Summary

The Moreno Lab studies how children's sleep and circadian rhythms impact children's weight status. We conduct lab based and home based studies in which children's sleep is assessed via a wrist worn watch and circadian rhythms are assessed via saliva sampling procedures. Depending on study protocol, screen use may also assessed via app that monitor device use and children will be randomized to experimental conditions to examine the impact of screen use on sleep and circadian Rhythms. We're looking to hire a Research Coordinator I to coordinate the day-to-day operations of studies and clinical trials which include collecting participant data, monitoring research participants, and ensuring the safety of research participants. Applicants should be organized, able to multitask, and work in a fast-paced environment.

Fulfill a 40-hour work week that includes data collection activities, typically scheduled on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, encompassing daytime, evening, and occasional overnight hours, in alignment with participant recruitment needs. Equivalent time off is provided during standard weekday business hours (Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.) to offset evening, overnight, and weekend work commitments.

Job Duties

• Carry out multiple facets of data collection with child research participants and their parents in laboratory or home environments, including executive functioning test administration, saliva collection, and record keeping.
• Learn and apply basic laboratory procedures, including assessment of circadian rhythms via salivary melatonin, behavioral sleep assessment tools, and executive functioning tests.
• Ensure accurate data collection, documentation, organization, and the safety of research participants.
• Interview, screen, and recruit patients for studies; explain processes and procedures to educate participants about research protocols.
• Collect patient information.
• Process, document, and enter information into databases.
• Collect, process, ship, and maintain documentation for blood, saliva, and other biological specimens according to study protocols.
• Work with the Principal Investigator (PI) on grant proposal submissions, amendments, and progress reports.
• Perform literature searches and draft literature reviews.
• Assist in writing manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed journals, as needed.
• Complete on-the-job training in phlebotomy and EKG/ECG procedures prior to performing these tasks on study participants, if required.
• Maintain regulatory documents and research records for studies.
• Schedule research participants for tests and procedures, including laboratory tests, X-rays, and other protocol-specific assessments.
• Retrieve and submit test results to appropriate parties.
• Correspond with patients throughout the study, as needed.
• Travel to participants’ homes for data collection.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Other

Customer Service:

• Maintains clear, professional, and courteous communication with research participants and team members.

Working Conditions and Occupational Risks:

• Work is performed in busy clinical settings, hospitals, offices, laboratories, and participants’ homes.
• May involve exposure to bloodborne pathogens (blood and/or other potentially infectious materials), medications, chemicals, radiation, environmental allergens (in participants’ homes), and other physical hazards.
• Regular interaction with patients and colleagues is required.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to transport data collection supplies to participants’ homes, including lifting and carrying equipment weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to climb stairs and navigate varied home environments as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

• High School diploma or GED.
• Three years of relevant experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field. No experience required with preferred degree.
• Previous experience working with children.
• Demonstrates effective verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to interact professionally with participants and team members.
• Possesses experience with computer software and applications, including Microsoft Office and database management systems (e.g., REDCap).
• Demonstrates strong organizational and problem-solving skills, with the ability to take initiative and meet deadlines established by the Supervisor and/or Principal Investigator (PI).
• Willingness to travel to participants’ homes for data collection.
• Flexibility to work varying schedules, including daytime and evening hours during weekdays and weekends, as required.