Project Coordinator

Summary

The Department of Psychology in the VCU College of Humanities and Sciences (CHS) invites applications for a grant-funded research coordinator position titled, Project Coordinator. The purpose of the Project Coordinator position is to support the operational activities of the NIH-funded research project by working closely with the Principal Investigators. The overall goal of this research is to compare and contrast the nature of cancer genetic counseling encounters and patient-centered outcomes between Black and White patients in the naturalistic clinical setting. The Project Coordinator is required to be familiar with all aspects of the research protocol in order to provide support for the overall research operations as well as day-to-day research activities.

Research Coordinators generally perform administrative and study related duties that are essential to the successful management of research conducted by Principal Investigators (PIs) at the university. This position supports human subject research that is conducted in a clinical or health care environment or requires access to clinical facilities, systems, or data. Typical duties may include scheduling and monitoring of research activities and timelines; conducting participant interviews, administering study related assessments, and recording observations; coordinating the management, storage, and reporting of study data; monitoring data to maintain quality control; purchasing supplies and tracking expenditures; summarizing study results; preparing reports; and scheduling and booking facilities. They may work independently or as a member of a team. They work under general supervision, resolving most standard issues independently and referring complex issues to an upper-level manager. Coordinators typically report to a manager or director or may report to a department administrator. NOTE: Maintain established portfolio driven knowledge base of federal and state laws and regulations, sponsor guidance as well as university policies and compliance notices, with ability to consistently interpret and apply accurately.

Note: This position is restricted and continuation is dependent upon grant funding.

Job-Specific Duties

The primary responsibilities of this position include, but are not limited to:

1. Research Operations: Communication with the research team and coordination of team meetings, communication with the VCU IRB (as well as external IRBs) and updating the research protocol as needed, communication with counterparts at data collection medical clinic sites, management of the collection and storage of study data including tracking all participant contact information, appointment availability, data, and correspondence, management and maintenance of all lab equipment, and recruitment, training, and supervision of research assistants.

2. Subject Recruitment: Serving as the first point of contact for all questions and concerns about the study, to include overseeing the screening of participants over the phone and potentially in person, knowledge of inclusion/exclusion criteria to participation, and ability to describe the study in detail to potentially eligible participants and answer any questions they may have. Creation, maintenance, and display of IRB-approved recruitment flyers and posters.

3. Administrative Activities: Supervision of all research assistants (hourly, graduate students, and undergraduate students) and management of lab schedules. Logging daily research activities, scheduling and coordination of regular research team meetings, preparation of all research materials, as well as taking notes and distribution of meeting minutes. Oversee the process of scheduling interviews with participants. Creation, maintenance, and storage of all study scripts and documents.

Job-Specific Education and Experience

Minimum Qualifications
•Demonstrated record of dependability and reliability
•Demonstrated record of working with individuals from diverse demographic characteristics
•Demonstrated experience working in and fostering a diverse faculty, staff, and student environment, or commitment to do so as a staff member at VCU
•Experience working on or coordinating research projects involving human subjects
•Excellent written and oral communication skills
•Strong organizational skills and ability to set goals
•Proven record of working independently
•Proven record of successfully managing multiple projects and meeting multiple deadlines simultaneously
•Working knowledge of computer programs and systems, especially Microsoft Office and Google Suite
•Working knowledge of virtual meetings platforms, such as Zoom and MacLaren Now

Preferred Qualifications
•Strong educational background in Psychology, Public Health, Health Sciences, or related field or equivalent training and experience
•Experience coordinating research studies/projects in a higher-education environment
•Experience working in a healthcare environment
•Experience going through the protocol submission, revision, and approval processes with an IRB
•Strong leadership and decision-making skills
•Service orientation, commitment to excellence and professional growth
•Proficiency with statistical software such as SPSS, MPlus, and SAS
•Proficiency with survey platforms, such as REDCap and Qualtrics
•Basic knowledge of research protocols, participant screening processes, research tools, and confidentiality

Job Specific Physical and Cognitive Requirements:

Physical Demands
Light lifting (<20 lbs.): essential
Moderate lifting (20-50 lbs.) marginal
Pushing/pulling: marginal
Standing: essential
Sitting: essential
Repetitive motion: marginal
Walking: essential
Reaching: marginal
Bending: marginal

Emotional Demands
Fast pace: essential
Average pace: essential
Multiple Stimuli: essential
Intense customer interaction: essential
Frequent change: essential

Mental/Sensory Demands
Memory: essential
Reasoning: essential
Hearing: essential
Reading: essential
Analyzing: essential
Logic: essential
Verbal communication: essential
Written communication: essential

Salary Range: $38,000-$49,000



Position Details:

Department: Psychology
Employment Type: UF - University Employee FT
Restricted Status: Yes
FTE: 1
Exemption Status: Non-Exempt

Alternative Work Arrangements Eligible: Yes, as established under the current VCU FWA

Optional Retirement Plan (ORP) Eligible: No