Department: SoC Comm Sciences & Disorders Salary/Grade: EXS/5 Job Summary: The Child Language Lab and the Early Intervention Research Group are looking for a bilingual (Spanish/English) Clinical Research Coordinator to work on longitudinal studies of bilingual children’s early language development. The Child Language Lab (CLL), directed by Dr. Adriana Weisleder, examines links between early language environments and language development in children from diverse backgrounds. The CLL will be starting an NIH-funded study examining trajectories of language development in Spanish-English bilingual late talkers. The Research Coordinator will assist with all aspects of the research, including recruitment, conducting standardized assessments and eye-tracking studies, transcribing and coding video data, training and supervising research assistants, and contributing to data analysis, presentations and publications. The Early Intervention Research Group (EIRG), led by Dr. Megan Roberts, examines the effects of early intervention for children with developmental delays (6 months to 5 years). The lab uses a variety of methodologies, including clinical trials, eye tracking, behavioral observations, and surveys. Currently, EIRG has five federally funded clinical trials that look at the effects of early intervention on different populations, including toddlers with autism, preschool children with expressive and receptive language delays, and infants and young children with hearing loss. This position requires someone with a strong attention to detail who can also consider the big picture. We are looking for someone who can connect well with both young children and their caregivers. We are also looking for a team player who prefers open and honest communication and is willing to take initiative and learn a variety of lab related responsibilities. Because studie6s blend research and clinical practice, this position requires a flexible and creative thinker who can work as part of an interdisciplinary team. Manages daily operations of a biomedical &/or social-behavioral research study involving multidisciplinary teams of colleagues, sponsors & other external project stakeholders. Monitors study performance, analyzes & review results, & supervises development & implementation of new protocols. Assigns work & supervises study staff & reviews technical operations ensuring that all processes, protocols & procedures are quality controlled & functioning up to standards. May co-author scientific papers for presentation & publication & coordinates writing, submission & administration of grants. Ensures that all study activities are completed by strictly following Good Clinical Practices (GCP) & all current local, state, & federal laws, regulations, guidance, policy & procedure developed by the NU Institutional Review Board (IRB), Food & Drug Administration (FDA) Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), & the International Conference on Harmonization (ICH). Please note: Supervisor provides objectives and deadlines. Work is reviewed for fulfillment of objective and deadlines and overall compliance with policy and procedures. Employee completes some activities without direction, informing supervisor only of potentially controversial matters and/or far-reaching implications. Must have reliable transportation to research sites. Specific Responsibilities: Technical - Leads execution & control of a biomedical &/or social science project or research study.
- Manages and ensures completion of study activities per protocol. Collaborating with nursing staff and Principal Investigator (PI) ascertains pretreatment & eligibility requirements; interviews participants & obtains social & medical histories; based on results determines & registers participants with appropriate sponsors; completes informed consent; determines & organizes patient's treatment and test schedules.
- Conducts standardized assessments in accordance with the research protocol
- Conducts eye-tracking experiments with toddlers
- Manages conduct of experimental tests & procedures. Closely monitors & documents patient's adverse events; partners with nursing staff in modifying dosages, tests & treatment schedule.
Data - Manages project data including processing, accuracy, analysis & evaluation of data ensuring that results meet project information and deliverable objectives. Partners with internal/external project and IT staff to create, review, analyze, interpret, summarize and prepare progress & final reports.
- Assists with coding and transcription of observational data
- Provides consultation to internal/external project staff on appropriate data management, methodological issues and analysis of data.
Administration - Manages project, collaborating and partnering with all internal/external staff including sponsoring agencies, organizations &/or other research &/or educational institutions to ensure project objectives and timelines are attained. Advises project staff on enhancements and changes to processes, practices, and procedures to ensure compliance with protocols and to increase effectiveness and efficiency of project.
- Manages day-to-day project operational & business functions; implements existing policy & ensures the effective, compliant, & efficient completion of daily administrative operations.
- Ensures appropriate and timely compliance with associated local, state, & federal regulatory guidelines, requirements, & laws; & research protocols.
Miscellaneous - Performs other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications: - Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor's or higher degree in a major such as social or health science or related; OR appropriate combination of education and experience and 2 years' research study or other relevant experience required; OR
- Successful completion of a full course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a master's or higher degree in a major such as social or health science or related; OR appropriate combination of education and experience and 1 year research study or other relevant experience.
- Supervisory or project management experience required.
- Must complete Northwestern's IRB CITI training before interacting with any participants & must re-certify every 3 years
Minimum Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities.) - Fluency in Spanish and English
Preferred Qualifications: - Master’s degree in speech-language pathology, early childhood special education, or child development
- Experience working with families
- Experience working with children under 7 years of age
- Experience working with children with hearing loss, autism, and/or language delays
- 2 year research study experience
Preferred Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities) - Coursework in early language development
Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer of all protected classes, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply. Hiring is contingent upon eligibility to work in the United States. |