Clinical Research Coordinator – Cognition, Affect and Temperament Laboratory

Penn State University • University Park, IL

23h • $54,060 - $78,444 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Cognition, Affect, and Temperament Laboratory, in the College of the Liberal Arts, headed by Dr. Koraly Pérez-Edgar, is seeking a full-time Clinical Research Coordinator to work on the longitudinal NIDA-funded HEALthy Brain and Child Development (HBCD) study. This study focuses on pregnant people and their children in the areas of neurodevelopment, behavior, learning, environmental factors, substance exposure, and cognitive functioning. In doing so, the lab incorporates several techniques, including EEG, MRI, developmental assessments, direct behavioral observations, biospecimen collections, and questionnaires. This work will take advantage of the University’s broad resources, including the Child Study Center and the Social, Life, and Engineering Sciences and Imaging (SLEIC) Center. This is a two-site study in collaboration with Dr. Aleksandra Zgierska at Penn State’s College of Medicine in Hershey, Pennsylvania. As such, study personnel will have cross-site, virtual training opportunities. The Clinical Research Coordinator has a vital role in this study by coordinating and overseeing operational, regulatory, data management, and participant engagement activities.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree
• 1+ years of relevant experience
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the demonstrated ability to collaborate well with others
• Willingness to learn and develop computer skills (i.e., Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and other programs)
• PA State Police Criminal Background Check
• PA Child Abuse History Clearance Form
• Federal (FBI) Fingerprint Criminal Background Check
• Authorized to work in the U.S.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in a lab that conducts behavioral coding, neuroimaging, or eye-tracking studies
• Professional experience working with infants or children.
• A degree in Psychology, Neuroscience, Human Development and Family Studies, Social Work, or a related field

Responsibilities

• Assist the Clinical Research Coordinator Supervisor with the hiring, onboarding, and training of new research staff in study protocols and lab standards.
• Provide guidance and mentorship to team members, as well as quality assurance checks and assist with team meetings.
• Responsible for site data management and reporting to HBCD administrative and data coordinating center. Maintain site compliance with research protocols.
• Administer clinical assessments, neuropsychological testing, and other sensitive assessments (e.g., related to substance use and environmental factors). Refer participants to resources available in the community and social services.
• Assist with data collection and data transfer. Responsible for troubleshooting issues that arise in the research setting, including with MRI scanning.
• Proactively identify and coordinate opportunities for participant retention and communication.
• Liaise with the grants office to ensure budget compliance, as well as financial forecasting and visit projections to ensure funding over the grant lifecycle.
• Partner with Penn State University Institutional Review Board (IRB) and Single IRB (sIRB) to maintain protocol compliance, ensure current consent documentation, and monitor required personnel training and certifications.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical coverage
• Dental coverage
• Vision coverage
• Robust retirement plans
• Substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time
• 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level