Clinical Research Coordinator

Department: MED-Mesulam Ctr Cog Neur & Alz
Salary/Grade: EXS/5

Job Summary:

The Mesulam Center for Cognitive Neurology and Alzheimer's Disease is a multi-departmental component of the Feinberg School of Medicine. We specialize in the clinical care and scientific study of neurological diseases that interfere with cognition and behavior. Areas of emphasis include age-related memory impairments and dementias. Our three interacting missions are to investigate the causes and clinical characteristics of neurodegenerative diseases, to ensure that our patients are the beneficiaries of the latest advances, and to explore the neural foundations of behavior and cognition in health and disease.

This position is for a clinical research coordinator for the research program in Primary Progressive Aphasia (Director: Dr. Marsel Mesulam). Primary responsibilities include coordinating both the day-to-day and big picture aspects of the research program. This position leads subject recruitment initiatives, collects medical records for study eligibility determinations, and creates reports of study progress for faculty. In this position, the candidate will also administer and score neuropsychological tests and other related procedures according to standardized methods. Other responsibilities include scheduling participants, grant and manuscript preparation, IRB submissions, summarizing data, and other special projects for the principal investigators.

To be considered for this position, a cover letter must be included. Previous experience in clinical research is required, with demonstrated increases in responsibility over time. The ideal candidate has experience in psychometry, experience working with an aphasic or dementia population, and an interest in language disorders.

Manages daily operations of a biomedical &/or social-behavioral research study involving multidisciplinary teams of colleagues, sponsors & other external project stakeholders. Monitors study performance, analyzes & review results, & supervises development & implementation of new protocols. Assigns work & supervises study staff & reviews technical operations ensuring that all processes, protocols & procedures are quality controlled & functioning up to standards. May co-author scientific papers for presentation & publication & coordinates writing, submission & administration of grants. Ensures that all study activities are completed by strictly following Good Clinical Practices (GCP) & all current local, state, & federal laws, regulations, guidance, policy & procedure developed by the NU Institutional Review Board (IRB), Food & Drug Administration (FDA) Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), & the International Conference on Harmonization (ICH).

Specific Responsibilities:

Technical

• Manages and ensures completion of study activities per protocol. Collaborating with Principal Investigator (PI) ascertains pretreatment & eligibility requirements; interviews participants & obtains social & medical histories; based on results determines & registers participants with appropriate sponsors; completes informed consent; determines & organizes patient's test schedules.
• Manages conduct of experimental tests & procedures.
• Recruits participants and documents recruitment efforts

Data

• Manages project data including processing, accuracy, analysis & evaluation of data ensuring that results meet project information and deliverable objectives.
• Provides consultation to internal/external project staff on appropriate data management, methodological issues and analysis of data.

Administration

• Advises project staff on enhancements and changes to processes, practices, and procedures to ensure compliance with protocols and to increase effectiveness and efficiency of project.
• Manages day-to-day project operational & business functions; implements existing policy & ensures the effective, compliant, & efficient completion of daily administrative operations.
• Ensures appropriate and timely compliance with associated local, state, & federal regulatory guidelines, requirements, & laws; & research protocols.

Minimum Qualifications: (Education, experience, and any other certifications or clearances)

• Successful completion of a full 4-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 2 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 1 year research study or other relevant experience.
• Must complete NU's IRB CITI training before interacting with any participants & must re-certify every 3 years
• Previous post-baccalaureate experience working in clinical research with increasing amount of responsibility over time
• Must obtain clearance to access Northwestern Memorial Hospital system (background check, health screen, drug screen, annual flu vaccination)

Minimum Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities.)

• Neuropsychological test administration and scoring experience

Preferred Qualifications: (Education and experience)

• Masters degree in communication disorders, psychology, neuroscience or related field
• Experience working with older adults or a dementia population
• Experience with medical record review and patient recruitment

Preferred Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities)

• Clinical background
• Interest in language, aging, or dementia

Target hiring range for this position will be between $51,346 -$64,473 per year. Offered salary will be determined by the applicant's education, experience, knowledge, skills and abilities, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data.

Benefits:
At Northwestern, we are proud to provide meaningful, competitive, high-quality health care plans, retirement benefits, tuition discounts and more! Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/index.html to learn more.

Work-Life and Wellness:
Northwestern offers comprehensive programs and services to help you and your family navigate life's challenges and opportunities and adopt and maintain healthy lifestyles.
We support flexible work arrangements where possible and programs to help you locate and pay for quality, affordable childcare and senior/adult care. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/work-life/index.html to learn more.

Professional Growth & Development:
Northwestern supports employee career development in all circumstances whether your workspace is on campus or at home. If you're interested in developing your professional potential or continuing your formal education, we offer a variety of tools and resources. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/learning/index.html to learn more.

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