Research Associate

Title: Research Associate I

Department: Bioethics

School: Medicine

Location: TA200

Supervisor Name and Title: Marsha Michie, PhD, Assistant Professor of Bioethics

POSITION OBJECTIVE

The primary responsibility of this Research Associate (RA) will be to conduct, manage, and coordinate research and research support for the Department of Bioethics and projects associated with CHANGE (Bioethics Center for Health and Genomics). This RA will specifically support, co-develop, and conduct research related to the ethical and social implications of biomedical research and practice, particularly in the areas of genetics/genomics, reproductive health, and community health. Research and research support activities will include coordinating research recruitment and protocol implementation on multi-site research studies, developing research tools (including surveys and interview guides), conducting data collection and analysis, managing grant reports and other research compliance activities, working with faculty to develop research proposals and protocols, and assisting in the development of manuscripts, reports, and other research dissemination. The RA will work with faculty investigators to supervise research staff on Department projects in order to meet project goals.

This RA will additionally work with other Bioethics Research core to coordinate training activities for faculty and staff in proposal development, survey/interview design, data collection and analysis, IRB submissions, and other project management needs. This RA will also assist in the hiring and training of new research staff for the Department and in other professional activities under the direction of the Department Chair.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Work with faculty as needed to implement and manage research studies, including monitoring protocol adherence and progress, supervising multi-site research communications, and coordinating research recruitment activities within and between sites. (20%)

2. Serve as research staff lead for research projects, including acting as a lead liason between the projects and their research and community partners. (10%)

3. Supervise research assistants on projects to coordinate research activities, insure compliance with protocols, and keep training and research education up to date. (10%)

4. Work with faculty to develop research protocols and data collection tools (such as surveys, interview guides, and databases) and conduct data collection and analysis related to Department research studies. (10%)

5. Coordinate and manage research compliance activities for research studies as needed, including IRB protocols, inter-institutional data use agreements, and research certification/credentialing for research personnel. (10%)

6. Support faculty in finding opportunities and developing proposals for research studies related to ethical and social issues in biomedicine. (5%)

7. Assist in development and submission of research proposals and in managing compliance with research progress reports and grant management milestones. (10%)

8. Assist in developing and drafting manuscripts for publication, research presentations, and other research dissemination. (10%)

9. Assist in hiring and training research staff for the Department. (5%)

10. Coordinate and assist in training activities for faculty and staff related to research methodology, research compliance, and project management. (5%)

11. Assist faculty investigators in developing and managing project budgets and resources. (5%)

NONESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Perform other duties as needed, including assistance to members of staff and faculty and support for the Department of Bioethics.

CONTACTS

Department: The RA will have continual contact with Department research staff and faculty investigators, including regular meetings of project teams and the Bioethics Research core meetings and conference calls with off-site collaborators of the grant. The RA will have frequent contact with the Vice-Chair of Bioethics and regular contact with other faculty in the department.

University: The RA will have moderate contact with faculty in other departments with respect to ongoing research projects, and with University staff regarding research compliance issues such as IRB protocols and data use agreements.

External: The RA will have regular contact with investigators and staff from collaborating institutions on multi-site research projects. The RA will have moderate contact with grant funding organizations, professional societies, and others including research participants and potential research collaborators.

Students: The RA will have moderate contact with students who work on associated research projects in the Department or who receive training in research skills related to their own projects.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

The RA will work with faculty investigators to supervise training and research activities of research staff and student research assistants.

QUALIFICATIONS

Experience: A minimum of 8 years of experience working in research environments in the social sciences, public health, health humanities, or bioethics. Familiarity with medical terminology preferred.

Education/Licensing: Education: Master's degree in bioethics, social sciences, public health, health humanities or a related discipline.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS and ABILITIES

1. Knowledge and understanding of commonly-used concepts, practices, and procedures within the field of qualitative and quantitative research in bioethics and/or health humanities.

2. Demonstrated ability to design, implement, and manage multiple research projects.

3. Expertise in research methodology and design.

4. Excellent written, communication and interpersonal skills; must demonstrate the ability to communicate and work effectively with various individuals from a broad spectrum of disciplines and educational backgrounds within the Department, University, and with individuals outside the University.

5. Strong organization and time-management skills; ability to manage multiple projects, prioritize and meet deadlines. Demonstrated analytic abilities and problem-solving skills.

6. Ability to work effectively and efficiently both independently and collaboratively within a team. Ability to take a leadership role and lead multi-site meetings. Must demonstrate flexibility and ability to conform to shifting priorities, demands and timeline.

7. Computer proficiency using Microsoft Office (e.g. Word, Excel) and Zoom. Some familiarity with qualitative data analysis software (e.g. Atlas.ti, Dedoose) and quantitative research database management (e.g. REDCap) is preferred.

WORKING CONDITIONS

This position will be based in the Department of Bioethics within the Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, an office environment with access to a computer, printer, and other standard office equipment. There will be no exposure to biological/chemical hazards.

Experience: A minimum of 8 years of experience working in research environments in the social sciences, public health, health humanities, or bioethics. Familiarity with medical terminology preferred.

Education/Licensing: Education: Master's degree in bioethics, social sciences, public health, health humanities or a related discipline.

Case Western Reserve University is committed to providing a transparent estimate of the salary for this position at the time of its posting. The starting annual salary is $55,000-$73,000 depending on qualifications, experience, department budgets, and industry data.

Employees receive more than just a paycheck. University employees enjoy a comprehensive benefits package that includes excellent healthcare, retirement plans, tuition assistance, paid time off, and a winter recess.