Research Project Coordinator

Department: MED-Impact Institute
Salary/Grade: EXS/5

Job Summary:

Manages daily operations of social-behavioral HIV public health implementation science research studies involving multidisciplinary teams, sponsors & other external project stakeholders. Responsibilities include overseeing and managing study protocols including participant recruitment and collection of qualitative and quantitative data; managing IRB applications and modifications; building and maintaining relationships with community partners; and contributing to presentations, publications, and other deliverables. Reviews technical operations and may supervise study staff. Ensures that all study activities are completed by strictly following Good Clinical Practices (GCP) & all current local, state, & federal laws, regulations, guidance, policy & procedure developed by the NU Institutional Review Board (IRB), Food & Drug Administration (FDA) Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), & the International Conference on Harmonization (ICH).

Project Description: Implementation Science to Enhance Models of Care for HIV/AIDS

We have the tools to end the HIV epidemic in the US, but implementation and reach of effective strategies remain poor. Northwestern investigators Dennis Li and Nanette Benbow lead the ACCELERATE program at the Impact Institute (https://accelerate.northwestern.edu/). ACCELERATE's work is focused on using implementation science methods to enhance public health systems for communities impacted by HIV and syndemics. The program frequently collaborates with the Chicago Department of Public Health and local HIV service agencies. This position will support multiple research and technical assistance projects, including:

• "Collaborative to Enhance Access for Suppression to End HIV" (CEASE-HIV) aims to implement and evaluate an evidence-based model of low-barrier care (LBC) for PWH with complex needs across a network of CDPH-funded HIV clinical agencies. After facilitating adaptation and adoption of LBC among clinics through a learning collaborative, we will study LBC implementation and assess its impact on citywide care engagement and viral suppression rates. We are completing the learning collaborative phase and preparing for implementation.
• "Researchers Establishing with Community Implementers Priorities to End HIV" (RECIPE-HIV), aims to establish community-driven research priorities to support communities impacted by HIV, substance use, and co-occurring concerns.
• Additional project(s) pending funding.

Institute Description: Impact Institute

ACCELERATE is housed within Northwestern University's Impact Institute (https://impact-institute.northwestern.edu/), a university-wide institute dedicated to fostering research on the health of LGBTQ populations. Impact currently has multiple NIH- and foundation-funded studies and actively collaborates with community-based organizations to conduct research and translate findings into interventions. It is directed by Dr. Brian Mustanski.

This is a term position ending on May 31st, 2027. Opportunity for renewal will be based on performance and available funding.

Please note: Supervisor provides objectives, deadlines and specific instructions only for new, difficult, and/or unusual work. Work is reviewed upon completion and only occasionally to verify technical accuracy and compliance with practice, policy, and procedures. Employee informs supervisor of on-going progress and/or potentially controversial matters.

Specific Responsibilities:

Technical

• Leads execution & control of social science project or research study.
• Coordinates processing & analysis of data, conduct of experimental tests & procedures
• Ensures completion of study activities per protocol including recruitment.
• Ascertains pretreatment & eligibility requirements.
• Obtains informed consent.
• Interviews & obtains medical & social histories.

Administration

• Oversees & manages collection, maintenance, analysis & evaluation of data that will be used in grant submissions, presentations & publications.
• Ensures that information is entered correctly into databases.
• Assists PI in reviewing, analyzing, interpreting, summarizing, formatting, editing, & preparing tables, charts, graphs, progress & final reports, etc.
• Coordinates between sponsoring agencies, collaborating organizations &/or other research &/or educational institutions.

Finance

• Orders & maintains inventory of study supplies.

Supervision

• Trains, directs, assigns duties to & supervises research staff, students, residents &/or fellows.
• Acts as a mentor in regard to education of junior coordinators.

Miscellaneous

Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor's or higher degree in a major such as social or health science or related; OR appropriate combination of education and experience and 3 years' research study or other relevant experience required; OR

• Successful completion of a full course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a master's or higher degree in a major such as social or health science or related; OR appropriate combination of education and experience and 1 year research study or other relevant experience.

• Supervisory or project management experience required.

• Must complete NU's IRB CITI training before interacting with any participants & must re-certify every 3 years

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

• Strong project coordination skills and the ability to prioritize tasks.

• Demonstrated attention to detail and ability to adhere to instructions/procedures.

• Good communication skills; demonstrated effective spoken and written communication, including willingness to ask questions when clarification or amplification is required.

• Good time management skills; efficient and resourceful in problem-solving.

• Demonstrated ability to take ownership of the work, possessing initiative, good follow-through; ability to work without supervision.

• Ability to receive and benefit from feedback; willingness to expand skill set and improve.

• Flexibility in adapting to new procedures and environments.

• Ability to work in a team environment.

• Knowledge of basic computer skills, familiarity with Windows environment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working in public health, implementation, and/or program evaluation research.

• Experience with qualitative research and/or interviewing.

• Experiencing supervising research assistants and interns.

• Experience with HIV/AIDS and related issues.

• Experience working with LGBTQ and/or marginalized populations.

Preferred Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities)

• Ability to write scientifically for dissemination of findings.

• Familiarity with data management software, including Qualtrics and/or REDCap.

• Knowledge of LGBTQ issues.

• Knowledge of racial disparities in health and related issues.

Target hiring range for this position will be up to $60,000 per year. Offered salary will be determined by the applicant's education, experience, knowledge, skills and abilities, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data.

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 University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected characteristics, including disability and veteran status. View Northwestern's non-discrimination statement. Job applicants who wish to request an accommodation in the application or hiring process should contact the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance. View additional information on the accommodations process.

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