhancements and changes to processes, practices, and procedures to ensure compliance with protocols and to increase effectiveness and efficiency of project.
• Manages day-to-day core operational & business functions; implements existing policy & ensures the effective, compliant, & efficient completion of daily administrative operations.
• Ensures appropriate and timely compliance with associated local, state, & federal regulatory guidelines, requirements, & laws; & research protocols.
• Central bridge between scientists and staff across all aspects of project
• Manages and ensures completion of study activities per protocol in collaboration with Scientific and Research Staff

Miscellaneous.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Advanced degree (MA or MS) or equivalent degree in health or research-related field Experience with community engagement

Minimum Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities.)

• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to distill complex scientific concepts into clear and engaging written content.
• Impeccable organization, verbal, written, and interpersonal skills
• Exceptional ability to connect with diverse individuals in a variety of settings.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced research environment and exhibit good judgement in decision-making and when to seek feedback
• Strong attention to detail
• Familiarity with word processing, spreadsheet, database, and web-based applications
• Prior experience in mentoring junior researchers, students or staffs is an asset.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Prior experience in center management is strongly preferred.

Benefits

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience.
• Comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off.
• Opportunities for professional development and continued learning
• A supportive and collaborative work environment with opportunities to make a meaningful impact on public health.

Benefits:
At Northwestern, we are proud to provide meaningful, competitive, high-quality health care plans, retirement benefits, tuition discounts and more! Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/index.html to learn more.

Work-Life and Wellness:
Northwestern offers comprehensive programs and services to help you and your family navigate life's challenges and opportunities, and adopt and maintain healthy lifestyles.
We support flexible work arrangements where possible and programs to help you locate and pay for quality, affordable childcare and senior/adult care. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/work-life/index.html to learn more.

Professional Growth & Development:
Northwestern supports employee career development in all circumstances whether your workspace is on campus or at home. If you're interested in developing your professional potential or continuing your formal education, we offer a variety of tools and resources. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/learning/index.html to learn more.

Northwestern strongly recommends COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters for people who can obtain them as a critical tool for minimizing severe illness. More information can be found on the COVID-19 and Campus Updates webpage.

The Northwestern campus sits on the traditional homelands of the people of the Council of Three Fires, the Ojibwe, Potawatomi, and Odawa as well as the Menominee, Miami and Ho-Chunk nations. We acknowledge and honor the original people of the land upon which Northwestern University stands, and the Native people who remain on this land today.

Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer of all protected classes, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply. Click for information on EEO is the Law.

#LI-RM1