Research Project Specialist 1

Essential Employees

The successful candidate will be designated as an Essential Employee. Essential Employees are expected to report to campus during a University State of Emergency (reduced operations or campus closure) unless specifically directed by the Department not to report or if directed by civil emergency or medical authorities not to report for health and safety reasons. As an Essential Employee , you must report to campus even if the closure is less than 3 days.

Position Summary
This position is in the Division of Epidemiology and Clinical Research in the Department of Pediatrics at the University of Minnesota Medical School. The Research Project Specialist will
be responsible for the coordination of pediatric cancer epidemiology studies, primarily for the Childhood Cancer Registry for Etiology and Survivorship (CARES) and the 10,000 Families
Study (10KFS).

The CARES registry is a protocol that aims to collect biospecimens and questionnaire data from childhood cancer cases. The main goal of the study is to create a critical resource to study the causes of childhood cancer and as a platform for survivorship research. This position will supervise other study staff, implement best practices for participant recruitment, study protocols, and documentation. The Research Project Specialist will work with the study team on all areas of study coordination, recruitment and data collection, including participant contact, survey data collection, biospecimen collection, and requesting medical and birth records. The 10,000 Families Study (10KFS) is a growing multigenerational family cohort study of lifestyle, genetic, and environmental influences on health and disease across Minnesota. One of five awardees nationally, 10KFS is part of the Cohorts for Environmental Exposures and Cancer Risk (CEECR) grant program, which is funded by the National Cancer Institute through August 2027. For 10KFS, this position will include overseeing regulatory compliance, working with the CEECR coordinating center on collaborative efforts, leading participant report back, community engagement, and assisting study investigators in developing new research initiatives.

The ideal applicant will have strong organizational skills and dependability, the ability to work both independently and within a team, experience working with diverse populations, and interest in research. Candidates with relevant experience and interest may have the opportunity to engage in research results dissemination, including updates to study participants and writing of scientific manuscripts.

Responsibilities
20% - Coordination of CARES study enrollment
Implement standard procedures for participant outreach and enrollment developed following best practices for epidemiologic research
Work with the study team to develop new enrollment procedures to engage participants in novel ways

10% - Biospecimen and record collection for CARES
Coordinate collection of biological samples, including blood spot and tumor specimens
Complete biospecimen and medical record collection requests and follow-up

20%- Planning and quality improvement
Actively participate in ongoing planning meetings and communications with the study teams to establish, implement and improve data collection and recruitment processes for
both studies.
Assist with data documentation and report preparation
Participate in coordinating staffing across 10KFS. At times this may include student and employee supervision

25% - Regulatory compliance and documentation of study processes for both studies:
Manage and ensure that all regulatory requirements (e.g. IRB, HIPCO) are met, anticipating upcoming needs.
Work with investigators and key staff members to develop and maintain accurate documentation of study related procedures.
Work with approved vendors to set up and manage contracts and purchasing for services needed by 10KFS (e.g. language translations, data collection, and community organizations).

15% - Study engagement and participant return of results for 10KFS:
Work with the study investigators to facilitate integration of 10KFS into the CEECR network, including responding to requests from the coordinating center and assisting
with collaborative research projects across CEECR.
Oversee development and implementation of participant report-back in collaboration with the CEECR coordinating center, study investigators and collaborators generating environmental exposure data following best practices in the field.

10% - Coordinate collaborative research in 10KFS
Facilitate the review of new proposals and data requests from 10KFS
Work with investigators to develop new research opportunities and collaborations, including preparation of funding proposals for both studies

Qualifications

Required Qualifications
BS/BA and 6 years' experience in research setting or an advanced degree and 4 years' experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience to total ten years
Experience with computerized data management in a health research-related setting such as REDCap
Experience working with diverse study participants and families
Knowledge of federal regulations related to research with human subjects and protected health information
Ability to work independently and with the multidisciplinary team as needed; make decisions, problem solve and prioritize the simultaneous management of multiple clinical studies
Ability to follow strict protocols with utmost ethical standards
Computer proficiency and ability to navigate multiple software applications
Strong critical thinking skills
Computer proficiency and ability to navigate multiple software applications
Detail-oriented with exceptional organizational, planning and problem solving skills
Ability to work flexible work hours, including occasional evenings and weekends

Preferred Qualifications
Excellent written, verbal and interpersonal skills
Specimen management experience including processing human samples and shipping per regulations
Experience recruiting participants to research studies
During a typical 8 hour shift, a person in this position may be required to stand up to 2.5 hours, walk up to 2.5 hours (including stairs), reach above shoulders, lift up to 10 pounds above
shoulder, and carry packages across campus at waist level

About the Department

Program/Unit Description
The Division of Epidemiology and Clinical Research has nearly a 30-year history of conducting epidemiologic research into the causes of childhood cancer, outcomes during treatment, and
late-effects among survivors. Currently four faculty work in this area, along with numerous graduate students and postdoctoral fellows. Data to be managed and analyzed includes cancer
surveillance (i.e. SEER) data, many case-control studies conducted through the Children's Oncology Group, large record-linkage studies, and pooled case-control data through the
Childhood Leukemia International Consortium, among others. The Division also holds many genomic datasets, which require management and integration with non-genomic data. Division
research and trainees are supported by multiple NIH and foundation grants, an NIH T32 training grant, and the generous philanthropy of the Children's Cancer Research Fund.

Benefits

Working at the University

At the University of Minnesota, you'll find a flexible work environment and supportive colleagues who are interested in lifelong learning. We prioritize work-life balance, allowing you to invest in the future of your career and in your life outside of work.

The University also offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefits.

How To Apply

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

Diversity

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Employment Requirements

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

About the U of M

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America’s Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).