Research Coord

UPMC•Pittsburgh, PA

About The Position

Led by Dr. Phillips, our lab at WPH Department of Psychiatry, is comprised of a talented group of psychiatry faculty, postdoctoral associates, students, and staff, all dedicated to better understanding the neural circuitry underlying mood, substance and anxiety disorders using multimodal imaging techniques. We have an existing clinical trial in nutritional ketosis for people diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder. We are adding a Research Coord to our group for a new Nutritional Therapeutics Clinical and Research Center. With the new clinic, we will expand our metabolic psychiatry program to establish a network of nutritional ketosis clinical trials and develop a specialized metabolic psychiatry clinical service. This position will manage day to day coordination of participants in a newly established Clinic and Research Center in Nutritional Ketosis. Day to day coordination functions for the research trials and clinic will involve regular contact with study participants, scheduling appointments, conducting assessments, tracking protocol compliance, follow-up of study participants, data collection and general clinic and research assistance related to participant flow, and assisting with the workflow/supervision of two Research Specialists who will cover responsibilities and data related to a portion of the MRI and blood draw visits. The Coord will manage ongoing communication with trial and clinic participants, ensure IRB protocol compliance and follow the mandatory reporting procedures for any deviations or adverse events. This position is grant funded.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree required, preferably in Psychology, Neuroscience, Sociology or related research field.
Minimum of one year of work experience in research project and/or related clinical setting is required.
Familiarity with computers and common software packages required.
Excellent communication skills both verbal and written.
Demonstrated ability to effectively communicate with participants/clinic patients, staff, and investigators.
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Nice To Haves

Working knowledge of research methodology strongly preferred.
Experience independently conducting interviews, evaluations, assessments and cognitive tests with research participants highly preferred.
Experience in coordinating multiple aspects of human subject research projects highly preferred.

Responsibilities

Maintain research records and data including responsibility for communications via mail or fax with project sponsor, all regulatory agencies, and principal investigators.
Reimburse subjects for study participation
Attend educational seminars to advance knowledge in research coordination.
Responsible for project documentation and audit-related activities.
Recruit participants, conduct study visits and follows subjects through study completion.
Assist with laboratory packing and shipping.
Maintain compliance with IRB regulations.
Coordinate all supplies, forms and records with project sponsor and regulatory agencies.
Develop system for tracking recruitment efforts and communication with subjects.
Perform duties for approved research projects according to defined protocols and procedures
Process, label and ship blood specimens obtained from research participants
Maintain strong organization related to participant flow and expected research activities.
Work independently, must be able to work a flexible schedule based on study needs.
Interact and effectively communicate with patients/study participants, research, clinical, administrative and medical staff.
Ability to assess potential emergencies in collaboration with senior personnel, take appropriate action.
Work as part of interdisciplinary team to maintain protocol standards and ensure safety.