Institute for Medical Research Position @ the Durham VA Health Care System

The Institute for Medical Research (IMR), a private nonprofit organization that conducts cutting edge research for the Durham Veterans Affairs Health Care System (DVAHCS), seeks to hire a Research Team Lead. The successful candidate will be employed by the Dr. Stephen Freedland, a nationally recognized leader in urology and urologic oncology research. The Freedland Urology Research Group primarily examines urology and oncology disease in veterans with a particular focus on lifestyle, race, and risk stratification, and is supported by numerous federal grants as well as leading industry sponsors.

This position is ideal for a highly motivated individual who may be taking time off between degrees. In this position, you will work with a dynamic team of MDs, PhDs, and research scientists at a high-tier medical institution. The Research Team Lead will gain considerable knowledge of clinical research methods, cancer biology, and urology. Seminars, other learning opportunities, and professional development funding are available after 3 months of employment.

Location:  This position is hybrid. This position is located in Durham, North Carolina and candidates must be willing to relocate prior to start date.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Train and Supervise Research Staff:

• Supervise up to 8 direct reports
• Monitor staff adherence to federal and state regulations, international good clinical practice, and organizational best practices and standard operating procedures
• Participate in hiring research personnel
• Approve timecards, conduct performance reviews, provide coaching, and coordinate staff learning experiences
• Create and update training materials
• Lead lab and project-specific training sessions
• Train study personnel on data abstraction and entry into electronic databases
• Train study personnel on study-specific tasks commiserate with their role which may include data abstraction, patient interest and consent activities, interviewing research participants, obtaining vitals, or conducting research blood draws

Monitor Project Progression:

• Coordinate project workflow to ensure projects are executed properly
• Organize and run team meetings on a frequent and regular basis
• Monitor and answer research staff questions
• Ensure data queries are resolved in a timely manner
• Supervise direct reports’ research activities
• Assist with monitoring of select projects
• Maintain patient confidentiality
• Assist with establishing appropriate timelines for completing study-related activities
• Assist with other study- or project-specific tasks not defined above

Document and Modify Standard Operating Procedures for Select Projects:

• Maintain meeting notes and agendas
• Recommend new methods for collection and documentation of data
• Maintain, modify, and create SOPs and reference guides for select projects

Provide Insights, Opinions, and Data to Supervisors for Project Planning:

• Participate in regular planning meetings with team members
• Provide status updates and estimates related to scheduling and work capacity to Clinical Research Coordinators
• Prepare and maintain written copies of electronic records for rapid access
• Work effectively as part of a team

Assist with Administrative Tasks:

• Troubleshoot technical problems and respond to procedural questions
• Maintain calendars and study trackers
• Adhere to safety, privacy, and compliance regulations

Non-Critical Elements:

• Review electronic medical records for medical data and enter into electronic databases
• Spend 20% effort on other projects that benefit the group

Qualifications:
Requires a bachelor’s degree and 1 year of at least one year of experience with human subject research.

• Applicants must deal diplomatically and professionally with administration, faculty, clinical and lab personnel, and subjects.
• Demonstrated leadership, professional initiative and teamwork abilities are required.
• Basic computer skills are required, with experience using MS Access and MS Excel preferred.
• This position requires an applicant who has at least one year of experience with human subject research.
• Prior experience with FDA regulations and HIPAA considerations is preferred.

Physical Requirements: The physical requirements and activities that are required to perform the essential functions of the position include, but may not be limited to, as follows:  Must be able to occasionally lift, pull and push a minimum of 40 pounds, stand for extended periods of time, sit for extended periods of time, squat, kneel, and stoop, regularly use fingers, hands for computer work.

Supervisory Controls: The position of Research Team Lead is under the direct supervisor of the Clinical Research Coordinator.

The prior statements describe the general nature and level of work being performed. This is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties required. Employees may be directed to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.

Salary: $51,300 per year

Status:  Exempt

Start Date:  Expected start date will be 4- 6 weeks after the offer but is somewhat flexible and contingent upon completion and approval of VA paperwork.

Employee Benefits: IMR offers a competitive benefits package which includes health, dental, vision, short and long term disability insurance. IMR offers a matching 403b retirement savings plan, and paid holiday, vacation, and sick leave. Please visit https://imr.org/benefits/ for information about employee benefits.

All IMR employees are required to obtain a Workers Without Compensation (WOC) appointment at the Durham VA Health Care System (DVAHCS).  As a result, the successful candidate must undergo a federal background check and may be subject to a physical and drug test. Participation in the vaccination programs may be required for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Workers Without Compensation (WOC) appointments. We will not sponsor applicants for work visas.         

Equal Opportunity Employer, including disabled persons and Veterans.

Click here to apply to this position and others directly on the Institute for Medical Research Careers Page!