University of Virginia Hiring for Community Research Program Coordinator, Brain Institute at Charlottesville, VA Full Time

The University of Virginia Office of the Vice President for Research, Brain Institute, seeks candidates for a seeking a dedicated and passionate Community Research Program Coordinator position for Alzheimer’s Disease and other neuroscience research projects. This research and outreach position is an opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the health and well-being of underserved communities, particularly those within communities of color and rural populations. The Community Research Program Coordinator will play a crucial role in growing a registry of individuals interested in brain health and Alzheimer’s disease research, employing deep community engagement strategies. The Community Research Program Coordinator will manage the basic elements of clinical trial conduct and demonstrate a solid understanding of clinical research compliance This role requires the ability to foster positive relationships, effectively communicate study information, and ensure the safety, responsibility, and respect of all involved parties.

The initial term of this position is 2 years, with the possibility of extension based on funding availability.

The UVA Brain Institute builds and sustains interdisciplinary neuroscience research teams across Grounds to address major societal challenges. In 2022, the University announced a $75M in an interdisciplinary effort to pioneer life changing advances in neuroscience, while simultaneously mapping the workings of the human brain. This investment allows the Brain Institute and its partners across Grounds to better understand perplexing conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease and autism, as well as how the brain functions over a lifespan. By creating a network of closely interacting basic, translational, data, and clinical neuroscientists at multiple schools at UVA, the Institute is poised to bring neuroscience to preeminence and make both good and great contributions to our local community, commonwealth, country, and world.

Community Research Program Coordinator responsibilities include both research coordination and community engagement activities:

• Manage study recruitment and enrollment efforts including: screen and identify eligible patients, obtain and document informed consent and enrollment.

• Collect and enter study data in a timely fashion.

• Collect, process, store and ship study specimens as needed.

• Assist in preparation, maintenance or creation of study documents such as study visit schedules, source documents, or study communications.

• Prepare and submit regulatory documentation to the IRB such as: personnel changes, annual protocol continuations, protocol modifications, adverse event reports, unanticipated events.

• Spend approximately 50% of working hours in the field, building and nurturing relationships with communities of color and rural organizations.

• Collaborate with community members, stakeholders, and researchers to develop and implement strategies for expanding the registry of individuals interested in Alzheimer’s disease and brain health research.

• Cultivate strong relationships with communities of color and rural populations, leveraging your lived experience and cultural competence to build trust and rapport.

• Engage in community outreach and education to raise awareness about diabetes prevention, brain health, and research opportunities.

• Organize and facilitate community events, workshops, and informational sessions to promote the importance of participation in research.

• Effectively communicate study details, procedures, and benefits in a safe, respectful, and responsible manner to potential participants.

• Collaborate with researchers and healthcare professionals to ensure the study aligns with ethical guidelines and community values.

• Monitor participant engagement and address any concerns or questions, maintaining open lines of communication.

• Collect and analyze data related to community engagement efforts, contributing to ongoing program improvement.

• Work closely with Dr. Ishan Williams, Dr. Carol Manning, and other relevant stakeholders to report progress, challenges, and opportunities for enhancement.

• Assist in grant writing and fundraising efforts to secure funding for the continuation and expansion of the program.

• Ensure reliable transportation for fieldwork activities.

• Support teams, committees, and tasks or functions related to projects.

• In addition to the above job responsibilities, other duties may be assigned.

Minimum Requirements:

-Education: Bachelor’s degree

-Experience:

• Two years of experience. Relevant experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.

• A genuine passion for health equity, Alzheimer’s disease and brain health, and community engagement.

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to communicate complex information in accessible ways.

• Excellent relationship-building skills, fostering trust and collaboration among diverse groups.

• Demonstrated ability to work in culturally sensitive and respectful manners.

• Organizational skills to plan and execute community events and initiatives effectively.

• Familiarity with data collection and analysis methods, as well as reporting.

• Preferred lived experience within communities of color and rural populations, with a deep understanding of the challenges and needs of these communities.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint).

Physical Demands: This is primarily a sedentary job involving extensive use of desktop computers. The job does occasionally require traveling some distance to attend meetings, and programs. Reliable transportation for field work activities is required.

Compensation: The anticipated hiring range for this position is $60,000-65,000, commensurate with experience.

Application Instructions:

Please apply through Workday, and search for R0054165. Internal applicants must apply through their UVA Workday profile by searching ‘Find Jobs.’ Complete an application online with the following documents:

• CV/Resume

• Cover Letter

All documents can be loaded into the resume submission field, multiple documents can be submitted into this one field. Internal applicants must apply through their UVA Workday profile. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

For questions about the application process, please contact Jessica Speth, Academic Recruiter.

The University of Virginia, including the UVA Health System which represents the UVA Medical Center, Schools of Medicine and Nursing, UVA Physician’s Group and the Claude Moore Health Sciences Library, are fundamentally committed to the diversity of our faculty and staff. We believe diversity is excellence expressing itself through every person’s perspectives and lived experiences. We are equal opportunity and affirmative action employers. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity or expression, marital status, national or ethnic origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, veteran status, and family medical or genetic information.