Position Summary
This position is in the Division of Epidemiology and Clinical Research in the Department of Pediatrics at the University of Minnesota Medical School. The Research Project Specialist will
be responsible for the coordination of pediatric cancer epidemiology studies, primarily for the Childhood Cancer Registry for Etiology and Survivorship (CARES) and the 10,000 Families
Study (10KFS).

The CARES registry is a protocol that aims to collect biospecimens and questionnaire data from childhood cancer cases. The main goal of the study is to create a critical resource to study the causes of childhood cancer and as a platform for survivorship research. This position will supervise other study staff, implement best practices for participant recruitment, study protocols, and documentation. The Research Project Specialist will work with the study team on all areas of study coordination, recruitment and data collection, including participant contact, survey data collection, biospecimen collection, and requesting medical and birth records. The 10,000 Families Study (10KFS) is a growing multigenerational family cohort study of lifestyle, genetic, and environmental influences on health and disease across Minnesota.  One of five awardees nationally, 10KFS is part of the Cohorts for Environmental Exposures and Cancer Risk (CEECR) grant program, which is funded by the National Cancer Institute through August 2027. For 10KFS, this position will include overseeing regulatory compliance, working with the CEECR coordinating center on collaborative efforts, leading participant report back, community engagement, and assisting study investigators in developing new research initiatives.

The ideal applicant will have strong organizational skills and dependability, the ability to work both independently and within a team, experience working with diverse populations, and interest in research. Candidates with relevant experience and interest may have the opportunity to engage in research results dissemination, including updates to study participants and writing of scientific manuscripts.

Responsibilities
20% - Coordination of CARES study enrollment
Implement standard procedures for participant outreach and enrollment developed following best practices for epidemiologic research
Work with the study team to develop new enrollment procedures to engage participants in novel ways

10% - Biospecimen and record collection for CARES
Coordinate collection of biological samples, including blood spot and tumor specimens
Complete biospecimen and medical record collection requests and follow-up

20%- Planning and quality improvement
Actively participate in ongoing planning meetings and communications with the study teams to establish, implement and improve data collection and recruitment processes for
both studies.
Assist with data documentation and report preparation
Participate in coordinating staffing across 10KFS. At times this may include student and employee supervision

25% - Regulatory compliance and documentation of study processes for both studies:
Manage and ensure that all regulatory requirements (e.g. IRB, HIPCO) are met, anticipating upcoming needs.
Work with investigators and key staff members to develop and maintain accurate documentation of study related procedures.
Work with approved vendors to set up and manage contracts and purchasing for services needed by 10KFS (e.g. language translations, data collection, and community organizations).

15% - Study engagement and participant return of results for 10KFS:
Work with the study investigators to facilitate integration of 10KFS into the CEECR network, including responding to requests from the coordinating center and assisting
with collaborative research projects across CEECR.
Oversee development and implementation of participant report-back in collaboration with the CEECR coordinating center, study investigators and collaborators generating environmental exposure data following best practices in the field.

10% - Coordinate collaborative research in 10KFS
Facilitate the review of new proposals and data requests from 10KFS
Work with investigators to develop new research opportunities and collaborations, including preparation of funding proposals for both studies

Required Qualifications
BS/BA and 6 yearsâ™ experience in research setting or an advanced degree and 4 yearsâ™ experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience to total ten years
Experience with computerized data management in a health research-related setting such as REDCap
Experience working with diverse study participants and families
Knowledge of federal regulations related to research with human subjects and protected health information
Ability to work independently and with the multidisciplinary team as needed; make decisions, problem solve and prioritize the simultaneous management of multiple clinical studies
Ability to follow strict protocols with utmost ethical standards
Computer proficiency and ability to navigate multiple software applications
Strong critical thinking skills
Computer proficiency and ability to navigate multiple software applications
Detail-oriented with exceptional organizational, planning and problem solving skills
Ability to work flexible work hours, including occasional evenings and weekends

Preferred Qualifications
Excellent written, verbal and interpersonal skills
Specimen management experience including processing human samples and shipping per regulations
Experience recruiting participants to research studies
During a typical 8 hour shift, a person in this position may be required to stand up to 2.5 hours, walk up to 2.5 hours (including stairs), reach above shoulders, lift up to 10 pounds above
shoulder, and carry packages across campus at waist level

About University of Minnesota Twin Cities

The University of Minnesota, founded in the belief that all people are enriched by understanding, is dedicated to the advancement of learning and the search for truth; to the sharing of this knowledge through education for a diverse community; and to the application of this knowledge to benefit the people of the state, the nation, and the world.

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