Clinical Rsch. Prog./Proj. Mgr

GENERAL SUMMARY/OVERVIEW STATEMENT:

We seek an experienced, full-time program manager (PM) who is available either as a new employee or for redeployment within MGH to manage multiple research studies across the MGH Early Brain Development Initiative, a collaboration among Psychiatry and other clinical departments Neuroscience aimed at discovering new, early-life interventions that reduce risk for mental illness in young people. The PM will primarily contribute to studies focused on prenatal and early-life exposures that impact brain development, including, but not limited to:

* The Brain health Begins Before Birth (B4) Study: a longitudinal birth cohort study recruiting patients in the beginning of pregnancy and administering surveys during every trimester of pregnancy and through the first ten years of the child's life. Survey topics include physical and mental health, pregnancy and childbirth experiences, pandemic-related stress, and the child's health and development after birth;
* Antenatal Wearable Sensors to Observe the Maternal Environment (AWeSOME): a pilot study involving continuous data monitoring during pregnancy using a wearable wristband (Empatica EmbracePlus); and
* The Folic Acid Qualitative Study (FAQS): a qualitative study aiming to determine the extent to which health systems-level obstacles (e.g., provider knowledge and practice) influence delivery and uptake of periconceptional folic acid supplementation in community health settings.

The program manager will report to Dr. Joshua Roffman, director of the Mass General Early Brain Development Initiative. The program manager will work closely with Dr. Roffman to develop and implement operational plans, outreach, and administrative oversight (including IRB, pre- and post-award functions, compliance with federal, state, and sponsor guidelines). S/he will also work with clinical and research colleagues in Psychiatry and other clinical departments. The program manager must be a high performer with the ability to navigate complex organizational structures and foster key relationships. The position has a high focus on forward-moving progress. Outstanding, well developed organizational and communication skills and problem-solving abilities are required. The candidate must be capable of working independently, setting and adhering to milestones, and working with minimal supervision. There is also ample opportunity to design and explore research questions of your own using B4 data and for crossover with other projects under the EBDI, such as the Prenatal Folic acid and Adolescent Brain development (PFAB) Study, as well as analyses of Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) Study data.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

* Overall development, implementation, and daily management of research protocols in close coordination with Dr. Roffman and co-investigators. These include: (1) surveys and clinical assessments during pregnancy and delivery, as well as coordination of biospecimen collection; (2) clinical, cognitive, and biomarker-based assessments in the first years of life; (3) focus groups involving providers, patients, and community stakeholders; and (4) pilot implementation trials for early life interventions
* Serve as a primary point of contact for participants, study staff, and co-investigators for information on study progress
* Responsible for primary day-to-day administrative duties, serving as a central resource for all program-related issues, including managing program-wide meetings, website construction and maintenance, liaising with development, resolving any IS issues, troubleshooting equipment issues and requesting system access
* Oversee patient recruitment, enrollment, and progress throughout the duration of the study
* Responsible for key aspects of the human resources process, annual reviews and on-boarding for post-doctoral fellows, coordinators, research faculty, including close supervision and training of coordinators and interns
* Supervise and serve as timekeeper for 6-8 coordinators
* Plan and conduct weekly check-ins with direct reports, setting internal deadlines and tracking progress on study activities for a growing body of research studies
* Organize and plan biweekly staff meetings including investigators, fellows, and research coordinators
* Create and manage databases; perform data audits, including quality control and assurance of all research data
* Create documents pertaining to study standard operating procedures such as operations manuals and staff training materials
* Schedule and facilitate meetings with relevant stakeholders, including co-investigators, staff on other research teams, hospital administrative support staff, and external collaborators
* Assist with identifying new sources of funding (RFAs, new foundations, potential donors, etc.)
* Plan and execute collaborative scientific events (thinktanks, symposia), including the preparation and presentation of study-related slide decks
* Report study progress and findings to investigators and sponsors at meetings and conference calls
* Apply for and, when accepted, present at relevant academic conferences and events
* Develop and execute communication platforms including newsletters, emails, and websites
* Ensure compliance with federal and IRB regulations
* Oversee IRB submissions, amendments and continuing reviews
* Assist with or lead preparation of grant applications and manuscripts, including data analyses, literature searches, and drafting of text

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

* 6-8 coordinators, research assistants, and students (mix of direct and indirect reports)



SKILLS/ABILITIES/COMPETENCIES REQUIRED:

The candidate should: 1) be well-organized, self-motivated, and attentive to detail, with excellent quantitative skills; 2) be able to multi-task, problem-solve, and manage time/work-load with minimal supervision; 3) have excellent interpersonal communication skills to effectively communicate with a multidisciplinary team and research participants; 4) have some experience with grand submissions, research administration, pre/post award functions, working knowledge of NIH and other federal, state, and foundation regulations/policies; and 5) have the ability to work independently and interact with clients and colleagues at all levels of the institution.

The PM should also be proficient in using administrative software (Excel, Word, Access, Powerpoint), Epic, webpage development, and electronic data capture systems such as REDCap.

EDUCATION:

Advanced degree desired (MPH or PhD preferred). Bachelor's degree required.

EXPERIENCE:

5 years of clinical and/or research experience required.