Research Project Coordinator

About the Job

POSITION DESCRIPTION:

Background

This position will serve as a project coordinator for two research studies focused on improving the health and wellbeing of youth and their families. The first study includes community-based implementation science research with the YMCA of the North. This study will result in the development and pilot testing of training for out-of-school time staff to promote positive child and youth mental health. The second area of research the position will support includes preliminary data collection and grant proposal preparation related to parental involvement in adolescent obesity treatment.

This full time position (20 hours/week) is a 12-15 month position.

Hybrid Expectations to be at after school programs to collect data up to five days a week.

Duties/Responsibilities

Coordinate research team and advisory board (30%)

• Work with PI, research team, and community partners to develop a local advisory board for the project and plan and coordinate advisory board meetings
• Work with PI and research team to coordinate tasks related to recruitment and training of student research assistants (e.g., hiring procedures, payroll/managing timecards, recruitment material development)
• Provide training and supervision to student research assistants related to recruitment and data collection activities
• Work with PI to schedule, facilitate, and plan team meetings

Data collection & management (50%)

• Assist in the development and lead implementation of data collection protocols including observational data collection, process data, surveys, and semi-structured interviews across both adult and youth study participants
• Follow research protocols to manage data collected
• Assist with data cleaning and analysis as appropriate

Research materials (20%)

• Develop intervention materials
• Conduct literature reviews
• Collaborate with research team to prepare dissemination materials for scientific and community audiences (manuscripts, presentations, reports)
• Assist with grant proposal writing and material preparation

Qualifications

All required qualifications must be documented on application materials.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelors degree and/or 2 years of public health/community work experience (or equivalent/similar education and experience equal to 6 years)
• Experience with grant-based work requirements, such as developing and following work plans and protocols and/or reporting requirements
• Experience coordinating events or meetings (communication, agenda setting, note taking)
• Experience with supervising or mentoring undergraduates (or similar)
• Proficiency in basic computer programs including Word, Acrobat, Powerpoint, and Excel
• Professional oral and written communication style
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Detail-oriented with exceptional organizational and planning skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience conducting qualitative data collection (e.g., focus groups, interviews)
• Experience conducting observational data collection
• Experience with community advisory boards
• Experience with research participant recruitment
• Experience with project management related to data collection (e.g., development and implementation of data collection protocols and manuals)
• Experience with research dissemination (e.g., reports, scientific manuscripts)
• Master's degree in Public Health or Behavioral Health-related field
• Experience assisting in the development of intervention materials
• Familiarity with IRB submissions and reporting
• Experience with grant proposals
• Familiarity with implementation science

About the Department

The University of Minnesota School of Public Health (SPH) is Minnesotas only school of public health, committed to improving the health and well-being of communities worldwide. Through innovative research, learning, and concrete action, we tackle todays biggest health challenges. SPH includes four academic divisions: Biostatistics & Health Data Science, Environmental Health Sciences, Epidemiology & Community Health, and Health Policy & Management.

Ranked nationally by the U.S. News & World Report as the #6 public school of public health, SPH is home to approximately 1,000 students, 130 faculty, and 400 staff across 25 internationally recognized centers. Our academic excellence is highlighted by our #3-ranked Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA) and #9-ranked Biostatistics programs.

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: $26.49 - $28.84 per hour; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 50% Appointment

Position Type: Civil-Service & Non-Faculty Labor Represented Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost

While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to note that most of the

time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This approach ensures

that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while

maintaining equity within our organization. As part of our commitment to fair and

equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered to incoming candidates

will be based on their individual credentials and experience.

How To Apply

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

Please apply online. Please submit:

• Cover letter indicating how your education and experience qualify you for this position and have prepared you to carry out the responsibilities described above;
• A detailed resume that highlights all relevant training, work or volunteer experiences, responsibilities, and accomplishments;
• List of 2-3 references with contact information

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

Diversity

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Employment Requirements

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

About University of Minnesota

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nations most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.