Research Coordinator - CHASM Department

Research Foundation of the City University of New York; New York (NY); On-site; USD 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

The Research Foundation of the City University of New York is seeking a Research Coordinator to support the Our Stories, Our Bodies, Our Safety project. You will help recruit participants, manage data collection, and maintain documentation under IRB-approved protocols.

The role emphasizes community engagement, retention, and collaboration with PI and community partners to ensure ethical and efficient study operations in New York City.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in psychology, public health, social work, sociology, or related field or equivalent experience.
• Strong organizational, communication, and time-management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple research activities and maintain accurate records.
• Experience with diverse populations and maintaining confidentiality.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, or similar data tools.

Responsibilities

• Recruit participants and coordinate enrollment with the PI, ensuring IRB standards are met.
• Coordinate data collection activities, surveys, interviews, and device distribution.
• Maintain study documentation, logs, and incentive distribution records.
• Manage participant communications, reminders, and retention efforts.
• Support data entry, quality assurance, and secure database management.
• Prepare progress reports and assist with IRB documentation.

Skills

Organizational skills

Communication

Time management

Cultural sensitivity

Education

Bachelor's degree in psychology/public health/social work/sociology or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Google Workspace

REDCap

Job description

Thank you for considering a career with the Research Foundation of The City University of New York (RFCUNY).

The team at RFCUNY is made up of dedicated, talented professionals committed to providing the services that allow CUNY researchers, faculty, and staff to focus on their intellectual curiosity and scientific discoveries.

Primary Location: CUNY SCHOOL OF MEDICINE

Bargaining Unit: No

The Research Coordinator will support the implementation and daily operations of Our Stories, Our Bodies, Our Safety , a community-engaged research project examining experiences of safety, community violence, mental health, and well-being among Black pregnant and postpartum women in New York City.

Under the direction of the Principal Investigator (PI), the Research Coordinator will oversee participant recruitment and engagement, coordinate data collection activities, maintain study documentation, and support community partnerships. The Coordinator will help ensure research activities are implemented efficiently, ethically, and in accordance with institutional and IRB-approved protocols.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

1. Participant Recruitment and Enrollment (25%)
   • Develop and implement participant recruitment strategies in collaboration with the PI.
   • Coordinate outreach to community organizations, maternal health programs, and other recruitment partners.
   • Distribute recruitment materials through approved community and digital channels.
   • Conduct participant eligibility screening and coordinate informed consent procedures in accordance with approved study protocols.
   • Maintain recruitment logs and track enrollment progress toward study targets.
   • Schedule participant research appointments and communicate study expectations.
2. Study Coordination and Data Collection (25%)
   • Coordinate administration of study surveys and scheduling of qualitative interviews.
   • Monitor completion of study activities and follow up with participants as appropriate.
   • Assist with distributing, tracking, and collecting Fitbit devices used during the 14‑day monitoring period.
   • Maintain accurate records of participant study participation and completion.
   • Coordinate participant compensation and maintain incentive distribution records.
   • Identify and communicate operational challenges to the PI.
3. Data Management and Research Documentation (20%)
   • Maintain organized, accurate, and confidential research records.
   • Assist with data entry, quality assurance, and verification of survey and participant tracking data.
   • Manage secure participant databases and study tracking spreadsheets.
   • Ensure research data are stored and handled in accordance with institutional confidentiality and data security requirements.
   • Support preparation of research progress summaries and recruitment reports.
   • Assist with maintaining IRB documentation and protocol compliance.
4. Community Engagement and Participant Retention (20%)
   • Serve as a primary point of contact for participants regarding study logistics.
   • Maintain culturally responsive, respectful, and trauma‑informed communication with participants.
   • Coordinate participant reminders, follow‑up appointments, and retention activities.
   • Support relationships with community‑based organizations and maternal health stakeholders.
   • Identify barriers to participation and work with the PI to develop appropriate solutions.
   • Assist with coordinating community engagement activities and dissemination efforts.
5. Administrative and Project Support (10%)
   • Attend regular study team meetings and provide updates on recruitment and project progress.
   • Coordinate study schedules, supplies, and research materials.
   • Assist with preparing reports and other grant‑related documentation.
   • Maintain study timelines and track completion of assigned project milestones.
   • Perform other research‑related duties as assigned by the PI.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in psychology, public health, social work, sociology, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
• Strong organizational, communication, and time‑management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple research activities and maintain accurate records.
• Experience working with diverse populations and demonstrated cultural sensitivity.
• Ability to maintain participant confidentiality and follow established research protocols.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, or similar data management tools.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience coordinating research studies or supporting community‑based research.
• Experience with recruitment, informed consent, survey administration, or participant tracking.
• Familiarity with maternal health, mental health, reproductive health, or health equity research.
• Experience working with Black women, families, and historically underserved communities.
• Familiarity with REDCap or other research data collection platforms.
• Knowledge of human subjects rese