Job Description Summary

The Disparities Research Exploring Addiction Mechanisms (DREAM) Lab at the MUSC Hollings Cancer Center is seeking a full-time Research Program Coordinator I (PC I) to support NIH- and Foundation-funded studies focused on reducing tobacco-related health disparities. Our work aims to: 1) determine which populations are disproportionately at risk for tobacco use and addiction across the lifespan (e.g., young adults, groups from low socioeconomic status [SES], rural, and racial/ethnic minority backgrounds); 2) identify mechanisms underlying tobacco use in high-risk groups; and 3) evaluate whether lower-risk nicotine products and other strategies can promote smoking cessation and harm reduction.

This position offers hands-on experience across a wide range of study designs, including qualitative research, cross-sectional and longitudinal cohort studies, human laboratory paradigms, and remote clinical trials. The Research Program Coordinator I will work closely with the PI, Dr. Mariel Bello, and a collaborative research team, and will play a key role in the day-to-day operations and success of multiple ongoing studies.

Why Join the DREAM Lab?
•Contribute to impactful, health equity-focused research addressing tobacco-related health disparities
• Receive direct mentorship from the PI, a licensed clinical psychologist, and gain exposure to grant writing and manuscript development
• Gain hands-on experience across diverse research methodologies (clinical, laboratory, and community-engaged research)
• Develop leadership and project management skills
• Strong preparation for graduate training in clinical psychology, public health, medicine, or related fields

The DREAM Lab values collaboration, mentorship, and a supportive team environment, and is committed to fostering the professional development of all team members.

Entity

Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC - Univ)

Worker Type

Employee

Worker Sub-Type​

Research Grant

Cost Center

CC001039 COM PSYCH Addiction Science CC

Pay Rate Type

Hourly

Pay Grade

University-GEN08

Pay Range

45,300.00 - 61,100.00 - 77,000.000

Scheduled Weekly Hours

40

Work Shift

Job Description

FLSA: Hourly

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:30 am - 5:00 pm

Job Duties:

Research Operations (35%)

• Develop and implement recruitment strategies and manage study advertising efforts.

• Engage with research participants, community members, healthcare providers, and collaborators to identify and address barriers to recruitment.

• Screen, enroll, and consent research participants, and provide training and oversight to research team members involved in these activities. This includes conducting and/or documenting consent for participants in minimal risk studies and under direct supervision, conducting consent for studies greater than minimal risk.

• Independently lead study visits and conduct protocol-specific assessments and interviews.

• Collaborate with the PI on community-engaged research activities, including co-facilitating Community Advisory Board (CAB) meetings.

• Supervise and train research team members and serve as a key point of contact for day-to-day troubleshooting and other questions.

• Manage participant compensation and procurement of study materials in accordance with MUSC policies and guidance.

• Prepare and manage regulatory documentation and communications, including IRB submissions (initial submissions, amendments, continuing reviews, and closeouts), study reporting to NIH and other agencies, and clinical trial registration/maintenance on clinicaltrials.gov.

• Assist with adverse event reporting and data preparation for repositories, under direct supervision.

• Develop and maintain systems for participant tracking, documentation, and study materials (e.g., SOPs, training manuals).

Data Management (35%)

• Use Electronic Data Capture systems (e.g., REDCap) for data entry and management.

• Train and oversee research team members in data collection procedures.

• Identify and resolve issues related to data collection, quality, and management.

Scientific Contributions (10%)

• Conduct literature reviews under the direction of the PI.

• Assist with grant writing and manuscript preparation.

Communication (10%)

• Prepare agendas for team meetings and participate and/or lead team meetings.

• Contribute to team decision-making and problem-solving.

• Communicate effectively with team members and collaborators.

Ethics and Participant Safety (5%)

• Ensure adherence to human subjects protection protocols.

• Implement safeguards for vulnerable populations.

Leadership and Professionalism (5%)

• Serve as a mentor for junior staff and provide support to colleagues in completing research-related tasks.

• Help identify opportunities to improve team efficiency and research processes.

• Take initiative in managing responsibilities and contributing to team goals.

Preferred Training and Experience:

• General understanding of research methods

• Prior experience coordinating research studies, including recruitment, screening, enrollment, and data management, analysis, and reporting

• Experience with database and survey development (e.g., REDCap, Qualtrics)

• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail

• Effective written and verbal communication skills

• Experience with database and survey development (e.g., REDCap, Qualtrics)

• Ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines with accuracy and quality

• Ability to work with human research participants, both in-person and virtual settings

• Proficiency with computers and ability to quickly learn new systems

• Background in psychology, social work, counseling, public health, or related fields

• Interests in the fields of health equity, addiction science, mental health, public health, or behavioral and social sciences

• Interests in pursuing graduate training in clinical psychology, medicine, or related fields

Additional Job Description

Minimum Requirements: A bachelor's degree and two years of relevant program experience.

Physical Requirements: (Note: The following descriptions are applicable to this section: Continuous - 6-8 hours per shift; Frequent - 2-6 hours per shift; Infrequent - 0-2 hours per shift) Ability to perform job functions in an upright position. (Frequent) Ability to perform job functions in a seated position. (Frequent) Ability to perform job functions while walking/mobile. (Frequent) Ability to work indoors. (Continuous) Ability to work outdoors in all weather and temperature extremes. (Infrequent) Ability to work in confined/cramped spaces. (Infrequent) Ability to perform job functions from kneeling positions. (Infrequent) Ability to squat and perform job functions. (Infrequent) Ability to perform 'pinching' operations. (Infrequent) Ability to fully use both hands/arms. (Frequent) Ability to perform repetitive motions with hands/wrists/elbows and shoulders. (Frequent) Ability to reach in all directions. (Frequent) Possess good finger dexterity. (Continuous) Ability to maintain tactile sensory functions. (Continuous) Ability to lift and carry 15 lbs., unassisted. (Infrequent) Ability to lower objects, up to 15 lbs., from height of 36 inches to floor level, unassisted. (Infrequent) Ability to push/pull objects, up to 15 lbs., unassisted. (Infrequent) Ability to maintain 20/40 vision, corrected, in one eye or with both eyes. (Continuous) Ability to see and recognize objects close at hand. (Frequent) Ability to see and recognize objects at a distance. (Frequent) Ability to determine distance/relationship between objects; depth perception. (Frequent) Good peripheral vision capabilities. (Continuous) Ability to maintain hearing acuity, with correction. (Continuous) Ability to perform gross motor functions with frequent fine motor movements. (Frequent)

If you like working with energetic enthusiastic individuals, you will enjoy your career with us!

The Medical University of South Carolina is an Equal Opportunity Employer. MUSC does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion or belief, age, sex, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, protected veteran status, family or parental status, or any other status protected by state laws and/or federal regulations. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment based upon applicable qualifications, merit and business need.

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