Research Coordinator

The Substance Use Research and Education (SURE) Center at the University of New Mexico College of Pharmacy (Albuquerque, NM) is seeking a qualified candidate to join a dynamic and highly productive multi-disciplinary research team. The SURE Center conducts multiple clinical, translational, and community-based research studies focusing on impact of substance use disorders on vulnerable populations. The SURE Center and partners at the UNM School of Medicine and at the Mind Research Network were awarded a large NIH grant to participate in the Healthy Brain and Child Development (HBCD) study – a national longitudinal study focusing on early childhood development in vulnerable and general populations. The HBCD Study with the SURE center is one of a dozen centers across the U.S. working to enroll and follow participating families from pregnancy through early childhood. The long-term goal of the HBCD study is to gain better understanding of how child development is affected by exposures to environmental and social experiences and conditions. (https://hbcdstudy.org/).

 Under the direct supervision of the SURE Center’s Research Scientist 3, the Research Coordinator will be responsible for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-based and lab-based activities for the HBCD study. The MRI-based research activities include participant scheduling and the oversight of study visits, completing MRI safety screening with the assistance of MRI technicians, obtaining infant anthropometrics, administering questionnaires, and biospecimen collection. The lab-based activities include collection, processing, aliquoting, analyzing, and delivery of urine, blood, saliva, and possibly placental tissue biospecimens. This position is an integral part of the clinical research team to maintain oversight of research collection and specimens in accordance with protocols, uphold BSL-2 laboratory standards, and maintain regulatory and laboratory files, and oversee the process of data entry and quality assurance.

The Research Coordinator will work closely with UNM faculty to coordinate and complete assessments, and assist with assigned research protocols. The incumbent will also coordinate study-related procedures, including completion of structured interviews and data entry. He/she/they will work closely with the study consultants, co-investigators, and laboratory personnel.

This position requires the ability to work flexible hours, as required by studies. Flexible hours include either early morning and/or late evening hours. Rotated weekend coverage of research activities is also required within a 40-hour work week.

Duties, Requirements, and Responsibilities:

• Plan, implement, and maintain MRI study visit data collection, and documentation under the supervision of the PI and/or Co-Investigators.
• Administer structured interviews with study participants.
• Establish and coordinate logistical arrangements for research subjects.
• Monitor the progress of research activities; develop and maintain records of research activities, and prepare periodic and ad hoc reports, as required by investigators.
• Coordinate the collection and management of research specimens, data entry and documentation in support of the research protocol.
• May abstract study specific information from patient's electronic medical records.
• Monitors, stocks, and procures research equipment and supplies inventories, as appropriate for study visits.
• Ensures the smooth and efficient day-to-day operation of research and data collection activities, and resolve procedural and logistical problems as appropriate to the timely completion of research activities.
• Plan and organize day-to-day on-site study visit activities, and resolve procedural and logistical problems as appropriate to the timely completion of MRI visits, laboratory, and other research activities.
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills required to communicate with clinical staff and research participants.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills required to work in a fast-paced research environment.
• Must possess a current valid Driver’s License.