Senior Research Specialist - Minneapolis, United States - University of Minnesota

Description

About the Job

Position Overview

This position supports research conducted at the Institute of Child Development. Dr.

Megan Gunnar holds a grant to support work within a multisite research project across the United States enrolling 6,000 participants.

The goal of this study is to develop a normed and validated battery of biological samples and behavioral assessments to identify evidence of both resilience and increased risk for stress related disease.

The goals at Dr.

Gunnar's research site which this position oversees are two-fold: (1) to use resources at the Institute of Child Development to collect data from participants towards the norming of values and creation of the biomarker index and (2) to serve as a training site and primary hub for the team members who will be deployed to other collection sites in the US.

We are seeking an experienced research professional with sufficient laboratory and early childhood experience to oversee and direct this research project.

Responsibilities for this position include research development and oversight, training and supervision of multiple research teams, administrative decision making, grant and budget reporting, and research publication.

This position requires working independently while leading and directing work of 3-6 team members, frequent use of novel problem-solving strategies and planning, and procedural adaptation to ensure successful completion of all research project goals in a timely, cost-effective, and efficient manner.

This position reports directly to the Principal Investigator, Dr. Megan Gunnar.

The University of Minnesota encourages a healthy work life balance for employees.

CEHD is committed to an excellent employee experience, offering a flexible work environment that meets the needs of students, staff, faculty, and the communities we serve.

Flexible work arrangements may include flexibility in schedule and/or work location. Please note that 100% remote work requires approval. All UMN employees are expected to follow applicable public health and safety procedures. The target start date of this position is June 1, 2024.

Job Responsibilities

Research Development and Oversight (60%)

• Design and develop the research protocol and study procedures
• Conceptualize and direct the development of tools, resources, and materials to support research study goals and advancement
• Design, plan, coordinate, implement, and oversee the day-to-day research operations
• Oversee the recruitment, scheduling, consent, tracking, and data collection procedures with study participants
• Oversee data management, sample storage and shipping
• Develop study goals and milestones
• Approve, purchase, and maintain lab study equipment and supplies to assure operational efficiency of research
• Develop, collect, and analyze metrics to assess and monitor progress towards research goals, quality assurance, and protocol adherence; modify procedures based on analysis to improve research project efficiency and quality
• Ensure study team adherence and compliance with ethical, human subjects research, and regulatory requirements and policies
• Solve complex problems to fulfill research objectives
• Operate independently with guidance and oversight from PI supervisor by exception

Supervision (20%)

• Hire, train, and supervise research staff and research assistants
• Create job postings, interview, and select candidates
• Travel to out-of-state collection sites to train and supervise team members
• Direct and provide regular feedback on the work, schedules, task assignments, goals, and responsibilities of study team members

Strategic Leadership and Administrative Responsibilities (15%)

• Plan, develop, prepare, and implement IRB and grant proposals, documents, applications, reporting, change in protocol submissions, and administration processes
• Create, revise, negotiate, and monitor research study budgets and funding awards
• Ensure adherence to and compliance with all approved ethics and protocol procedures relating to participant privacy/confidentiality and data/sample integrity with UMN collection and Traveling Data Team collection
• Collaborate with College's financial staff to monitor expenses and forecast spending
• Collaborate with College's grant administration staff to submit grant applications and amendments
• Consult and advise on external IRBs, protocol design and development, and training for other HERO partner collection sites

Grant Reporting/Research Publication (5%)

• Prepare technical, project, and funding progress reports
• Understand, interpret, and apply scientific results
• Collaborate on statistical analysis and manuscript publication; Co-author peer-reviewed papers
• Present study findings to large-scale conferences, departments, and research network groups
• Communicate regularly with local, national, and international collaborators and PIs about study progress

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Requires BA/BS with at least 10 years of experience or advanced degree with 8 years of experience
• Ability to collaborate effectively with people from a variety of communities, backgrounds, and identities
• Valid teaching licensure and at least 6 years teaching experience in early childhood, early childhood special education, or related field
• Research, research development and management, and/or Co-Investigator experience of at least 6 years with complex or large-scale research protocols involving young children as participants
• Training and supervision experience of research lab staff and students
• Authorship on previous research manuscript publications and conference presentations

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree in early childhood education, child psychology, or related field
• 20+ years research experience with children and families
• Expertise interacting with infants, toddlers, preschoolers and their parents
• Ability to evaluate research protocol adherence and study progress
• Strong written, verbal communication, interpersonal, and leadership skills
• Ability to plan, problem-solve, and set goals while managing multiple tasks and teams on a daily basis
• Demonstrated competence interacting with diverse populations of children, parents, medical providers, clinic, early learning center, and research lab staff
• Strong attention to detail, organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills
• Experience with University grant, accounting, and IRB regulations, policies, and best practices involved in managing research projects with human subjects
• Demonstrated ability to work independently with minimal guidance and successfully train team members on research protocols
• Skillful with technology, assessments, statistical analysis, and document creation on iPad/Mac/PC, including REDCap, Qualtrics, MEFS, SPSS, Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Adobe, email, online calendar, video conferencing tools and software

About the Department

Department Overview

The Institute of Child Development (ICD) at the University of Minnesota has long been a premier center for scholarship, teaching, and outreach devoted to the understanding and fostering of child development.

Founded in 1925, the Institute is one of the oldest departments studying children's development in the United States. From its inception, a key tenet of the department has been to "give away" child psychology. This philosophy has created an environment rich with collaborations, new ideas, and exciting interdisciplinary work.

The ICD is housed within the College of Education and Human Development (CEHD) and has an undergraduate program within the College of Liberal Arts (CLA).

College Overview

The College of Education and Human Development (CEHD), the third largest college and the University, contributes to a just and sustainable future through engagement with the local and global communities to enhance human learning and development at all stages of the life span.

We know diversity is necessary to do our best work and foster our humanity.

That's why the CEHD community is collectively dedicated to cultivating an inclusive and equitable environment, embracing and celebrating all identities of our students, staff, and faculty.

These values are also a moral imperative requiring continuous proactive measures and a firm stance against prejudice, discrimination, and systemic injustice.

Benefits

Working at the University

At the University of Minnesota, you'll find a flexible work environment and supportive colleagues who are interested in lifelong learning.

We prioritize work-life balance, allowing you to invest in the future of your career and in your life outside of work.

The University also offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefits.

How To Apply

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions.

You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail or call

Diversity

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission.

The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.

To learn more about diversity at the U:
Employment Requirements

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

About the U of M

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research.

Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St.

Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).