Research Project Manager

Join a collaborative and mission-driven research organization dedicated to advancing research that improves health and well-being. As a Project Manager, you will support a diverse portfolio of innovative research, with approximately 50% of your role dedicated to the HealthPartners Neuroscience Center and 50% supporting other research projects across the Research & Evaluation division, based on evolving needs and priorities. As a Project Manager, you will work closely with experienced scientists and research staff in a supportive environment that values teamwork, curiosity, and scientific excellence. Ideal candidates are detail-oriented, excited to contribute to innovative research while collaborating with colleagues to translate discoveries into meaningful improvements in health.

POSITION PURPOSE:

Manage complex research studies using thorough understanding of project objectives and serve as a consultant and facilitator for areas of the studies requiring specific expertise. Responsibilities may include managing projects within established grant operating budget, coordinating recruitment and data collection, conduct qualitative interviews, significantly advising the principal investigator in protocol content and systems for implementation, and directing participating staff.

ACCOUNTABILITIES:

1. Study coordination and management of one or multiple projects, including data only, human subjects, sub-site and survey studies. Acts as a liaison with a large number of clinic staff and other internal and external departments, companies, grant partners, etc. Facilitates groups, meetings, and committees. May support more experienced PMs in paired PM model on complex studies.

• Develops detailed project plans, timetables, resource estimation and tracking to meet deadlines using forethought and understanding the scientific nature of the project.

• Contribute to development of protocols, manuals of procedures (MOPS), various required regulatory documentation, and Clinical Trials submissions.

• Collaborates with internal and external sources to design documentation systems, forms, questionnaires, and surveys. May act as a main contact for external collaborators.

• Demonstrates initiative and forward thinking in solving complex problems independently by identifying and acting upon barriers to success and working to enhance plausible solutions.

• Implements study protocol and ensures that the protocol is followed within regulatory guidelines.

• Directs work of study staff, which may include training and evaluation. Educates staff to work within applicable organizational and regulatory policies and procedures.

• Allocates and coordinates resources, including maintaining budgets of studies with large budgets and complex financial situations. May contribute to operational feasibility analysis when processes and timelines are developed.

• Designs and oversees data collection processes, develops and implements methodology to assess data accuracy and completeness. Documents the data collection process, maintains orderly working and project files.

• Conducts focus groups and summarizes interviews and participates in qualitative analysis.

• May conduct open-ended interviews with probes, draft intervention materials.

• Manages, implements, and conducts project interventions.

• Creates reports and performs basic statistical analysis of results as requested.

• Draft or develop IRB applications, primarily on data-only studies OR Development of human-subject-related materials for IRB.

• Contributes extensively to periodic and final reports for funding agencies and oversight organizations. May be primary contact for Institutional Review Board and funding agencies.

• Participates in presentations as requested. May draft abstracts or posters.

• Participates in writing of journal articles.

• Drafts regulatory applications to conduct research.

• Participates in research operations and other HealthPartners Institute activities.

• Performs miscellaneous research tasks as assigned.

• Responsibility for managing contract development process with consultants and sub-recipients as needed/delegated by the Principal Investigator.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

A combination of education, experience and demonstrated skill set including the following:

• Master’s degree in health-related field (PMP, ACRP-CRC certification, plus some experience, or five or more years of relevant professional expertise may be substituted for lesser academic degrees)

• Specialized training for the study -specific area(s) of expertise.

• Minimum of three years of experience recruiting for, implementing, and monitoring research projects, to include data-only and human subjects studies.

• Demonstrated planning and management skills.

• Ability to adhere to a research protocol but also to have sufficient flexibility and judgment to handle unforeseen situations that may arise.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

• Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with care provider and operations/support staff, study participants, and outside funders and sponsors.

• Experience developing and maintaining computerized databases.

• Reliable transportation for travel to HealthPartners clinics and meeting sites.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Two years of experience in staff supervision

• Four years of experience in health care or research

• Specialty training or expertise in research-related area/s

DECISION-MAKING:

Working in collaboration with the study investigator(s) and RPMO supervisor/s, will consult with the necessary personnel on issues having an impact on the department and study, such as recurrent clinical problems, inaccessible resources, etc.

Coordinates and manages research studies that are more complex in nature, have more involved relationship issues and require more responsibility for decisions related to project implementation and authoring reports. Oversee and track study-related activities of study staff.