Research Operations Coordinator - Creswell Lab - Dietrich College

Carnegie Mellon University; Pittsburgh (Allegheny County); On-site; USD 34,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Tuition benefits

PTO and holidays

Transit bus pass

Family Concierge

Job summary

Carnegie Mellon University’s Dietrich College is seeking a Research Operations Coordinator to support NIH-funded mindfulness and health studies. The role coordinates study activities with project managers, maintains regulatory documents, and assists with grants and reporting while supporting executive needs for Dr.

Creswell. The position emphasizes organized workflow, proactive problem solving, and responsible use of AI tools to streamline documentation, meeting notes, literature scans, and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; 3–5 years of data collection, analysis, research methodology, and/or lab experience preferred.
• Combination of education and relevant experience may be considered.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate study activities with lab project managers, including scheduling, recruitment materials, study documentation, and data organization.
• Prepare and track IRB submissions, renewals, and modifications; maintain regulatory documentation.
• Support grant submissions and progress reports by assembling materials and coordinating with grant administrators.
• Manage Dr. Creswell's calendar, email, and travel; provide executive support for research priorities and commitments.
• Coordinate onboarding for new lab members and maintain lab procedures, shared drives, and research resources.

Skills

Data collection

Research methodology

Lab experience

Proactive organization

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Generative AI tools

Job description

Carnegie Mellon University's Dietrich College – Research Operations Coordinator

Carnegie Mellon University's Dietrich College is searching for a Research Operations Coordinator to support the research activities of Dr. David Creswell, William S. Dietrich II Professor of Psychology and director of the Health and Human Performance Laboratory and the Center for Modern Digital Health. The lab conducts several NIH-funded studies on mindfulness, stress, and health, including digital health and wearable research. This role focuses primarily on coordinating research operations and supporting ongoing studies in partnership with the lab’s project managers. You will help maintain study documentation, coordinate research activities, support regulatory and grant processes, and keep lab resources organized. The position also provides executive and administrative support to Dr. Creswell to help him manage research and related professional commitments.

We are looking for someone who is highly organized, proactive, and comfortable using generative AI tools to support efficient research workflows. You should be able to anticipate needs, manage competing priorities, and follow through on details.

Core Responsibilities

• Research operations: Work with the lab’s project managers to coordinate study activities, including participant scheduling, recruitment materials, study documentation, and data organization.
• Help prepare and track IRB submissions, renewals, and modifications, and maintain accurate regulatory documentation.
• Support grant submissions and progress reports by assembling materials, formatting documents, and coordinating with department grants administrators.
• Track research deadlines and deliverables, including grant reports, manuscript submissions, and regulatory requirements.
• Coordinate onboarding for new lab members and maintain lab procedures, shared drives, and research resources.
• Facilitate communication and follow-up across research teams to keep study activities and operational needs on track.

AI-Enabled Research Workflows

• Use generative AI tools such as Claude, ChatGPT, or Gemini to help draft, summarize, and organize research-related materials, consistent with university policies.
• Help build, maintain, and improve AI-assisted workflows for meeting documentation, literature and funding scans, and research status tracking.
• Follow university policies on data privacy and responsible AI use, including protecting research participant data and confidential information.

Executive and Administrative Support

• Manage Dr. Creswell’s calendar, scheduling, and meeting preparation, with an emphasis on research priorities and related commitments.
• Assist with email and correspondence, including drafting routine communications and coordinating follow-up.
• Coordinate travel, reimbursements, and logistics for talks, visitors, and lab events.
• Provide additional administrative support for teaching and professional activities as needed.
• Other duties as assigned.

Desired Qualities

Adaptability, excellence, and passion are vital qualities within Carnegie Mellon University. We are in search of a team member who can effectively interact with a varied population of internal and external partners at a high level of integrity. We are looking for someone who shares our values and who will support the mission of the university through their work. You should demonstrate: excellent organization and follow-through, with the ability to coordinate multiple research activities and deadlines; attention to detail in maintaining study materials, regulatory documentation, and lab resources; a proactive approach to identifying operational needs and improving research workflows; hands‑on experience using generative AI tools responsibly; clear, professional written and verbal communication; discretion and good judgment when handling confidential information; and the ability to work collaboratively with faculty, project managers, students, staff, and external partners.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required 3-5 years of data collection and analysis, research methodology, and/or research lab experience required
• A combination of education and relevant experience from which comparable knowledge is demonstrated may be considered.

Requirements

• Successful completion of a pre-employment background check.

Benefits

Benefits eligible employees enjoy a wide array of benefits including comprehensive medical, prescription, dental, and vision insurance as well as a generous retirement savings program with employer contributions. Unlock your potential with tuition benefits, take well‑deserved breaks with ample paid time off and observed holidays, and rest easy with life and accidental death and disability insurance. Additional perks include a free Pittsburgh Regional Transit bus pass, access to our Family Concierge Team to help navigate childcare needs, fitness center access, and much more!

Job Details

Location Pittsburgh, PA

Job Function Researchers

Position Type Staff – Fixed Term (Fixed Term) Full Time/Part time Full time

Pay Basis Hourly

More Information: Please visit “Why Carnegie Mellon” to learn more about becoming part of an institution inspiring innovations that change the world.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Carnegie Mellon University is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran.

Accessibility

We are committed to providing an accessible experience throughout our recruitment process. If you need assistance or a reasonable accommodation at any stage of the application, interview, or hiring process, please contact Equal Opportunity Services by email at [e-mail] or by phone at 412-268-5072.

Prospective Employee Disclosures

Prospective Employee Disclosures