UNIV - Research Program Coordinator I - Psychiatry: Addiction Sciences Division

Medical University of South Carolina • Charleston, SC

22h • Onsite

About The Position

The Disparities Research Exploring Addiction Mechanisms (DREAM) Lab at the MUSC Hollings Cancer Center is seeking a full-time Research Program Coordinator I (PC I) to support NIH- and Foundation-funded studies focused on reducing tobacco-related health disparities. Our work aims to: 1) determine which populations are disproportionately at risk for tobacco use and addiction across the lifespan (e.g., young adults, groups from low socioeconomic status [SES], rural, and racial/ethnic minority backgrounds); 2) identify mechanisms underlying tobacco use in high-risk groups; and 3) evaluate whether lower-risk nicotine products and other strategies can promote smoking cessation and harm reduction. This position offers hands-on experience across a wide range of study designs, including qualitative research, cross-sectional and longitudinal cohort studies, human laboratory paradigms, and remote clinical trials. The Research Program Coordinator I will work closely with the PI, Dr. Mariel Bello, and a collaborative research team, and will play a key role in the day-to-day operations and success of multiple ongoing studies.

Requirements

• A bachelor's degree and two years of relevant program experience.
• Ability to perform job functions in an upright position. (Frequent)
• Ability to perform job functions in a seated position. (Frequent)
• Ability to perform job functions while walking/mobile. (Frequent)
• Ability to work indoors. (Continuous)
• Ability to fully use both hands/arms. (Frequent)
• Ability to perform repetitive motions with hands/wrists/elbows and shoulders. (Frequent)
• Ability to reach in all directions. (Frequent)
• Possess good finger dexterity. (Continuous)
• Ability to maintain tactile sensory functions. (Continuous)
• Ability to maintain 20/40 vision, corrected, in one eye or with both eyes. (Continuous)
• Ability to see and recognize objects close at hand. (Frequent)
• Ability to see and recognize objects at a distance. (Frequent)
• Ability to determine distance/relationship between objects; depth perception. (Frequent)
• Good peripheral vision capabilities. (Continuous)
• Ability to maintain hearing acuity, with correction. (Continuous)
• Ability to perform gross motor functions with frequent fine motor movements. (Frequent)

Nice To Haves

• General understanding of research methods
• Prior experience coordinating research studies, including recruitment, screening, enrollment, and data management, analysis, and reporting
• Experience with database and survey development (e.g., REDCap, Qualtrics)
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Effective written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines with accuracy and quality
• Ability to work with human research participants, both in-person and virtual settings
• Proficiency with computers and ability to quickly learn new systems
• Background in psychology, social work, counseling, public health, or related fields
• Interests in the fields of health equity, addiction science, mental health, public health, or behavioral and social sciences
• Interests in pursuing graduate training in clinical psychology, medicine, or related fields
• Ability to work in confined/cramped spaces. (Infrequent)
• Ability to perform job functions from kneeling positions. (Infrequent)
• Ability to squat and perform job functions. (Infrequent)
• Ability to perform 'pinching' operations. (Infrequent)
• Ability to lift and carry 15 lbs., unassisted. (Infrequent)
• Ability to lower objects, up to 15 lbs., from height of 36 inches to floor level, unassisted. (Infrequent)
• Ability to push/pull objects, up to 15 lbs., unassisted. (Infrequent)

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement recruitment strategies and manage study advertising efforts.
• Engage with research participants, community members, healthcare providers, and collaborators to identify and address barriers to recruitment.
• Screen, enroll, and consent research participants, and provide training and oversight to research team members involved in these activities. This includes conducting and/or documenting consent for participants in minimal risk studies and under direct supervision, conducting consent for studies greater than minimal risk.
• Independently lead study visits and conduct protocol-specific assessments and interviews.
• Collaborate with the PI on community-engaged research activities, including co-facilitating Community Advisory Board (CAB) meetings.
• Supervise and train research team members and serve as a key point of contact for day-to-day troubleshooting and other questions.
• Manage participant compensation and procurement of study materials in accordance with MUSC policies and guidance.
• Prepare and manage regulatory documentation and communications, including IRB submissions (initial submissions, amendments, continuing reviews, and closeouts), study reporting to NIH and other agencies, and clinical trial registration/maintenance on clinicaltrials.gov.
• Assist with adverse event reporting and data preparation for repositories, under direct supervision.
• Develop and maintain systems for participant tracking, documentation, and study materials (e.g., SOPs, training manuals).
• Use Electronic Data Capture systems (e.g., REDCap) for data entry and management.
• Train and oversee research team members in data collection procedures.
• Identify and resolve issues related to data collection, quality, and management.
• Conduct literature reviews under the direction of the PI.
• Assist with grant writing and manuscript preparation.
• Prepare agendas for team meetings and participate and/or lead team meetings.
• Contribute to team decision-making and problem-solving.
• Communicate effectively with team members and collaborators.
• Ensure adherence to human subjects protection protocols.
• Implement safeguards for vulnerable populations.
• Serve as a mentor for junior staff and provide support to colleagues in completing research-related tasks.
• Help identify opportunities to improve team efficiency and research processes.
• Take initiative in managing responsibilities and contributing to team goals.

Benefits

• Contribute to impactful, health equity-focused research addressing tobacco-related health disparities
• Receive direct mentorship from the PI, a licensed clinical psychologist, and gain exposure to grant writing and manuscript development
• Gain hands-on experience across diverse research methodologies (clinical, laboratory, and community-engaged research)
• Develop leadership and project management skills
• Strong preparation for graduate training in clinical psychology, public health, medicine, or related fields

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Number of Employees: 501-1,000 employees