Research Project Coordinator

Department: Education & Social Policy
Salary/Grade: EXS/5

Job Summary:

The Senior Research Associate will support and coordinate various research activities within a social-behavioral or biomedical research project. This position requires a strong focus on data management and analysis, as well as the ability to coordinate the operational aspects of ongoing studies. The Research Project Coordinator will work closely with multidisciplinary teams to ensure the efficient progress of research projects, maintaining the quality and integrity of the data collected.

The ideal candidate will have a MA/MS degree in economics, data science, statistics, or a related field, and should be proficient in data management and analysis tools such as R, Stata, and/or Python. This role involves contributing to the development of protocols, assisting with data analysis, and providing administrative support for grants and research publications. Strong organizational, communication, and collaboration skills are essential for success in this role.

Specific Responsibilities:

Technical

• Research Coordination: Coordinate daily research activities, including scheduling, communication with team members, and maintaining timelines. Provide logistical support to ensure that project activities are completed on schedule.
• Data Management & Analysis: Assist with the management, cleaning, and analysis of large datasets. Ensure the quality and integrity of data used in research projects. Perform data analysis using tools such as R, Stata, or Python.
• Data Documentation & Reporting: Document data collection processes and prepare summaries for internal and external reports. Assist with the preparation of research publications and presentations.
• Protocol & Compliance Support: Assist with the development and implementation of study protocols, ensuring compliance with institutional and regulatory standards.
• Grant Support & Reporting: Assist with the preparation of grant applications, reports, and documentation required for funding agencies. Track and monitor project budgets and expenditures.

Administration

• Oversees & manages collection, maintenance, analysis & evaluation of data that will be used in grant submissions, presentations & publications.
• Ensures that information is entered correctly into databases.
• Assists PI in reviewing, analyzing, interpreting, summarizing, formatting, editing, & preparing tables, charts, graphs, progress & final reports, etc.
• Coordinates between sponsoring agencies, collaborating organizations &/or other research &/or educational institutions.
• Collaboration & Communication: Work closely with research team members, including faculty, graduate students, and external stakeholders. Facilitate communication and collaboration to ensure research goals are met.

Finance

• Manages lab/study budget & inventory including purchasing of supplies & services ensuring that they are necessary, reasonable & project related.
• Orders & maintains inventory of study supplies.
• Manage and reconcile expense reports.
• Supervision
• Trains, directs, assigns duties to & supervises research staff, students, and graduate assistants.
• Acts as a mentor in regard to education of junior staff.

Miscellaneous

• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications: (Education, experience, and any other certifications or clearances)

• Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor's or higher degree in a major such as social or health science or related; OR appropriate combination of education and experience and 3 years' research study or other relevant experience required; OR
• Successful completion of a full course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a master's or higher degree in a major such as social or health science or related; OR appropriate combination of education and experience and 1 year research study or other relevant experience.
• Supervisory or project management experience required.

Preferred Qualifications: (Education and experience)

• MA/MS degree in economics, data science, statistics, social sciences, or a related field from an accredited institution.
• Experience with data analysis and management, particularly using statistical software such as R, Stata, and/or Python.
• Strong organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritize effectively to meet deadlines.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.
• Attention to detail and accuracy, particularly in managing datasets and ensuring data integrity.
• Ability to work independently and take initiative in solving problems and managing workflows.
• Familiarity with basic research protocols and understanding of compliance with IRB and regulatory standards.

Preferred Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities)

• Prior experience in coordinating research projects, particularly in social-behavioral or biomedical fields.
• Experience working with large, complex datasets and the ability to generate descriptive and inferential statistics.
• Knowledge of grant writing and budget tracking for research projects.
• Prior experience in preparing or assisting with the preparation of research publications and presentations.
• Familiarity with project management tools and software for organizing and tracking research activities.
• Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate with faculty, graduate students, and external stakeholders.
• Interest or experience in policy-oriented research or social equity and inclusion initiatives, particularly as related to education, labor markets, or health outcomes.

Target hiring range for this position will be between $50,000-$70,000 per year. Offered salary will be determined by the applicant's education, experience, knowledge, skills and abilities, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data.

Benefits:
At Northwestern, we are proud to provide meaningful, competitive, high-quality health care plans, retirement benefits, tuition discounts and more! Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/index.html to learn more.

Work-Life and Wellness:
Northwestern offers comprehensive programs and services to help you and your family navigate life's challenges and opportunities and adopt and maintain healthy lifestyles.
We support flexible work arrangements where possible and programs to help you locate and pay for quality, affordable childcare and senior/adult care. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/work-life/index.html to learn more.

Professional Growth & Development:
Northwestern supports employee career development in all circumstances whether your workspace is on campus or at home. If you're interested in developing your professional potential or continuing your formal education, we offer a variety of tools and resources. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/learning/index.html to learn more.

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