Northwestern University
Research Project Coordinator
Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, United States, 60290
Biomedical Project Coordinator
Department: MED-Impact Institute | Salary/Grade: EXS/5
Job Summary Manages daily operations of a biomedical and/or social‑behavioral research study involving multidisciplinary teams of colleagues, sponsors and other external project stakeholders. Monitors study performance, analyzes and reviews results, and supervises development and implementation of new protocols. Assigns work and supervises study staff and reviews technical operations to ensure that all processes, protocols and procedures are quality controlled and functioning up to standards. Develops and administers budgets, grant and administrative procedures. May co‑author scientific papers for presentation and publication and coordinates writing, submission and administration of grants. Ensures that all study activities are completed in strict accordance with Good Clinical Practices (GCP) and all current local, state, and federal laws, regulations, guidance, policy and procedures developed by the NU Institutional Review Board (IRB), Food & Drug Administration (FDA) Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), and the International Conference on Harmonization (ICH).
Position Responsibilities
Manage biomedical operations of the RADAR study and supervise the Research Study Coordinator and Research Study Assistant at the Center on Halsted and at 625 N Michigan.
Work closely with the Interview Coordinator and the Recruitment and Retention Coordinator under the supervision of the Project Director and study faculty.
Ensure that all biomedical components of study visits are conducted safely, efficiently, and in compliance with regulatory standards.
Establish and oversee biospecimen collection and processing protocols; maintain laboratory safety and documentation; provide HIV/STI counseling, testing, and referral services; manage inventory and transport of biological samples; ensure data accuracy and specimen integrity; maintain compliance with institutional and federal guidelines.
Oversee staff training and certification related to biospecimen collection, safety and data entry; develop and update standard operating procedures (SOPs) for biomedical workflows; collaborate with study leadership to ensure participant‑centered, high‑quality research operations.
Work evening hours (e.g., 11 AM – 7 PM) and weekend shifts to accommodate participant scheduling and study retention needs.
Technical Responsibilities
Lead execution and control of a biomedical and/or social science project or research study.
Coordinate processing and analysis of data, conduct experimental tests and procedures.
Develop new and/or revised research methodologies.
Ensure completion of study activities per protocol including recruitment.
Ascertain pretreatment and eligibility requirements.
Obtain informed consent.
Register participant with appropriate sponsor.
Interview and obtain medical and social histories.
Collect data from medical records.
Administer, schedule and/or score tests.
Administration Responsibilities
Oversee and manage collection, maintenance, analysis and evaluation of data used in grant submissions, presentations and publications.
Ensure that information is entered correctly into databases.
Assist PI in reviewing, analyzing, interpreting, summarizing, formatting, editing and preparing tables, charts, graphs, progress and final reports.
Coordinate between sponsoring agencies, collaborating organizations and other research and/or educational institutions.
Ensure timely completion of study documents required by local, state, and federal regulatory guidelines and laws.
Finance Responsibilities
Manage lab and study budget and inventory, including purchasing of supplies and services.
Order and maintain inventory of study supplies.
Distribute intra‑departmental charges and negotiate with vendors.
Obtain quotes and arrange for demos of large equipment.
Supervision Responsibilities
Train, direct, assign duties to and supervise research staff, students, residents and/or fellows.
Act as a mentor in regards to education of junior coordinators.
Miscellaneous Responsibilities
Perform other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
Successful completion of a full four‑year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor’s or higher degree in a major such as social or health science or related; OR appropriate combination of education and experience and three years’ research study or other relevant experience required; OR
Successful completion of a full course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a master’s or higher degree in a major such as social or health science or related; OR appropriate combination of education and experience and one year research study or other relevant experience.
Supervisory or project management experience required.
Must complete NU's IRB CITI training before interacting with any participants and re‑certify every three years.
Minimum Competencies
Phlebotomy certification and at least one year of direct experience performing venipuncture and specimen handling required.
Demonstrated proficiency in biospecimen collection, labeling, processing and storage, with attention to chain‑of‑custody and data integrity.
Knowledge of universal precautions, bloodborne pathogen safety and laboratory biosafety standards (BSL‑2).
Ability to maintain and troubleshoot laboratory equipment, including centrifuges, refrigerators/freezers and specimen transport materials.
Experience with HIV/STI testing workflows, rapid testing protocols, and linkage‑to‑care processes.
Strong documentation and quality assurance skills, with ability to follow and enforce SOPs.
Effective interpersonal communication skills for working with participants in sensitive biomedical contexts.
Ability to train and monitor staff in specimen collection and safety procedures.
Proficiency with laboratory tracking and data management tools (e.g., REDCap, Excel, or LIMS).
Excellent organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced, participant‑centered research environment.
Preferred Qualifications
Certification in HIV counseling and testing in Illinois.
Experience managing or coordinating a biomedical research laboratory or clinical collection site.
Experience supervising or mentoring biomedical research staff.
Experience with MedSpeed or other specimen transport and logistics systems.
Experience working directly with LGBTQ and/or HIV‑positive participants in research or clinical settings.
Experience developing SOPs or QA/QC systems for specimen collection and laboratory workflows.
Familiarity with Northwestern University’s research and compliance systems (IRB, ASRSP, OSP).
Preferred Competencies
Knowledge of Chicago communities, neighborhoods, and local public health resources.
Familiarity with biomedical best practices for specimen integrity, temperature control, and documentation.
Ability to develop training materials and lead laboratory safety and compliance trainings.
Knowledge of sexual health and HIV prevention, particularly among sexual and gender minority populations.
Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a collaborative, interdisciplinary research team.
Benefits
Meaningful, competitive, high‑quality health care plans, retirement benefits, tuition discounts and more.
Professional Growth & Development
Access to resources for continuing education and career development.
Work‑Life and Wellness
Comprehensive programs and services to support healthy lifestyles and family needs.
EEO Statement Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected characteristics, including disability and veteran status. Job applicants who wish to request an accommodation in the application or hiring process should contact the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance. Additional information on the accommodations process is available.
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Job Summary Manages daily operations of a biomedical and/or social‑behavioral research study involving multidisciplinary teams of colleagues, sponsors and other external project stakeholders. Monitors study performance, analyzes and reviews results, and supervises development and implementation of new protocols. Assigns work and supervises study staff and reviews technical operations to ensure that all processes, protocols and procedures are quality controlled and functioning up to standards. Develops and administers budgets, grant and administrative procedures. May co‑author scientific papers for presentation and publication and coordinates writing, submission and administration of grants. Ensures that all study activities are completed in strict accordance with Good Clinical Practices (GCP) and all current local, state, and federal laws, regulations, guidance, policy and procedures developed by the NU Institutional Review Board (IRB), Food & Drug Administration (FDA) Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), and the International Conference on Harmonization (ICH).
Position Responsibilities
Manage biomedical operations of the RADAR study and supervise the Research Study Coordinator and Research Study Assistant at the Center on Halsted and at 625 N Michigan.
Work closely with the Interview Coordinator and the Recruitment and Retention Coordinator under the supervision of the Project Director and study faculty.
Ensure that all biomedical components of study visits are conducted safely, efficiently, and in compliance with regulatory standards.
Establish and oversee biospecimen collection and processing protocols; maintain laboratory safety and documentation; provide HIV/STI counseling, testing, and referral services; manage inventory and transport of biological samples; ensure data accuracy and specimen integrity; maintain compliance with institutional and federal guidelines.
Oversee staff training and certification related to biospecimen collection, safety and data entry; develop and update standard operating procedures (SOPs) for biomedical workflows; collaborate with study leadership to ensure participant‑centered, high‑quality research operations.
Work evening hours (e.g., 11 AM – 7 PM) and weekend shifts to accommodate participant scheduling and study retention needs.
Technical Responsibilities
Lead execution and control of a biomedical and/or social science project or research study.
Coordinate processing and analysis of data, conduct experimental tests and procedures.
Develop new and/or revised research methodologies.
Ensure completion of study activities per protocol including recruitment.
Ascertain pretreatment and eligibility requirements.
Obtain informed consent.
Register participant with appropriate sponsor.
Interview and obtain medical and social histories.
Collect data from medical records.
Administer, schedule and/or score tests.
Administration Responsibilities
Oversee and manage collection, maintenance, analysis and evaluation of data used in grant submissions, presentations and publications.
Ensure that information is entered correctly into databases.
Assist PI in reviewing, analyzing, interpreting, summarizing, formatting, editing and preparing tables, charts, graphs, progress and final reports.
Coordinate between sponsoring agencies, collaborating organizations and other research and/or educational institutions.
Ensure timely completion of study documents required by local, state, and federal regulatory guidelines and laws.
Finance Responsibilities
Manage lab and study budget and inventory, including purchasing of supplies and services.
Order and maintain inventory of study supplies.
Distribute intra‑departmental charges and negotiate with vendors.
Obtain quotes and arrange for demos of large equipment.
Supervision Responsibilities
Train, direct, assign duties to and supervise research staff, students, residents and/or fellows.
Act as a mentor in regards to education of junior coordinators.
Miscellaneous Responsibilities
Perform other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
Successful completion of a full four‑year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor’s or higher degree in a major such as social or health science or related; OR appropriate combination of education and experience and three years’ research study or other relevant experience required; OR
Successful completion of a full course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a master’s or higher degree in a major such as social or health science or related; OR appropriate combination of education and experience and one year research study or other relevant experience.
Supervisory or project management experience required.
Must complete NU's IRB CITI training before interacting with any participants and re‑certify every three years.
Minimum Competencies
Phlebotomy certification and at least one year of direct experience performing venipuncture and specimen handling required.
Demonstrated proficiency in biospecimen collection, labeling, processing and storage, with attention to chain‑of‑custody and data integrity.
Knowledge of universal precautions, bloodborne pathogen safety and laboratory biosafety standards (BSL‑2).
Ability to maintain and troubleshoot laboratory equipment, including centrifuges, refrigerators/freezers and specimen transport materials.
Experience with HIV/STI testing workflows, rapid testing protocols, and linkage‑to‑care processes.
Strong documentation and quality assurance skills, with ability to follow and enforce SOPs.
Effective interpersonal communication skills for working with participants in sensitive biomedical contexts.
Ability to train and monitor staff in specimen collection and safety procedures.
Proficiency with laboratory tracking and data management tools (e.g., REDCap, Excel, or LIMS).
Excellent organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced, participant‑centered research environment.
Preferred Qualifications
Certification in HIV counseling and testing in Illinois.
Experience managing or coordinating a biomedical research laboratory or clinical collection site.
Experience supervising or mentoring biomedical research staff.
Experience with MedSpeed or other specimen transport and logistics systems.
Experience working directly with LGBTQ and/or HIV‑positive participants in research or clinical settings.
Experience developing SOPs or QA/QC systems for specimen collection and laboratory workflows.
Familiarity with Northwestern University’s research and compliance systems (IRB, ASRSP, OSP).
Preferred Competencies
Knowledge of Chicago communities, neighborhoods, and local public health resources.
Familiarity with biomedical best practices for specimen integrity, temperature control, and documentation.
Ability to develop training materials and lead laboratory safety and compliance trainings.
Knowledge of sexual health and HIV prevention, particularly among sexual and gender minority populations.
Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a collaborative, interdisciplinary research team.
Benefits
Meaningful, competitive, high‑quality health care plans, retirement benefits, tuition discounts and more.
Professional Growth & Development
Access to resources for continuing education and career development.
Work‑Life and Wellness
Comprehensive programs and services to support healthy lifestyles and family needs.
EEO Statement Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected characteristics, including disability and veteran status. Job applicants who wish to request an accommodation in the application or hiring process should contact the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance. Additional information on the accommodations process is available.
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