Clinical Research Coordinator

Department: SoC Comm Sciences & Disorders
Salary/Grade: EXS/5

Pediatric Speech Technologies and Acoustic Research (PedzSTAR) Lab is led by Dr. Marisha Speights. This lab examines early identification and speech and language development of underrepresented young children. We are specifically focused on using advanced software in addition to developing computer-based technologies that can identify when children of various cultures and socioeconomic backgrounds are having difficulty developing speech and language so that they can be directed to services as soon as possible. PedzSTAR uses a variety of methodologies including clinical trials, behavioral observations, and surveys. Data collection is both short-term and longitudinal with either single or multiple time points. Because PedzSTAR blends research and clinical practice, this position requires a flexible and creative thinker who can work as part of an interdisciplinary team.

Currently, PedzSTAR has two funded research studies. One study partners with the Childhood Network of Evanston to support head start and preschool for all programs with speech and language screenings and education for 3-5 year olds. Another study collects audio samples and speech and language development of 4 year old children from diverse cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds.

This position requires someone with a strong attention to detail who can also consider the big picture. The position includes typical weekday and occasional weekend availability for travel and coordination with national site partners in Chicago, Atlanta, Baltimore, Los Angeles, Dallas, Orlando, St. Louis, and New Jersey. In addition to other data management tasks such as entering/verifying data, data quality checks, and overall data monitoring. We are also looking for a team player who prefers open and honest communication and is willing to take initiative and learn a variety of lab related responsibilities, including using task management systems (ASANA), supporting database edits (REDCap), and general lab needs (e.g. supply management and organization, grant related material creation and organization, etc).

Job Summary:

Manages daily operations of a biomedical &/or social-behavioral research study involving multidisciplinary teams of colleagues, sponsors & other external project stakeholders. Monitors study performance, analyzes & review results, & supervises development & implementation of new protocols. Assigns work & supervises study staff & reviews technical operations ensuring that all processes, protocols & procedures are quality controlled & functioning up to standards. May co-author scientific papers for presentation & publication & coordinates writing, submission & administration of grants. 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).

Please note:

Supervisor provides objectives and deadlines. Work is reviewed for fulfillment of objective and deadlines and overall compliance with policy and procedures. EE completes some activities without direction, informing supervisor only of potentially controversial matters, and/or far-reaching implications.

Must have access to reliable transportation to local research sites outside of the university campus.

Must be able travel to non-local research sites outside of the Chicagoland area.

Must have occasional weekend availability.

Specific Responsibilities :

Technical

• Leads execution & control of a biomedical &/or social science project or research study.
• Manages and ensures completion of study activities per protocol. Collaborating with nursing staff and Principal Investigator (PI) ascertains pretreatment & eligibility requirements; interviews participants & obtains social & medical histories; based on results determines & registers participants with appropriate sponsors; completes informed consent; determines & organizes patient's treatment and test schedules.
• Manages conduct of experimental tests & procedures. Closely monitors & documents patient's adverse events; partners with nursing staff in modifying dosages, tests & treatment schedule.

Data

• Manages project data including processing, accuracy, analysis & evaluation of data ensuring that results meet project information and deliverable objectives. Partners with internal/external project and IT staff to create, review, analyze, interpret, summarize and prepare progress & final reports.
• Provides consultation to internal/external project staff on appropriate data management, methodological issues and analysis of data.

Administration

• Manages project, collaborating and partnering with all internal/external staff including sponsoring agencies, 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 project 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.

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 2 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.
• Must complete NU's IRB CITI training before interacting with any participants & must re-certify every 3 years

Target hiring range for this position will be between $52,000-$63,000 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 .

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