Research Administrative Coordinator, School of Medicine, VIPBG / Psych

Summary:

The Virginia Institute for Psychiatric and Behavioral Genetics (VIPBG; vipbg.vcu.edu), affiliated with the Department of Psychiatry, in the School of Medicine at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) in Richmond, Virginia, invites applications for a full-time postdoctoral researcher position, available immediately. VIPBG is an interdisciplinary institute that brings together researchers with backgrounds from statistical and molecular genetics to epidemiology, psychology, psychiatry, and neuroscience, all with a shared focus on understanding how genetic and environmental factors impact the development of behavioral phenotypes and complex traits, particularly psychiatric and substance use disorders. Further information on the Institute, its faculty, and research may be found at https://vipbg.vcu.edu/

In this position you will become a close partner of a highly productive senior scientist-clinician who is the most cited active scientists within his field, with a dynamic international research program in the genetics of psychiatric illness and the director of a premier 18-faculty research institute - the Virginia Institute for Psychiatric Genetics (VIPBG) -- with a diverse faculty in the areas of clinical psychology, psychiatry, epidemiology, biometrics, statistical genetics and molecular genetics. VIPBG has active research programs in the genetics of schizophrenia, bipolar illness, major depression, alcohol use disorder, drug use disorder and PTSD. Federally funded grants cover multiple research projects in the United States as well as programs in Sweden, South Korea, Singapore, Taiwan, Vietnam, with projects being currently planned in Denmark and Turkey.

In this position, you will provide support for the VIPBG director that ranges from scheduling and attending research meetings, arranging his calendar and travel schedule, assisting in writing letters of support, keeping his CV and referencing system up to date, interfacing with the institutional review board for ethical approvals, helping to review multiple grant budgets and planning future expenditures, and collaborating on grant submissions to the National Institutes of Health and critical reports submitted to the School of Medicine and the Office of the Vice President of Research. This position will involve exposure to and integration with an active research program in a vital area of psychiatric research with multiple opportunities to learn new skills about the conduct and supervision of a wide variety of research projects that work locally and internationally.

This position will play a crucial role in supporting and facilitating the activities of the Director of a complex research institute. The selected candidate will provide essential support that allows the Director to focus on their scientific and academic pursuits, enhancing the overall efficiency and effectiveness of the Director's research and research leadership commitments. This role involves working directly with the Director, who is involved in multiple national and international research projects, to manage and improve
non-research-related activities that directly impact research outcomes.

Typical Duties
Key Responsibilities:

Research Project Coordination
• Coordinate and assist in managing routine activities of research projects and reporting for the Director.
• Ensure timelines and milestones are achieved for all projects assigned.
• Attend and contribute to research meetings; reporting progress on all projects assigned.
• Assist Director in ensuring appropriate research records are maintained, support research progress report preparation, manage project timelines and help facilitate communication with all internal stakeholders and sponsors.
• Grant and Funding Management
• Assist in preparing and coordinating grant proposal submissions with research administrators, typically involving multiple investigators.
• Support the Director in monitoring grant budgets and reviewing expenditures in conjunction with project progress to ensure alignment with the Director's objectives, project timelines, and goals.
• Provide research program support by monitoring budgets across multiple grants to assist in optimizing use of resources and funding for the research programs at both the PI and Center level.

Administrative Support
• Provide general administrative support to the Director, including calendar management.
• Manage the referencing software critical to the Director's research work.
• Oversee the organization and scheduling of meetings. Send calendar invitations, book conference rooms, and set up necessary equipment or presentations.
• Manage logistical aspects such as travel arrangements for multiple major and complex conferences or events throughout the year.
• Assist in preparation of letters of support and keep up-to-date the Director's CV and biosketches needed for grant submissions.
• Schedule the Director's required university trainings and faculty evaluations for the institute.

Data Organization
• Manage data resources, storage, and processes to ensure accuracy and organization.
• Assist in preparing and distributing research findings through documents, publications, presentations, and other communication channels.

Skills:
Organizational
• Strong ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines
• Excellent attention to detail and the ability to create and maintain organized systems and processes.
Communication
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to effectively interact with a diverse range of individuals, including researchers, students, administrators, and external stakeholders.
Technical
• Proficient in research management software, databases, and other relevant technology.
• Familiarity with financial management tools and software.
Analytical
• Skilled in analyzing complex data and information to provide specialized advice.
Interpersonal
• Strong team-player mentality with the ability to work collaboratively and build relationships.
• Diplomatic and adept at handling sensitive issues with discretion.