Research Data and Project Manager

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Job Description

Job Summary:

The Research Data and Project Manager will serve a technical and management role, overseeing the daily operations and complex digital infrastructure within the Population Mental Health Lab. This includes two large-scale, multi-country psychiatric genetics research studies: The Genetics of Eating Disorders and NeuroGAP-Psychosis II. The Genetics of Eating Disorders study, a large-scale effort focused on online participant recruitment and cohort development in the United States and South Africa, as well as clinical based recruitment in South Africa. NeuroGAP-Psychosis II is a clinical based, large-scale study across Kenya, Uganda, and South Africa. These projects are a collaborative effort and run by a team at the Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health and Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research at the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard.

This role requires deep technical know-how in research databases, automation, programming, and troubleshooting to manage the research pipeline for recruiting new research participants and tracking active participants across the United States and three African countries. The goal of these projects is to expand knowledge on the causes and prevalence of mental health conditions such as anorexia nervosa (AN), bulimia nervosa (BN) and psychosis (schizophrenia and bipolar disorder), and how these conditions are shaped by genetic factors using large-scale data and sample collection. The successful candidate will ensure the project effectively builds its digital cohort and manages the related biospecimen collection, ensuring all activities are delivered with excellence: on time, on budget, and on scope.

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

Duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

I. Research Technology, Automation, and Cohort Management

• Digital Recruitment and Cohort Development: Supervise the recruitment and tracking of participants for a multi-step study process (Eligibility Screener, Informed Consent, Study Surveys). Focus on developing and optimizing digital pipelines for large-scale online enrollment and retention efforts, including building out the cohort over time.
• Research Database Expertise and Automation: Independently develop, implement, and maintain complex administrative and data tracking systems using a variety of computer software. This includes managing the secure data collection website interface and utilizing technical skills to automate research processes and ensure data consistency across all digital recruitment platforms.
• Programming and Troubleshooting: Serve as the primary technical resource to find and troubleshoot issues when programming breaks within the research databases, automated pipelines, and participant tracking systems. This role requires the ability to make critical technical and programmatic decisions.
• Biospecimen Logistics: Oversee the technical logistics for participants who complete the study surveys and are subsequently invited to provide a saliva or blood sample for DNA analysis. This includes tracking sample kits and managing the secure transfer of biospecimen data.
• Data Management and Analysis: Oversee data management and public release; develop systems for data management as needed. Process, organize, summarize, and analyze complex data related to eating disorders and genetic factors, reporting research results using scientific or statistical software applications.

II. Research Lab Operations and Project Management

• Lab Management and Supervision: Manage the day-to-day operation of research projects. Serve as the daily supervisor for a team of full-time Research Assistants, undergraduates, and volunteers, instructing staff in research methodologies.
• Regulatory Compliance: Oversee the creation and modification of IRB materials and ensure compliance of all research practices, including human-subjects guidelines and the collection of DNA samples.
• Project Oversight: Oversee the daily operations of the project, including developing project work plans and timelines; tracking project deliverables; and identifying roadblocks, escalating issues as they arise.
• Strategic Contribution: Working closely with the Principal Investigators (PIs) across multiple institutions and countries, providing substantive input into research design and implementation. Generate written and oral presentations reporting on study milestones.
• Financial and Grant Administration: Track the financial state of the project; develop and monitor budgets and spending. Assist with drafting grant materials, including proposals and progress reports as needed.
• Stakeholder Liaison: Serve as a principal administrative contact and liaison, managing working relationships between project staff, faculty, and external partners, including the Broad Institute and Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health teams.

PLEASE NOTE: This position has a term appointment of one year from the date of hire with the possibility of extension.

PLEASE NOTE: This role will be required to travel, work evenings/weekends, or be required to lift heavy objects (15+lbs).

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree or equivalent experience is required
• 3+ years of related professional experience in research, data management, or program management is required
• Experience with programming languages like R, python, SAS is required

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• Master's Degree (MS, MPH, or other relevant scientific education)
• Experience in overseeing data management and developing data tracking systems
• Experience in managing complex projects from inception through completion and a demonstrated ability to problem-solve
• Expertise in statistics or statistical programming, particularly applied to genetic or biomedical data, will confer an advantage
• Demonstrated technical proficiency using a variety of computer software and systems for developing research databases, automating procedures, and technical troubleshooting is required. This includes understanding programming languages like R, python, SAS, etc.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills are preferred, including the ability to communicate professionally with diverse audiences
• Ability to work independently, proactively, and with flexibility in a work environment that may contain multiple and conflicting priorities
• Approaches challenges with problem-solving initiative and seeks guidance appropriately after exploring solutions independently

Additional Information

• Appointment End Date: One year from the date of hire with the possibility for extension
• Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 hours per week
• Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
• Pre-Employment Screening: Identity, Education

Join the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health to support our mission of health research and education, and to be a part of the oldest institution of higher learning in the country!

The Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health does not provide visa sponsorship, now or in the future, for staff positions.

Harvard University requires pre-employment reference checks and background screenings.

This position has a 90 day orientation and review period. The O&R period will be waived for any internal Harvard employee transfers.

The health of our workforce is a priority for Harvard University. With that in mind, we strongly encourage all employees to be up to date on CDC-recommended vaccines.

Work Format Details

This position has been determined by school or unit leaders that some of the duties and responsibilities can be effectively performed at a non-Harvard location. The work schedule and location will be set by the department at its discretion and based upon operational needs. When not working at a Harvard or Harvard-designated location, employees in hybrid positions must work in a Harvard registered state in compliance with the University’s Policy on Employment Outside of Massachusetts. Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. Certain visa types and funding sources may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

Salary Grade and Ranges

This position is salary grade level 056. Please visit Harvard's Salary Ranges to view the corresponding salary range and related information.

Benefits

Harvard offers a comprehensive benefits package that is designed to support a healthy work-life balance and your physical, mental and financial wellbeing. Because here, you are what matters. Our benefits include, but are not limited to:

• Generous paid time off including parental leave
• Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage starting on day one
• Retirement plans with university contributions
• Wellbeing and mental health resources
• Support for families and caregivers
• Professional development opportunities including tuition assistance and reimbursement
• Commuter benefits, discounts and campus perks

Learn more about these and additional benefits on our Benefits & Wellbeing Page.

EEO/Non-Discrimination Commitment Statement

Harvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination. We seek talent from all parts of society and the world, and we strive to ensure everyone at Harvard thrives. Our differences help our community advance Harvard's academic purposes.

Harvard has an equal employment opportunity policy that outlines our commitment to prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, religion, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or identified in the university's non-discrimination policy. Harvard's equal employment opportunity policy and non-discrimination policy help all community members participate fully in work and campus life free from harassment and discrimination.