Research Project Manager

About the RoleThe Research Recruitment and Retention Program is housed within NC TraCS and provides leadership, guidance, expertise, and training for teams across the research enterprise throughout the study lifecycle. The program also serves as a catalyst for infrastructure improvement in collaboration with UNC research offices to improve research accrual and works closely with CTSA partners to leverage consortium resources and opportunities in pursuit of improved experience for research teams and research participants alike. We are a small group of specialists who are passionate about effective communication, tailored approaches, and the value of research participation.

The Research Project Manager of Research Recruitment & Retention Program (RRRP) will provide project management, subject matter expertise, and design work for the NC TraCS Research Recruitment & Retention Program and its collaborators. Recruitment and retention continue to be among the greatest barriers to successful trial completion, with significant financial and ethical implications. The Project Manager provides guidance to research clients from a wide variety of therapeutic areas and target populations. They will be responsible for coordination, oversight, and consultative support of requests from research faculty and staff seeking to create or modify their strategies and design materials for research recruitment, enrollment and retention of participants. This position requires extensive knowledge of research design, the practicalities of research implementation, behavioral economics, strategy adaptation, analysis of market research trends, mitigation of barriers, communication/design principles, and cohort characterization.

ResponsibilitiesLead the development of a research recruitment and retention design hub; Plan, design and collaborate with other research teams to determine evidence-based, successful research recruitment strategies; Create process improvement metrics and efficiencies internally to ensure comprehensive and timely support;Create resources and trainings for research faculty and staff to promote a culture of evidence-based practices recruitment and retention practices across research enterprise.

The Research Project Manager will report to the Research Program Manager but is expected to manage day-to-day operations of projects under their purview with considerable independence, especially in the areas of problem-solving, evaluation, and milestone management. The successful candidate will be self-motivated, detail oriented, creative, and able to produce clear, professional content for simultaneous projects with demanding deadlines.

QualificationsMinimum relevant post-Baccalaureate degree required (or foreign degree equivalent); for candidates demonstrating comparable independent research productivity, will accept a relevant Bachelor’s degree (or foreign degree equivalent) and 3 or more years of relevant experience in substitution. May require terminal degree and licensure.

Other required skills include: Passion for addressing the value of research, creative communication, and development of tailored, participant-centered messaging and outreach while keeping digital health communications visions in mind. Ability to work collaboratively with others utilizing exceptional communication skills – both interpersonal and written.Exceptional organizational skills and task management skills .Ability to think creativity and critically.Proficiency with at least one design software (e.g.: Canva, Illustrator, or Photoshop). Candidates will be asked to provide examples of work product or portfolio illustrating their experience.

Preferred Qualifications Include: Demonstrated experience in communications and/or marketing/public relations, branding, social media and content development. Capacity to communicate complex information with health literacy and health education in mind and with a tone that is motivating and inspiring for a wide array of audiences. Comfort in working with academic researchers as well as diverse lay and clinical communities is preferred.Interest in academic pursuits such as conferences manuscript writing. Proficiency with REDCap (or equivalent database).