The Columbia University, Robert N Butler Columbia Aging Center is seeking a Staff Associate III (Project Manager) who will oversee day-to-day research operations by managing activities associated with multiple concurrent research projects of the Aiello Research Group. This includes directly overseeing and contributing to research project design, implementation, administration, and communication.

The Aiello Research Group seeks to identify the interaction and influence of social and biological factors on long-term health outcomes, including Alzheimer's Disease, mental health, and infectious diseases. We work across several disciplinary areas including, epidemiology, gerontology, sociology, infectious diseases, and immunology.

• 65% - The individual will monitor fieldwork across domestic and international projects. Serve as point-person for field staff and make real-time decisions to achieve project aims; Implement quality control measures during data and specimen collection; Develop meeting agendas and lead meetings to discuss project progress; Coordinate schedules for additional meetings to make time-sensitive study decisions; Propose solutions as needed to adhere to study timelines; Develop and maintain standard operating procedures for novel research approaches; Develop and approve protocol changes based on recruitment and protocol implementation progress.
• 15% - The individual will maintain compliance with university processes for collecting, monitoring, and transferring study data and samples. Initiate and Manage Institutional Review Board (IRB) applications and ensure study procedures comply with IRB approved methods; Initiate, facilitate, and execute Data Use Agreements (DUA) and Material Transfer Agreements (MTA) to ensure all data and biospecimen transfers are documented, transported, received, used, and maintained in compliance with approved procedures, including data security protocols.
• 10% - The individual will assist in biospecimen management. Serve as research group contact for questions related to sample type, storage, and organization; Facilitate temperature-controlled deliveries and shipments; Work with vendors and testing lab to ensure efficient storage, pulling, and testing of all samples.
• 10% - The individual will assist with Research Group Management. Oversee meetings coordination and scheduling; assist in the development and submission of progress reports; Meet with grants manager to monitor spending; Contribute to publications and presentations; Aid in development of novel approaches to answer real-time research questions; Update budgets for new projects; Aid in the identification of materials to be used for pilot testing; Obtain quotes from collaborators and vendors; Ensure study close out following conclusion of funding.

• Bachelor's degree in specific research field and 4-6 years experience; Master's degree, or equivalent combination of education and experience preferred
• A master's degree in public health is preferred. However, we will consider a master's degree in another field, if the candidate has experience with epidemiology, clinical and/or public health research.
• Candidates must have experience coordinating/managing research projects; have strong interpersonal, leadership and verbal/written communication skills; have knowledge/experience with human subjects ethics, and Institutional Review Boards. Experience as a member of a research study team is strongly desired.

Candidate should be able to report in-person to New York City office building Monday-Friday from 9am-5pm EST. Subject to business needs, we may support flexible work arrangements. Options will be discussed during the interview process.

Appointments are made on a fiscal year basis and are eligible for renewal each July 1st, contingent upon performance and funding.

The search will remain open for at least 30 days after the ad appears and will continue until the position is filled.  

Projected start date will be October 9, 2023, or open until filled.  

Columbia University benefits are offered with this Officer of Research appointment.

Columbia University is an Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

Pay Transparency Disclosure

The salary of the finalist selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to departmental budgets, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, specialty, and training.  The above hiring range represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.

About Columbia University

Columbia University is one of the world's most important centers of research and at the same time a distinctive and distinguished learning environment for undergraduates and graduate students in many scholarly and professional fields. The University recognizes the importance of its location in New York City and seeks to link its research and teaching to the vast resources of a great metropolis. It seeks to attract a diverse and international faculty and student body, to support research and teaching on global issues, and to create academic relationships with many countries and regions. It expects all areas of the university to advance knowledge and learning at the highest level and to convey the products of its efforts to the world.

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