Translational Research Coordinator- Cancer Center

The Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center is seeking a Translational Research Coordinator to coordinate observational and translational research projects and related laboratory investigations within the Biospecimen Procurement and Molecular Epidemiology Resource (BioMER) at The University of Iowa’s Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center (HCCC). This includes coordinating patient specimen and data workflows related to longitudinal translational research projects including the Molecular Epidemiology Resources (MERs) and Patients Enhancing Research Collaborations at Holden (PERCH), HCCC’s comprehensive biorepository enrollment program. This position is responsible for coordinating collection and distribution of biospecimens and corresponding clinical data, development, and maintenance of project regulatory needs, maintaining multiple project related databases and creating/adapting workflows to meet requirements outlined in study protocols. Works closely with the Clinical Research Services and Biospecimen Procurement teams, collaborates with physicians and researchers in the development of translational and observational protocols and actively pursues research goals for the Translational Research Program.

Duties To Include

• Assists with ongoing research collaborations involving outside institutions ensuring that data and samples are collected and processed in a manner consistent between the institutions.
• Maintains records and services provided and monitors individual protocol budgets.
• Verify project goals and participant study eligibility with Principal Investigator, Sub-Investigator and or external site collaborators.
• Contribute to training of new members of the research team including research assistants and medical students.
• Gathers and maintains data for research trials and laboratory investigations within the HCCC. Creates worksheets, flow sheets and assorted tools to provide source documentation of protocol procedures.
• Coordinates activities and workflows associated with collections/procurement, pathology review, documentation and distribution of tissue, blood, buccal, bone marrow and other approved samples from patients through close. interaction with tissue procurement services, translational research coordinators, pathologists, physicians, and other related clinical care and research staff.
• Acts as a liaison to the University Business Office by identifying exact patient tests and procedures being paid for by study sponsors and assisting patients with questions related to protocol billing procedures.
• Initiates and composes correspondence and related materials to principal investigators outlining review of the protocol studies, maintains documentation of protocols and relevant data, follow-up correspondence, and summaries.
• May perform other administrative support tasks in support of the research (e.g., organize and facilitate meetings/ events, respond to inquiries, recruit research participants, monitor research protocols, data collection, analysis, and management; local site coordinator; maintain website content, etc.).
• Prepares comprehensive notes and reports detailing results of clinical research and the methods used.
• Coordinates BioMER translational research studies including the recruitment, coordination, scheduling and sample collection of participating subjects.
• Provides and presents information to faculty, staff, patients and others on clinical research and methods employed in research studies.
• Maintains skills/competency related to specimen processing equipment, and procedures common to the patient population of the HCCC.
• Populates and enhances databases containing research information obtained through review of patient charts and samples, lab reports and other related information and in a manner that complies with Institutional Review Board requirements and in response to physician and research needs and requirements. May create new databases for new projects as needed.
• Contribute to development of project budget for cost recovery and fee-for-service studies.
• Validates data, performs query resolutions, and makes recommendations for resolution. Works with biostatisticians to complete statistical analysis of data and prepares data for computer analysis.
• May prepare reports to University Institutional Review Board (IRB-01) for assigned projects. Compiles accrual data for these studies, reviews and summarizes information for principal investigators, IRB-01 and federal/sponsor required reporting.
• Assists in the development and preparation of materials for reports to be written by faculty and staff on various observational oncology protocols and in compiling summary data for analysis, submission to study sponsors and for staff preparing reports, publications, manuscripts, research papers, grant funding proposals, and presentations.
• Assists with the preparation of educational materials for patients and other staff as needed to carry out protocol.
• Coordinate preparation of Data and Material Sharing Agreements for ancillary projects associated with current projects for external and internal investigators. May initiate routing of agreements through Sponsored Programs and Office for Research.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• Selects, applies, and tests standard methodologies, techniques, and tools such as manuals, forms, and questionnaires; and assists in the development and revision of routine operating procedures, including means of organizing raw data.
• Assists and consults with patients regarding concerns related to participation in the protocol study. Gather quality of life information from patients enrolled in study.
• Attends coordinated protocol and laboratory meetings as required.

% Effort

Key Areas of Responsibility

Example

25%

Protocol Development and Management

Protocol related workflow development, project management

20%

Research/Clinical Activities

Study participant coordination and interaction

20%

Data Collection and Monitoring

Data abstraction and quality control for studies

25%

Regulatory Guidelines & Documentation

IRB, contracts, compliance documentation management

5%

Financial Responsibility

Monitor research billing, review or draft project budget

5%

HR/Leadership

Student and intern supervision, staff training

Supervision Received

Administrative supervision is received from the Manager, Translational Services. Functional supervision shared with Principal Investigator.

Supervision Exercised

Functional supervision may be exercised over assigned support staff.

University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics—recognized as one of the best hospitals in the United States—is Iowa's only comprehensive academic medical center and a regional referral center. Each day more than 12,000 employees, students, and volunteers work together to provide safe, quality health care and excellent service for our patients. Simply stated, our mission is: Changing Medicine. Changing Lives.®

Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center is Iowa’s only NCI-designated comprehensive cancer center. The NCI designation recognized our cancer center, and its research scientist, physicians, and other health care professionals, for their roles in advancing cancer research that impacts on our ability to prevent, detect and treat our patients with cancer. Not just a floor, or a building, or even confined to a single college. Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center coordinates all cancer-related research, education, and patient care by faculty from 41 departments and six colleges, as well as UI Hospitals and Clinics and UI Children’s Hospital.

UI Health Care Core Values (WECARE)

Welcoming

We strive for an environment where everyone has a voice that is heard, that promotes the dignity of our patients, trainees, and employees, and allows all to thrive in their health, work, research, and education.

Excellence

We aim to achieve and deliver our personal and collective best in the pursuit of quality and accessible healthcare, education, and research.

Collaboration

We encourage collaboration with healthcare systems, providers, and communities across Iowa and the region, as well as within our UI community. We believe teamwork – guided by compassion – is the best way to work.

Accountability

We behave ethically, act with fairness and integrity, take responsibility for our own actions, and respond when errors in behavior or judgement occur.

Respect

We are committed to ensuring the UI Health Care is an inclusive environment where individuals from the full spectrum of diversity – which includes identity, backgrounds, cultures, ability, and perspective – feel safe, seen and valued.

Equity

We dedicate ourselves to equity and fairness in research, health care, education, and health.

Percent of Time: 100%

Pay Grade: 4A

https://hr.uiowa.edu/pay/guide-pay-plans

Benefits Highlights

• For more information about Why Iowa?, click here
• Regular salaried position located in Iowa City, Iowa
• Fringe benefit package including paid vacation; sick leave; health, dental, life and disability insurance options; and generous employer contributions into retirement plans

Required Qualifications

• Excellent verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to manage complex information with attention to detail and a high level of accuracy
• Knowledge of computer-based programs and databases.
• Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 1-3 years of experience in the conduct of social science/behavioral/medical research or clinical programming.

Desirable Qualifications

• Relevant experience in oncology research or related management of information and data.
• Experience with procurement of human tissues and specimens and data.
• Experience with medical terminology.
• Knowledge of regulatory guidelines and procedures associated with human subject research.
• Experience with clinical research applications such OnCore, REDCap or Labmatrix.

Application Process: In order to be considered, applicants must upload a resume and cover letter (under submission relevant materials) that clearly address how they meet the listed required and desired qualifications of this position.

Job openings are posted for a minimum of 14 calendar days.

Successful candidates will be required to self-disclose any conviction history and will be subject to a criminal background check and credential/education verification.

References: Five professional references will be requested and required at a later step in the recruitment process

With additional questions, please reach out to Sarah Waldschmidt at [email protected]

Additional Information

• Classification Title: Clin Trials Rsrch Associate
• Schedule: Full-time
• Appointment Type: Professional and Scientific

Compensation

• Pay Level: 4A

Contact Information

• Contact Name: Sarah Waldschmidt
• Organization: Healthcare
• Contact Email: [email protected]