Research Project Coordinator

$58,000 - $63,000/Yr

Northwestern University - Chicago, IL

Full-time - Entry Level

Chicago, IL

Educational Services

About the position

The Research Project Coordinator position is integral to the interdisciplinary research team within the Department of Orthopedic Surgery at Northwestern University. This role involves managing the daily operations of a biomedical research study, which includes collaboration with colleagues, sponsors, and other external project stakeholders. The coordinator is responsible for monitoring study performance, analyzing and reviewing results, and supervising the development and implementation of new protocols. This includes assigning work to study staff and ensuring that all technical operations adhere to quality control standards and protocols. The coordinator will also develop, implement, and administer budgets, grant applications, and administrative procedures. Additionally, the role may involve co-authoring scientific papers for presentation and publication, as well as coordinating the writing, submission, and administration of grants. It is crucial that all study activities comply with Good Clinical Practices (GCP) and all relevant local, state, and federal laws, regulations, and guidelines established by the Northwestern University Institutional Review Board (IRB), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and the International Conference on Harmonization (ICH).

Responsibilities

• Leads execution and control of a biomedical and/or social science project or research study.
• Coordinates processing and analysis of data, conduct of experimental tests and procedures.
• Develops new and/or revised research methodologies.
• Ensures completion of study activities per protocol including recruitment.
• Ascertains pretreatment and eligibility requirements.
• Obtains informed consent from participants.
• Registers participants with appropriate sponsor.
• Interviews and obtains medical and social histories from participants.
• Collects data from medical records.
• Administers, schedules, and/or scores tests as required.
• Oversees and manages collection, maintenance, analysis, and evaluation of data for grant submissions, presentations, and publications.
• Ensures accurate data entry into databases.
• Assists Principal Investigator (PI) in reviewing, analyzing, interpreting, summarizing, formatting, editing, and preparing reports.
• Coordinates between sponsoring agencies, collaborating organizations, and other research or educational institutions.
• Ensures timely completion of all study documents in compliance with regulatory guidelines and research protocols.
• Manages lab/study budget and inventory, including purchasing supplies and services.
• Orders and maintains inventory of study supplies.
• Distributes intra-departmental charges and negotiates with vendors for equipment.
• Trains, directs, assigns duties to, and supervises research staff, students, residents, and/or fellows.
• Acts as a mentor for junior coordinators.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in social or health science or related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience with 3 years of relevant research experience; or a Master's degree in a related field with 1 year of relevant research experience.
• Completion of NU's IRB CITI training before interacting with participants, with re-certification every 3 years.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience in biomedical research or clinical trials.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.
• Familiarity with regulatory compliance in research.

Benefits

• Competitive health care plans.
• Retirement benefits.
• Tuition discounts.
• Flexible work arrangements.
• Programs for quality, affordable childcare and senior/adult care.
• Professional development resources and tools.