Program Specialist II

Iowa State University; Ames (IA); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Onsite childcare

Life insurance

Wellbeing program

WorkFlex options

Job summary

Iowa State University is seeking a full-time Project Coordinator (Program Specialist II) to support NIH-funded lifestyle intervention studies focused on cardiovascular health. The role involves organizing, conducting, analyzing, and reporting randomized trials, and supporting other research-related tasks across projects.

The position offers multi-year research exposure, opportunities to co-author or lead projects, and a fixed-term end date with potential extension, in a hands-on environment with

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and 2 years of related experience.
• Ability to organize, conduct, analyze, and report on randomized controlled trials.
• Support NIH-funded lifestyle intervention studies focusing on cardiovascular health.

Responsibilities

• Manage project data collection including participant recruitment, screening, and surveys.
• Coordinate all study visits with schedules and communication with participants and team.
• Oversee data collection logistics and procedures.
• Lead data collection visits and supervise sessions.
• Train staff on health coaching or intervention delivery.
• Maintain REDCap database and IRB protocol compliance.
• Prepare progress reports and assist with publications.

Skills

Health Coach Certification

Certified Personal Trainer

Mentoring

Supervising

Team coordination

Research experience in cardiovascular/

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology, Exercise Science, or related field

Job description

Required Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree and 2 years of related experience

Position Title

Program Specialist II

Job Group

Professional & Scientific

Required Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree and 2 years of related experience

Job Description

Drs. Elizabeth and Wesley Lefferts, Co-Directors of the Clinical Vascular Research Laboratory at Iowa State University, invite applications for a full-time Project Coordinator (Program Specialist II) to support NIH-funded lifestyle intervention studies focused on cardiovascular health.

The Project Coordinator will play an important role in organizing, conducting, analyzing, and reporting on randomized controlled trials, as well as supporting other research-related requirements throughout the projects.

This position is an excellent opportunity for a candidate seeking a multi-year research role or someone looking to gain significant hands-on research experience before pursuing post-baccalaureate education.

This is a regular fixed term position, with an initial end date of July 31, 2027. There is potential for the position to be extended for the duration of the five-year project.

Example Of Duties

• Managing project data collection, including research participant recruitment, screening, eligibility determination, disseminating research surveys, and communication with participants.
• Coordinating all study visits, including maintaining schedules and frequent communication with study team members and participants
• Overseeing data collection logistics and procedures
• Leading data collection visits
• Training personnel on, and leading, health coaching or intervention sessions
• Managing and maintaining the REDCap database, research participants’ protection, IRB protocol, and expenses- and budgeting-related tasks and activities.
• Attending research team and supervision meetings and providing study progress reports.
• Assisting with research material preparation (e.g., creating flyers, surveys, websites, newsletters) and social media updates.
• Assisting with organizing outreach events with local communities.
• Supervising research assistants and project staff, including assisting in all training and scheduling.
• Assisting with results deliveries (e.g., conference abstract, manuscript) with the opportunity to become a co-author and/or lead their own projects.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology, Exercise Science, or a related field.
• Health Coach Certification and/or Certified Personal Trainer credential.
• Experience conducting or supporting research related to cardiovascular health.
• Experience mentoring, supervising, or coordinating a team.

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship. Immigration sponsorship is not available for this position.

Why Choose Iowa State University?

• Retirement benefits including defined benefit and defined contribution plans
• Generous vacation, holiday, and sick time and leave plans
• Onsite childcare (Ames, Iowa)
• Life insurance and long-term disability
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Various voluntary benefits and discounts
• Employee Assistance Program
• Wellbeing program
• Iowa State offers WorkFlex options for some positions. WorkFlex offers flexibility on when, where, and how you do your work. For more information, please speak with the Hiring Manager.

If you have questions regarding this application process, please email [e-mail], or call 515-294-4800 or Toll Free: 1-877-477-7485.

Appointment Type

Regular with Term Appointment (Fixed Term)

Proposed End Date Or Length Of Term

November 29, 2027

Number Of Months Employed Per Year

12 Month Work Period

Time Type

Full time

Pay Grade

PS807

Original Posting Date

October 8, 2026

Posting Close Date

October 15, 2026

Job Requisition Number

R20048

Iowa State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, ethnicity, religion, national origin, pregnancy, sexual orientation, genetic information, sex, marital status, disability, or status as a U.S. Veteran. Inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies may be directed to Office of Equal Opportunity, 2680 Beardshear Hall, 515 Morrill Road, Ames, Iowa 50011, Tel. [phone], email [e-mail].