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. Gunnarâ™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 Collegeâ™s financial staff to monitor expenses and forecast spending
? Collaborate with Collegeâ™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
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 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.
Connections working at University of Minnesota Twin Cities
