Research Program Coordinator
Vanderbilt University
Position Summary: The Clark Lab at Vanderbilt University is seeking a full-time Study Coordinator/Lab Manager for a NIMH-funded study on preteen suicide risk. Based in the Center for Research on Inequality and Health (Buttrick Hall, 3rd floor), this position will support a 4-year multi-method project investigating stigma, resilience, and trajectories of suicide risk among preteens and their caregivers, in partnership with the Oasis Center (Nashville) and YouthLink (national). The Study Coordinator/Lab Manager will oversee day-to-day study operations, including participant recruitment and coordination, data and regulatory management, meeting facilitation, and team supervision. Additional responsibilities include preparing IRB submissions and reports, managing data uploads to the NIMH Data Archive, coordinating communications with collaborators and advisory boards, and contributing to research dissemination. Ideal candidates will hold a bachelor’s or master’s degree in psychology, child studies, public health, or a related field; have prior research coordination experience; demonstrate strong organizational, leadership, and communication skills; and possess a commitment to working respectfully with LGBTQ+ youth and families on sensitive mental health topics.
Responsibilities: The Study Coordinator/Lab Manager will be responsible for providing comprehensive support and project management to ensure the successful implementation of the study. Key responsibilities include:
- Project Management: Overseeing the day-to-day operations of the study, ensuring completion of project activities on time and with fidelity to the study's goals.
- Participant Coordination: Recruiting, scheduling, and communicating with participants and advisory board members.
- Regulatory Compliance: Managing all study regulatory processes, including IRB submissions and amendments, and ensuring adherence to NIH and IRB guidelines.
- Data Management: Overseeing data collection, harmonization, and documentation processes, including uploading data into the NIMH Data Archive (NDA).
- Administrative Support: Preparing forms and documents, proofreading/editing materials, managing schedules, and coordinating resources with relevant university departments. Includes coordinating participant payments and consulting fees.
- Communication: Facilitating regular meetings with co-investigators and advisory boards, developing agendas, taking meeting minutes, and maintaining the lab’s website and social media accounts.
- Team Management: Training, supervising, and evaluating lab members and their research progress, as well as recruiting and onboarding new lab members.
- Operational Efficiency: Drafting and maintaining standard operating procedures (SOPs) and training protocols, performing background research, and managing lab equipment (e.g., computers, software, supplies for advisory boards) needs.
- Data Collection Support: Assisting in data collection from participants, conducting relevant literature reviews, conducting and analyzing qualitative interviews as needed.
- Reporting: Assisting with preparing reports on study progress, including reports to the study sponsor, and drafting/editing reports, abstracts, publications, and other dissemination products.
Requirements and Expectations:
- Education: Bachelor’s degree in psychology, child studies, public health, or a related field required. Master’s degree preferred.
- Experience: Prior human subjects research coordination and/or project management experience, preferably related to mental health and youth. Preference for candidates with experience working with IRBs, managing study protocols, and quantitative and qualitative data analysis experience.
- Organization: Very organized with strong attention to detail.
- Communication: Excellent written and oral communication skills; ability to create clear and readable documents for diverse audiences including academic audiences (e.g., manuscripts) and community audiences (e.g., community research reports).
- Leadership: Ability to lead and organize others, especially undergraduate and graduate students, including creating and implementing organizational systems.
- Professionalism: Professional, positive, and flexible attitude. Candidates must have comfort and interest working with LGBTQ+ youth and their families as well as with clinicians and the ability to discuss sensitive topics in a mature and discrete manner.
- Independence: Ability to multitask and prioritize, working independently under minimal supervision or as part of a team.
- Community Engagement: Preference for candidates with experience with community engagement and working with diverse populations.
At Vanderbilt University , our work - regardless of title or role - is in service to an important and noble mission in which every member of our community serves in advancing knowledge and transforming lives on a daily basis. Located in Nashville, Tennessee, on a 330+ acre campus and arboretum dating back to 1873, Vanderbilt is proud to have been named as one of “America’s Best Large Employers” as well as a top employer in Tennessee and the Nashville metropolitan area by Forbes for several years running. We welcome those who are interested in learning and growing professionally with an employer that strives to create, foster and sustain opportunities as an employer of choice.
We understand you have a choice when choosing where to work and pursue a career. We understand you are unique and have a story. We want to hear it. We encourage you to apply today so that you might become a part of our story.