Research Coordinator

at  University of New Mexico

POSITION SUMMARY

The Substance Use Research and Education (SURE) Center at the University of New Mexico College of Pharmacy (Albuquerque, NM) is seeking a qualified candidate to join a dynamic and highly productive multi-disciplinary research team. The SURE Center conducts multiple clinical, translational, and community-based research studies focusing on impact of substance use disorders on vulnerable populations. The SURE Center and partners at the UNM School of Medicine and at the Mind Research Network were awarded a large NIH grant to participate in the Healthy Brain and Child Development (HBCD) study – a national longitudinal study focusing on early childhood development in vulnerable and general populations. The HBCD Study with the SURE center is one of a dozen centers across the U.S. working to enroll and follow participating families from pregnancy through early childhood. The long-term goal of the HBCD study is to gain better understanding of how child development is affected by exposures to environmental and social experiences and conditions. (https://hbcdstudy.org/).
Under the direct supervision of the SURE Center’s Research Scientist 3, the Research Coordinator will be responsible for clinic-based and lab-based activities for the HBCD study. The clinic-based research activities include participant screening, obtaining informed consent, conducting interviews, and biospecimen collection. The lab-based activities include the collection, processing, aliquoting, analyzing, and delivery of urine, blood, saliva, and placental tissue biospecimens. This position is an integral part of the clinical research team to maintain oversight of research collection and specimens in accordance with protocols, uphold BSL-2 laboratory standards, and maintain laboratory and regulatory files, and oversee the process of data entry and quality assurance.
The Research Coordinator will work closely with UNM faculty to coordinate and complete assessments and assist with assigned research protocols. The incumbent will also coordinate study-related procedures, including completion of structured interviews and data entry. He/she/they will work closely with the study consultants, co-investigators, and laboratory personnel.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor’s degree; at least 1 year of experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified.
Completed degree(s) from an accredited institution that are above the minimum education requirement may be substituted for experience on a year for year basis.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Prior experience working with diverse and vulnerable populations (including women, children, and participants with substance use and/or mental health disparities)
• Demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality of subjects
• Prior research experience, especially with multi-faceted clinical studies
• Prior experience coordinating biospecimen collection and processing with clinical and/or research personnel
• Prior experience with electronic medical record review and/or abstractions
• Ability to effectively adapt to changing prioritiesPrior experience with data entry and data management
• Fluency in Spanish
• Ability to work in a multi-disciplinary and deadline-oriented environment

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

This position requires the ability to work flexible hours, as required by studies. Flexible hours include either early morning and/or late evening hours. Rotated weekend coverage of research activities is also required within a 40-hour work week.

• Plan, implement, and maintain informed consent, data collection, and documentation under the supervision of the PI and/or Co-Investigators.
• Administer structured interviews with English-speaking study participants.
• Establish and coordinate logistical arrangements for research subjects.
• Monitor the progress of research activities; develop and maintain records of research activities, and prepare periodic and ad hoc reports, as required by investigators.
• Coordinate the collection and management of research specimens, data entry and documentation in support of the research protocol.
• May abstract study specific information from patient’s electronic medical records.
• Experience processing human biospecimens to collect, process, ship, bank and catalog biological specimens according to established protocol as appropriate to specific objectives of the research study.
• Monitors, stocks, and procures research equipment and supplies inventories, as appropriate
• Ensure the smooth and efficient day-to-day operation of research and data collection activities
• and resolve procedural and logistical problems as appropriate to the timely completion of research activities.
• Plan and organize day-to-day on-site laboratory and recruitment activities and resolve procedural and logistical problems as appropriate to the timely completion of laboratory and research activities.
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills required to communicate with clinical staff and research participants.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills required to work in a fast-paced research environment.
• Must possess a current valid Driver’s License.
  Notice: Funding available through 8/31/25; continuance beyond that date is subject to the Department’s operational needs as outlined in UBPPM #3200, Employee Classifications, http://policy.unm.edu/university-policies/3000/3200.html
  See the Position Description for additional information.