Research Coordinator

University of New Mexico; Albuquerque (NM); On-site; USD 26,174 - 35,817; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Tuition remission

Dependent education programs

Medical, dental, vision, and life ins.

Job summary

University of New Mexico and its SURE Center in Albuquerque, NM, seek a Research Coordinator to support MRI-based and laboratory activities for the HBCD study. You will schedule study visits, screen for MRI safety, obtain infant measurements, administer questionnaires, and manage biospecimens in a BSL-2 setting.

Work closely with UNM faculty and study consultants, coordinate biospecimen collection, and help with data entry and QA within a 40-hour week.

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.

Responsibilities

• Plan, implement, and maintain MRI study visit data collection under supervision.
• Administer structured interviews with study participants.
• Coordinate logistical arrangements for research subjects.

Skills

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Time management

Driver's license

Spanish language

Multidisciplinary teamwork

Data entry

Data management

Adaptability

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

EMR review

Job description

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 magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-based and lab-based activities for the HBCD study. The MRI-based research activities include participant scheduling and the oversight of study visits, completing MRI safety screening with the assistance of MRI technicians, obtaining infant anthropometrics, administering questionnaires, and biospecimen collection. The lab-based activities include collection, processing, aliquoting, analyzing, and delivery of urine, blood, saliva, and possibly 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 regulatory and laboratory 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.

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.

Responsibilities

• Plan, implement, and maintain MRI study visit data collection, and documentation under the supervision of the PI and/or Co‑Investigators.
• Administer structured interviews with 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.
• Monitors, stocks, and procures research equipment and supplies inventories, as appropriate for study visits.
• Ensures 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 study visit activities, and resolve procedural and logistical problems as appropriate to the timely completion of MRI visits, laboratory, and other 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.

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‑faced 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 priorities.
• Prior experience with data entry and data management.
• Fluency in Spanish.
• Ability to work in a multi‑disciplinary and deadline‑oriented environment.

Conditions of Employment

• Successful candidate must submit to a post‑offer, pre‑employment physical examination and medical history check. Additional health screenings may be required, dependent on the nature of the research conducted, as determined by Employee Occupational Health Services.
• Employees who provide services or work in patient care or clinical areas are required to be in compliance with the University's influenza vaccination requirement.
• All regular, non‑temporary positions assigned to this classification are represented by a labor union and subject to the terms and conditions of the US‑UNM Collective Bargaining Agreement.

Pay and Benefits

Hourly: $18.81 - $25.56

This is a benefits eligible position. The University of New Mexico provides a comprehensive package of benefits including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance. In addition, UNM offers educational benefits through the tuition remission and dependent education programs. See the Benefits home page for more information.

ERB Statement: As a condition of employment, eligible employees working greater than .25 FTE as determined by the New Mexico Education Retirement Act must make mandatory retirement contributions.

Background Check Required: Yes

Term End Date: 08/31/2026

Campus: Health Sciences Center (HSC) – Albuquerque, NM

Department: COP Pharmacy Practice & Admin Scien (511A)

Employment Type: Staff

Staff Type: Term – Full‑Time

Status: Non‑Exempt

EEO Statement

The University of New Mexico is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class.

The University of New Mexico requires all regular staff positions successfully pass a pre‑employment background check. This may include, but is not limited to, a criminal history background check, New Mexico Department of Health fingerprint screening, New Mexico Children, Youth, and Families Department fingerprint screening, verification of education credentials, and/or verification of prior employment. For more information about background checks, visit https://policy.unm.edu/university-policies/3000/3280.html. Refer to https://policy.unm.edu/university-policies/3000/3200.html for a definition of Regular Staff.

Veteran Preference

Positions posted with a Staff Type of Regular or Term are eligible for the Veteran Preference Program.