Research Associate

University of Colorado • Aurora, CO

11d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome at the University of Colorado Anschutz School of Medicine is hiring a full-time Research Associate to provide scientific leadership and operational oversight for high-level internal and externally funded research projects. The role leads multi-site international initiatives spanning the United States, Latin America, and Asia, coordinating investigators, clinicians, data managers, and research staff to support study implementation and alignment with program objectives.

The Research Associate translates scientific protocols into operational workflows and oversees REDCap-based data systems, longitudinal tracking, data quality assurance, and harmonization. The position supports clinical and translational research design and implementation, including protocol development, site readiness, and regulatory and ethical requirements such as IRB approvals and applicable FDA and GDPR considerations. It also facilitates material and data transfer agreements (MTAs/DTAs) and compliant data exchange across institutions.

Working with global partners and consortium members, the role supports study execution, data sharing, and dissemination of findings. It contributes to grant development, budgeting, scientific reporting, and strategic planning for large-scale federally funded initiatives, including the NIH INCLUDE Project. The position also develops standard operating procedures, reporting structures, and program monitoring tools, and trains and mentors research staff and coordinators to promote consistent practices across international teams.

The position is hybrid, with four days per week on campus and in-person attendance as needed for meetings. Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States without requiring sponsorship. The anticipated hiring range is $65,000 to $80,000.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Biomedical Sciences, Bioinformatics, Data Science, Molecular Biology, or a related field.
• At least 3 years of progressively responsible experience in biomedical or translational research, including demonstrated experience managing complex, multi-component research programs or collaborations.
• Ability to communicate complex scientific concepts to diverse audiences, including researchers, clinicians, institutional leadership, and external stakeholders.
• Ability to build and sustain collaborative relationships across multidisciplinary teams, institutions, and international partners.
• Ability to lead and contribute to scientific publications, including drafting, revising, and submitting manuscripts in peer-reviewed journals.
• Strong presentation skills and experience presenting scientific findings at conferences, consortium meetings, and stakeholder briefings.
• Experience contributing to or leading grant applications, budgets, and sponsor reports.
• Ability to initiate, develop, and manage scientific collaborations across complex organizational structures.
• Expertise in data analysis, data stewardship, and management of complex biomedical datasets, including ensuring data quality and integrity.
• Ability in research program coordination and team leadership, including managing competing priorities and timelines.
• Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to influence without direct authority and navigate complex team dynamics.
• Exceptional organizational and project management skills, attention to detail, and ability to drive initiatives from concept through execution.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including preparation of technical documents, SOPs, and strategic reports.
• Legal authorization to work in the United States without requiring sponsorship; the employer cannot provide work visa sponsorship or employment authorization now or in the future.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in biomedical or translational research, preferably in federally funded programs such as NIH and multidisciplinary research environments.
• Experience coordinating multi-site, consortium-based, or international research initiatives with investigators, clinical teams, external partners, and vendors.
• Experience with IRB-regulated human subjects research, including protocol development, regulatory submissions and amendments, and ongoing compliance.
• Experience with research program management and implementation.
• Familiarity with research data management, including data curation, harmonization, quality assurance, and integration of longitudinal, clinical, biospecimen, or multi-omics datasets.
• Experience contributing to grant applications, budget development, sponsor reporting, scientific manuscripts, and research publications.
• Ability to develop SOPs, operational workflows, and training materials, mentor colleagues, and support consistent research practices across teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead multi-site international research initiatives, overseeing cross-functional teams, timelines, deliverables, and stakeholder engagement.
• Coordinate research activities across investigators, institutions, and global partners to align with scientific objectives, funding requirements, and program milestones.
• Oversee study implementation, site readiness, and operational workflows across institutions; monitor progress, address operational challenges, and implement process improvements.
• Design, implement, and oversee data collection and management systems, including REDCap, longitudinal tracking, data quality assurance, and cross-site harmonization.
• Develop and maintain standardized data workflows, governance practices, SOPs, and reporting structures.
• Support clinical and translational research implementation, including protocol development, regulatory compliance, and integration of clinical, biospecimen, and research data.
• Coordinate regulatory and ethical requirements, including IRB, FDA, and GDPR considerations, across participating institutions.
• Collaborate with international investigators, clinicians, and partners; coordinate study activities and facilitate data sharing through MTAs and DTAs.
• Contribute to federal grant applications, budgets, progress reports, and strategic planning for large-scale NIH-funded initiatives, including the INCLUDE Project.
• Track program milestones, deliverables, and outcomes for sponsor reporting, program evaluation, and future funding opportunities.
• Act as a liaison between global research sites and central leadership, facilitating communication, resolving challenges, and supporting dissemination of research findings.
• Lead onboarding and training for research staff and site coordinators; provide ongoing mentorship and operational support.
• Develop training materials and resources to standardize practices, improve team coordination, and promote sustainability across research programs.

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Retirement plans, including an employer contribution of 10% of gross pay to the 401(a) plan
• Tuition benefits
• Reduced-rate ECO Pass for RTD bus and light rail service
• Paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, and holidays
• Disability insurance
• Vision insurance
• Dental insurance

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree