#128379 ABCD Study Site Monitor

The Center for Human Development (CHD) in University of California, San Diego, is committed to actively promoting our Principles of Community and continually advancing equity, diversity, and inclusion within all levels of our organization. In line with the goals of UCSD’s Strategic Plan for Inclusive Excellence supporting a diverse faculty, staff, and student body and fostering a positive and welcome climate where all are valued, we strongly encourage candidates from underrepresented communities, to apply.

This position may be eligible for a flexible work arrangement, which could include a non-standard work schedule, and/or the ability to work off-site part of the time. The employee shall be available full-time during assigned work hours (specific hours to be discussed with supervisor). This position may also work remotely, requiring a remote work agreement, anywhere in the United States.

DESCRIPTION

The Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) Study is a complex, multi-site, national research project focused on the investigation of brain development and child health in the United States. 11,878 children ages 9-10 have been recruited into the study to be followed for 10 years. Project staff will have the opportunity to be part of an innovative consortium-wide effort to track their biological and behavioral development through adolescence into young adulthood.

Reporting to the Associate Director, the ABCD Site Monitor will plan, evaluate, develop, implement and maintain training procedures for the study to ensure scientific integration for the consortium and standardization of a complex, core protocol across all 21 project sites throughout the United States. Responsible for ensuring training is tailored to the specific needs of the research site. Work closely with senior investigators and other key project staff to ensure ongoing training in structured clinical interviews, neurocognitive assessment, protocol implementation, specimen collection, use of novel technologies, managing difficult situations, subject retention, and maintain cross-site standardization, reliability, and quality control. Analyze, develop and make recommendations for new procedures and content to enhance the curriculum and delivery as well as to address and avoid staff burnout in this highly complex project.

Responsible for the development of training materials (Standard Operating Procedures, videos, webinars), organize multi-day training workshops, travel to Study Sites on an annual basis to conduct on-site visits, and lead regular and ad hoc protocol administration teleconferences for consortium research staff as required. Oversee data collection progress at all Study Sites, respond to inquiries from staff across all sites, provide progress and evaluation reports to principal investigators, collaborate with informatics team to develop REDCap questionnaires, ensure metrics are accurately captured across all platforms, and serve as a liaison between third party vendors.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Strong theoretical and practical knowledge of human behavioral research, cognitive neuroscience, and/or clinical research.

• Experience working in a clinical research setting; demonstrated knowledge of behavioral testing, assessment, and statistical analysis procedures and software.

• Demonstrated experience with protocols and principles related to human subjects protection standards and ethical research standards.

• Experience working with children, parents, and families in a research setting.

• Willingness to undergo MRI scans across research sites; no MRI contraindications.

• Demonstrated experience in assisting with training development with ability to write and modify curriculum.

• Proven experience maintaining quality control in coordinator and data management related responsibilities.

• Excellent public speaking skills; ability to prepare and deliver presentations; ability to facilitate groups.

• Demonstrated advanced skill in using Microsoft Office software to prepare reports, graphics, tables, letters/memos, spreadsheets, and presentations. Ability to use software such as Adobe Creative Suite to create professional quality training manuals and videos. Willingness to regularly maintain and update technology skills as required.

• Strong demonstrated excellent writing, editing, spelling and proofreading skills including knowledge of proper formats, grammar, structure, and content to draft training materials, reports and correspondence independently; proven ability to write clearly and succinctly.

• Strong ability to concentrate on the detail and accuracy of required tasks.

• Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills, including flexibility to communicate effectively in-person and via phone.

• Experience working in team-oriented environments, while able to work independently.

• Excellent record keeping and communication skills in the context of scheduling meetings and seminars and monitoring data collection procedures for compliance with protocol.

• Experience working in a multi-site, multi-investigator environment.

• Willingness and ability to travel (domestic and international).

• Experience with REDCap and basic data management principles.

• Willingness to train others on and view blood draws.

• Ability to foster strong, trusting interpersonal working relationships.

• Excellent analysis skills to help identify gaps in logic of proposed protocol elements in implementation.

• Ability to provide constructive critiques and suggestions on the fly during site visits.

• Commitment to promoting a culture of equity, diversity, and inclusion.

• Strong skills to conduct needs assessment and development of new training courses to meet organizational needs.

• Strong skills in planning, resourcing and monitoring effective delivery of training.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS

• Job offer is contingent on satisfactory completion of a background check.

• Must be willing and able to dedicate significant time on travel status (approximately 50% of the time) to visit other ABCD Study site locations for on-Site Monitoring.

• Comfortable viewing blood draws and providing feedback.

• Evenings and weekends may be required.

• Willingness to undergo MRI scans across research sites; no MRI contraindications.

This position is a mandated reporter of known or suspected child abuse or neglect, according to the California law, Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act (CANRA).

If employed by the University of California, you will be required to comply with our Policy on Vaccination Programs, which may be amended or revised from time to time. Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements.

To foster the best possible working and learning environment, UC San Diego strives to cultivate a rich and diverse environment, inclusive and supportive of all students, faculty, staff and visitors. For more information, please visit UC San Diego Principles of Community.

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, gender identity or sexual orientation. For the complete University of California nondiscrimination and affirmative action policy see: http://www-hr.ucsd.edu/saa/nondiscr.html

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