RESEARCH OPERATIONS LEAD

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Company: University of Washington

Location: Seattle, WA 98115

Description:

Please note that this position has been re-posted. If you have already submitted your application, you need not submit it again, as it has already been received.

As a UW employee, you have a unique opportunity to change lives on our campuses, in our state and around the world. UW employees offer their boundless energy, creative problem-solving skills and dedication to build stronger minds and a healthier world.

UW faculty and staff also enjoy outstanding benefits, professional growth opportunities and unique resources in an environment noted for diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits, and natural beauty.

Epidemiology has an outstanding opportunity for a (Working title: Research Operations Lead, Payroll Title: Research Scientist/Engineer 4 (E S UAW RSE)).

The National Alzheimer's Coordinating Center (NACC) serves as the data, communication, and collaboration coordinating center for the National Institute on Aging (NIA) Alzheimer's Disease Research Centers (ADRC) Program. NACC is currently funded by more than $58M in grants from the National Institute on Aging (NIA) and is home to one of the largest (50,000+ participants), oldest, and most powerful Alzheimer's datasets. Our extensive database of rich, longitudinal, standardized clinical and neuropathological data was built in collaboration with more than 42 ADRCs across the US over the past 24+ years.

NACC is driving major innovations to modernize data infrastructure (collection, integration, storage, and sharing) and build interoperability with other NIA-funded repositories to transform and advance Alzheimer's Disease and Alzheimer's Disease Related Dementia (AD/ADRD) research and discovery. NACC is expanding its database to integrate electronic health records, Medicare claims, digital biomarkers, and digital neuropathology data, as well as additional genetic, biospecimen, and standard imaging (MRI and PET) metadata.

Additionally, NACC is developing a novel data search and visualization portal to make all ADRC data streams readily searchable and accessible to the international research community. This work will open the door to new discoveries in AD/ADRD, improve our understanding of the disease, and enable the development of better early disease detection, personalized medicine, and more impactful therapeutics. NACC is part of the Department of Epidemiology within UW's School of Public Health.

NACC is organized into five teams: 1) technology team, 2) project team, 3) research team, 4) grants and finance team and 5) communications team.

POSITION PURPOSE

The Research Operations Lead is integral to the success of NACC, and it is vital that the person occupying this position possesses the ability to work with ADRC and non-ADRC investigators and other personnel from diverse backgrounds (i.e., neurology, neuropathology, psychiatry, genetics, computer analysts, administrators) and multiple institutions. NACC maintains a database of clinical and neuropathological data collected from the ADRC investigators; these projects define and collect data specific for their research needs. In addition, NACC provides data management and statistical consulting/analysis for investigator-initiated collaborative R01s which are independently funded by NIA. Overall, the Research Scientist must be comfortable working in an evolving environment, operating in collaborative work relationships; providing a high level of initiative and attention to detail; engaging others with respect and empathy; and upholding the highest ethical professional standards. This is a very visible position that leads the NACC Research Support Group and involves interacting with scientists across the country, reflecting the outstanding quality of research at the University of Washington.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Research Operations Management 70%

  • Working closely with interdisciplinary groups within and outside of NACC, evaluate, select and apply scientific methods and techniques to identify and define research principles and approaches. Collaboration will include developing research strategies with computer programmers, statisticians, scientists, study coordinators, and other key partners to accomplish the work of the Research Support Group.
  • Collaborates with key external partners NIA, Clinical Task Force (CTF), ADRCs collaborators, etc. to advance strategic research goals; actively participates in shaping and refining research strategies by integrating insights from partner feedback and emerging initiatives.
  • Co-design approaches, co-generate hypotheses to be tested, identify methodology to be used, and co-design specific phases of research projects. Select appropriate quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods research methodologies to include interdisciplinary approaches and application.
  • Participate in investigator, research project team, and partner meetings; contribute to agenda development and track action items. Communicate with research teams, NACC Center staff, and local, state, and national partners (which may include state agencies, NIA, ADRCs, and academic/research organizations). Work with research teams to develop and submit Institutional Review Board applications and ensure compliance with human subject requirements.
  • Leads and supervises the process of providing support as a thought partner to faculty and staff leadership, translating their goals into actionable plans and deliverables that align staff time with the organization's strategic direction
  • Uses in-depth knowledge of the complexities of NACC data to provide consultation to hundreds of investigators annually through direct consultation, overseeing RSG staff consultants, and promotion and support of self-service tools.
  • Promotes efficiency and productivity by providing leadership and support in process development and improvement, implementation, analysis, reporting and change management.
  • Support advancement and funding efforts which may include delivering presentations that promote NACC, writing grant proposals, supporting grant submissions and awards, and reporting ongoing deliverables and progress for grants obtained.
  • Oversees project planning and tracking for all data QA/QC processes and procedures for NACC datasets.
  • Apply scientific knowledge and anti-racism principals to identify and define research practices.
    Research Project Lead - 20%
  • Assumes oversight of all projects related to forms and module development (i.e., creation and content revision of data collection instructions) including serving as the primary points-of-contact with the ADRC Clinical Task Force and form-specific work groups.
  • Leads and coordinates research projects ensuring timely completion and quality control including managing research project timelines.
  • Collaborates with external partners to develop and standardize data elements and collection methods.
  • Leads research activities and advises on projects aimed to develop new systems to improve user experiences (Query System, Website redesign, Reporting Services, self-service tools - i.e., Leaf).
    Research Project Management - 10%
  • Analyze and present research results in a range of modalities, including peer-reviewed manuscripts, PowerPoint presentations on behalf of NACC at local meetings and international conferences.
  • Independently and in collaboration with NACC faculty and investigators across the country, initiates and conducts applied and methodologic/statistical research using the NACC database. This includes proposing topics, analyzing data, and preparing manuscripts for submission to scientific journals. Writes, and/or contributes to, research manuscripts, reports, reviews and summaries.
  • Connects RSG staff to NACC faculty and external investigators to foster collaborative research projects.
    MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
  • Master's degree in public health or related field and four years of relevant experience with data management, data collection design, manuscript preparation, and other research project duties, OR Equivalent combination of education/experience.
    Equivalent education/experience will substitute for all minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license/certification/registration.
    ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Ability to work under deadline pressure and independently and as a team member.
  • Strong project management skills and ability to prioritize work to meet internally and externally imposed deadlines.
    DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • Strong interest in Alzheimer's Disease and related disorders.
  • Experience with SAS and R for data analysis and file manipulation.
  • Experience with REDCap and Leaf in addition to R and SAS.
    Application Process: The application process may include completion of a variety of online assessments to obtain additional information that will be used in the evaluation process. These assessments may include Work Authorization, Cover Letter and/or others. Any assessments that you need to complete will appear on your screen as soon as you select "Apply to this position". Once you begin an assessment, it must be completed at that time; if you do not complete the assessment, you will be prompted to do so the next time you access your "My Jobs" page. If you select to take it later, it will appear on your "My Jobs" page to take when you are access ready. Please note that your application will not be reviewed, and you will not be considered for this position until all required assessments have been completed.
    Committed to attracting and retaining a diverse staff, the University of Washington will honor your experiences, perspectives and unique identity. Together, our community strives to create and maintain working and learning environments that are inclusive, equitable and welcoming.
    The University of Washington is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information.
    To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at [redacted] or [redacted].
    Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington state law.
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