Research Coordinator - Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging

Overview

The mission of the Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging at Tufts University (HNRCA) is to promote healthy aging through nutrition science to empower people seeking to enjoy long, active, and independent lives. HNRCA investigators conduct the world's most advanced studies on nutrition and aging. The research focuses on determining the nutrient and physical activity requirements necessary to promote well-being for older adults. HNRCA scientists examine how nutrition and physical activity play a major role in the prevention of the major chronic degenerative conditions and diseases associated with aging.

The HNRCA's human studies unit is a scientific core that supports and facilitates the clinical aspects of data and biological sample collection from volunteer human subjects. Unit staff provide nursing, dietary, participant engagement, and study management services, as well as expertise and services in dietary data collection methods, coding, data cleaning and management, and dietary data analysis.

What You'll Do

This is a grant funded position and is not eligible for severance pay. The goal of this Research Coordinator position is to help coordinate multiple protocols being conducted in the MRU; assist with multiple aspects of the study set up; work with study participants; assist in various study tasks during the active study such as administering questionnaires and collecting outcome measures; and assist with data collection, data management, and quality control checks.

• Assist with overall implementation and coordination of study protocols being conducted in the MRU. Help coordinate study visits and interact with study participants to make sure all study visit procedures are completed as necessary. This includes assisting with study scheduling, consenting, escorting study participants, administration of questionnaires, taking study measurements, and completion of data collection forms.
• Work with the MRU's volunteer services, nursing, and dietary services units as needed to help with needs during high demand times. This includes recruitment, screening of study participants, explaining the research study to study participants and consent process, helping with study measures, and assisting in the metabolic kitchen as needed. May also assist as a liaison between the MRU and other Core Units (such as the Nutrition Evaluation Lab) to assist with the daily work flow between units.
• Assists with data entry of surveys and other data into research databases, including direct electronic data capture. Assists in reviewing data for accuracy and completeness. Work with MRU Manager and Biostatistics/Data Management Core to help MRU implement best practices for data collection, data management, quality control, and study closeout. Implement best practices and HNRCA policies for data sharing and data retention.
• Help ensure that research activities within the MRU are performed within Federal regulations and follow University policies. Assist MRU Manager, MRU Supervisors, and PIs to assist in making sure all IRB regulations and good clinical practices are being implemented and assist with IRB documents as needed.
• Assist with training staff and students as necessary on study-related procedures and data collection methods. Work with MRU Manager, and Supervisors on developing and implementing standardized operating procedures and manual of procedures. Work with MRU Manager on distribution and upkeep of common forms, common protocol and consent language, and common questionnaires and study procedures.
• This position may occasionally require work on evenings and/or weekends as determined by study need.

What We're Looking For

Basic Requirements:
Knowledge and experience typically acquired by:

• Bachelor's Degree nutrition or other health-sciences field
• Proficient with Microsoft Office software suite, email, web search.
• Strong time management and organizational skills.
• Exposure to working with data such as data collection, data entry or data management.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills. Interacts well with others.
• Completion of Human Subject Protection training through CITI within two weeks of hire (required prior to interacting with human subjects).

Preferred Qualifications:

• 1+ year experience in a research setting
• Experience with REDCap or other research data collection databases.
• Experience working within IRB guidance and policies.
• Experience with working with research participants.

Pay Range

Minimum $22.50, Midpoint $26.80, Maximum $31.10

Salary is based on related experience, expertise, and internal equity; generally, new hires can expect pay between the minimum and midpoint of the range.

Required

Preferred

Job Industries

• Other