Research Coordinator, Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences

The University of Montana invites applications for a Research Coordinator to play a critical role in the Precision Medicine Project – a core initiative of the Skaggs Institute for Health Innovation . The mission of the newly established Skaggs Institute for Health Innovation (SIHI) is to create equitable access to health innovations for all Montanans. Through the leadership of Dr. Erica Woodahl, SIHI has partnered with leading health systems across Montana to implement precision medicine and pharmacogenomic innovations for rural, tribal, and other underserved populations. Translation of pharmacogenomics into clinical practice requires genetic research with diverse patient populations to accurately predict drug response and toxicity. The Research Coordinator will coordinate the operations of clinical and precision medicine research studies involving human participants. This position interacts with representatives from university, federal, state, and Tribal agencies. This position will be involved in the coordination of a multidisciplinary group of research personnel.

Research coordination:

• Assist in establishing and maintaining contact with community groups, clinical research staff, health care providers, and study sponsors
• Plan and coordinate participant recruitment for research study protocols, including coordinating with clinical staff and communicating with research participants
• Assist with maintaining and updating study databases
• Ensure smooth and efficient day-to-day operation of research and data collection activities including coordinating and scheduling meetings and teleconferences, and updating project websites and social media accounts
• Manage IRB submissions
• Monitor the progress of research activities; develop and maintain records of research activities (e.g. budgets and recruitments), and assist in preparing periodic and ad hoc reports, as required by investigators, administrators, funding agencies, and/or regulatory bodies

Community engagement:

• Coordinate community engagement activities including Tribal community advisory board (CAB) meetings, including preparing pre- and post-meeting materials, attending monthly meetings, and maintaining ongoing communication with CAB members
• Assist in preparing reports and presentations to community leadership and key stakeholders as needed
• Support community dissemination efforts

Data collection and analysis:

• Plan, implement, and maintain data collection and analysis systems in support of research protocols
• Recruit and screen potential study participants and determine eligibility according to established criteria
• Schedule and conduct qualitative research with community members and key stakeholders (e.g. clinicians, administrators) in a variety of settings in Montana
• Participate in coding and analysis of qualitative data

Laboratory support:

• Process clinical biological specimens (e.g., blood, saliva, and urine samples) for analysis and isolate biological constituents (e.g. DNA, plasma, RBCs, platelets)
• Maintain detailed records of freezer inventories of clinical samples and ensure security of samples for long-term storage
• Packing and shipping specimens to research partners and outside labs in accordance with federal and institutional requirements

Post training, candidate will become familiar with:

• Pharmacogenomics and precision medicine research.
• Methods of community-based participatory research to engage underserved and diverse populations in pharmacogenomics and precision medicine research.
• Candidate will be expected to interact with clinical research staff, participate in the recruitment of human subjects, and collect and process clinical samples for genetic and biomarker analyses.

The University of Montana is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer and has a strong institutional commitment to the principle of diversity in all areas. In that spirit, we are particularly interested in receiving applications from a broad spectrum of qualified people who would assist the University in demonstrating its five priorities for action : Place student success at the center of all we do; drive excellence and innovation in teaching, learning, and research; embody the principle of “mission first, people always"; partner with place; and proudly tell the UM story.

Position Details

• Position is full-time, 1.0 FTE, Letter of Appointment and includes a comprehensive and competitive benefits package including Insurance package, mandatory retirement plan, partial tuition waiver, and wellness program.
• Salary for this position is $45,000 per year commensurate with qualifications.

Required Skills

• Excellent judgment and interpersonal skills with proven ability for effective cross-cultural communication
• Familiarity with community-based research principles and approaches
• Experience in clinical and human subjects research
• Experience managing data and research procedures
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office programs (e.g. Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook) and experience managing, using, and/or analyzing complex data sets with databases such as AirTable
• Meticulous organizational skills and proven ability to multi-task and work independently and effectively in cross-functional teams
• The ideal candidate will be excited to work directly with indigenous, rural, and other underserved communities to address health disparities

Minimum Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in biology, biomedical and pharmaceutical sciences, pharmacology, public health, or health-related field AND two (2) years of relevant work experience
• Experience in clinical research project coordination, knowledge of NIH requirements relating to research involving human participants, experience in clinical trial development, implementation, and analysis

About UM and the Department of Biomedical & Pharmaceutical Sciences

The University of Montana is flagship, research institution with more than 9,000 undergraduate and graduate students. It is located in Missoula, a culturally vibrant community of about 75,000, surrounded by mountains and three rivers converge. Abundant recreational opportunities in surrounding state and national forests and nearby Glacier National Park and Yellowstone National Park complement a thriving intellectual atmosphere.

The mission of the Department of Biomedical & Pharmaceutical Sciences is to offer a dynamic curriculum in the pharmaceutical sciences in support of the professional pharmacy degree and strong graduate programs. The Department places high priority on the development of nationally recognized programs of research, NIH supported programs, and Ph.D. level graduate education. Collaborative ties with other units of the University, with nationally and regionally clinical and basic research centers, and with the pharmaceutical industry are explored to the fullest extent. The Department is committed to development of minority training programs and recruitment of minority and female faculty and students.

Criminal Background Investigation is required prior to Offer of Employment.
In accordance with University policy, finalists for this position will be subject to criminal background investigations.
ADA/EOE/AA/Veteran's Preference.
Reasonable accommodations are provided in the hiring process for persons with disabilities. For example, this material is available in alternative format upon request. As an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer, we encourage applications from minorities, veterans, and women. Qualified candidates may request veterans’ or disabilities preference in accordance with state law.
References *References not listed on the application materials may be contacted; notice may be provided to the applicant.
Testing Individual hiring departments at UM may elect to administer pre-employment tests, which are relevant to essential job functions.

E mployment Eligibility. All New Employees must be eligible and show employment eligibility verification by the first date of employment at UM, as legally required (e.g., Form I-9).


How to Apply

Priority Application Date: Tuesday, February 8, 2022 by 11:59 PM (Mountain Time)

Applications received by this date will be guaranteed consideration. Application review will begin after date above and continue until the position is filled.

Please submit the following application materials via "New Resume/CV" button below.

• Letter of Interest – addressing the stated required skills for the position
• Detailed resume listing education and describing work experience
• Three (3) professional references - Names and contact information

Job Location Missoula, Montana, United States
Position Type Full-Time/Regular