Summary
The Department of Neurology at Baylor College of Medicine is seeking an experienced Research Coordinator II to support incoming faculty Dr. Ihab Hajjar. This candidate will serve as a key member within the research team. They will oversee the daily operations and clinical execution of complex research protocols focusing on neurology and cognitive health. This role will serve as the primary liaison between principal investigators, regulatory bodies, and clinical staff, ensuring that all study activities are conducted with the highest standards of integrity and patient care. This role is ideal for someone who thrives in a fast-paced environment, providing compassionate support to participants with mild cognitive impairment and dementias while maintaining the rigorous regulatory and fiscal oversight required for federally and privately funded clinical trials.
This position may supervise, schedules and directs the activities of less experienced research personnel. They will train new research coordinators, students, and research assistants in study procedures and research skills, including informed research workflow, cognitive testing, vascular testing, ECG acquisition, biospecimen handling, data entry, documentation standards, and participant-facing research procedures. Provides ongoing supervision and skills reinforcement for less experienced research staff to ensure protocol adherence, data accuracy, participant safety, and consistency across study visits.
Job Duties
Clinical Research Support — 35%
Clinical Protocol Management & Patient Engagement
- Coordinate recruitment, screening, and enrollment for complex research studies, including review of clinical notes and medical records to confirm eligibility.
- Support and follow up with research participants and neurology patients to ensure protocol compliance and safety.
- Facilitate the informed consent process by explaining study procedures and risks to participants and families.
- Coordinate specialized imaging sessions, including MRI safety screening, consent, and attendance at brain scans, while facilitating communication of incidental findings between neuroradiologists and the PI.
Clinical Procedures & Specialized Assessments
- Assist with the collection, organization, and tracking of neuropsychological, clinical, functional, neuropsychiatric, social determinants of health, molecular, cardiovascular, neuroimaging, and digital speech data.
- Ensure study forms, cognitive assessments, questionnaires, biospecimen records, imaging documentation, and speech recordings are complete, accurate, and maintained per protocol.
Research Supervisor — 35%
Regulatory Leadership & Compliance
- Assist the PI/supervisor with daily research operations and serve as a liaison with investigators, HRPP, FDA, Sponsored Programs, affiliated hospitals, and other agencies.
- Lead the preparation, submission, and maintenance of IRB documentation, including modifications, consent updates, and continuing reviews.
- Ensure compliance with FDA regulations, HRPP standards, and institutional policies across all study protocols.
- Serve as the primary contact between the research site and external organizations, agencies, and hospital departments.
- Prepare annual reports required for ongoing protocol review and approval.
Administrative, Fiscal & Supervisory Oversight
- Monitor study budgets and assist the PI with fiscal management, patient care charges, and expense reconciliation.
- Train and support research staff, ensuring competency in study procedures and required checkoffs.
- Review new protocols for feasibility, staffing, and resource requirements.
- Participate in departmental meetings, recruitment outreach, and other activities that support the research program.
Biospecimen, Laboratory & Research Technology Operations — 30%
Data Management & Quality Assurance
- Manage large-scale cognitive and clinical datasets using REDCap and clinical trial management systems.
- Perform data quality assurance and de-identification to ensure accuracy and protocol compliance.
- Use analytical tools such as SPSS and Excel to compile and interpret clinical and specimen data for publications and presentations.
- Maintain document control and confidentiality of research records in accordance with IRB requirements.
Laboratory & Research Operations
- Maintain laboratory inventory and clinical supplies to support uninterrupted study operations.
- Participate in departmental meetings, recruitment outreach, and other activities supporting the research program.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in a related field. Four years of related experience may substitute for degree requirement.
- Two years of relevant experience.
Preferred Qualifications
- Master's degree in a related field.
- Previous experience working in Neurology or Neuroscience.
- Experience in Lumipulse required.
- Experiance in Venipuncture required.
Work Authorization Requirement:
This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of application and throughout the duration of employment.
Baylor College of Medicine is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Equal Access Employer.