Summary

The Department of Neonatology at Texas Children’s Hospital is seeking a highly motivated individual to join our team as a Research Coordinator I. This entry-level position provides an excellent opportunity for someone interested in clinical research, with a focus on neonatal care. The Research Coordinator I will assist in coordinating research studies, collecting and managing data, and supporting study investigators, while working under supervision to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements. This role offers valuable experience in neonatal research and is ideal for candidates looking to develop skills in a clinical research environment.

The Department of Neonatology at Texas Children’s Hospital is dedicated to improving outcomes for critically ill newborns through cutting-edge research and clinical care. Our studies focus on areas such as neonatal nutrition, respiratory support innovations, neurodevelopmental outcomes, and interventions for preterm and low-birth-weight infants.

This position is located within the Neonatology Department at Texas Children’s Hospital in the Texas Medical Center. The role involves working closely with multidisciplinary teams in a fast-paced neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) setting to coordinate and support impactful clinical research studies.

Job Duties

Performs research coordination and administrative duties to support the successful execution of clinical research studies in neonatology, contributing to the department’s mission of advancing neonatal care through innovative research.

50% - Study Coordination and Regulatory Compliance

• Assist in coordinating neonatal clinical research studies focusing on conditions such as preterm birth, neonatal respiratory support, and neonatal nutrition, under the supervision of senior research coordinators or principal investigators.
• Help prepare and submit study-related documents, including protocols, consent forms, and regulatory submissions (e.g., IRB applications), ensuring compliance with institutional and federal guidelines.
• Monitor and report on study progress, including patient recruitment, data collection, and adherence to study protocols, with guidance and oversight from senior staff.
• Maintain organized study files, ensuring accurate documentation of study activities, regulatory submissions, and communications for potential audits.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, including NICU nurses, neonatologists, and research faculty, to support study execution and troubleshoot minor issues as they arise.

30% - Data Collection and Management

• Collect, manage, and track data related to neonatal participants, such as clinical outcomes, lab results, and vital signs, under supervision.
• Input study data into specialized neonatal research databases (e.g., REDCap), ensuring accuracy, completeness, and adherence to HIPAA regulations.
• Assist with data quality checks to identify discrepancies or inconsistencies, escalating any concerns to senior staff for review and resolution.
• Perform basic statistical analysis or data entry as directed by senior team members, ensuring that all data collected is validated and meets study requirements.

10% - Participant and Family Interaction

• Assist in recruiting neonatal patients and obtaining informed consent from parents or guardians for participation in research studies, following ethical guidelines and with oversight.
• Coordinate scheduling for study visits in collaboration with families and NICU staff to ensure minimal disruption to patient care and study protocol adherence.
• Provide compassionate support to families, answering basic questions about the research process and addressing concerns, with guidance from senior team members when necessary.
• Work with NICU staff to facilitate smooth study visits and ensure that clinical care is not interrupted during research procedures.

10% - Administrative and Team Support

• Support senior research coordinators and principal investigators with administrative tasks such as scheduling meetings, maintaining study calendars, and preparing documentation for audits or monitoring visits.
• Coordinate with other hospital departments (e.g., NICU nursing, pharmacy, laboratory services) to ensure smooth execution of study protocols and foster interdepartmental communication for study efficiency.
• Performs other job duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

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

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (e.g., Biology, Health Sciences, Public Health, or related disciplines).
• Practical knowledge of clinical research in a neonatal setting, obtained through education and/or work experience is preferred.
• Certification in Clinical Research Coordination (e.g., SOCRA or ACRP) is preferred.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and experience with research data management systems such as REDCap or Epic.
• Familiarity with Good Clinical Practice (GCP) guidelines, IRB submissions, and HIPAA compliance.
• Strong attention to detail, exceptional organizational skills, and the ability to manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team, and exhibit a passion for clinical research in neonatal care.
• Familiarity with clinical research processes is strongly preferred.