Research Program Assistant Jobs in Arizona (NOW HIRING)

Contributes to the analysis of internal and external opportunities related to operating goals. Independently manages some or all of the implementation of assigned projects and outreach initiatives. Serves as an expert resource and mentors other internal/external research project personnel. Trouble shoots and resolves problems and contributes significantly to discussions on prospective project design, feasibility, project management, and outcomes measurement. Participates in designing, organizing, and monitoring projects, including budgets/financial management. Plans for, participates, and occasionally leads the education of internal and external staff required to carry out an assigned project or research initiative. Organize and participate in internal and external project workgroup, committee and/or advisory board meetings, teleconferences, and regional meetings; prepare written correspondence; develop brochures, exhibits, and web site content; write articles for newsletters, newspapers, and magazines; coordinate student rotations and community research experiences; present at national meetings; perform other activities and duties as assigned. Position may require frequent travel to support community-based participatory research efforts.

During the selection process you may participate in an OnDemand (pre-recorded) interview that you can complete at your convenience. During the OnDemand interview, a question will appear on your screen, and you will have time to consider each question before responding. You will have the opportunity to re-record your answer to each question - Mayo Clinic will only see the final recording. The complete interview will be reviewed by a Mayo Clinic staff member and you will be notified of next steps.

About the Rheumatology Research Program

The Division of Rheumatology at Mayo Clinic in Arizona is dedicated to improving the lives of patients with autoimmune and inflammatory diseases through innovative clinical, translational, and outcomes-based research. Led by Dr. Vivek Nagaraja, Division Chair and Research Chair for Rheumatology, the program conducts cutting-edge research focused on systemic sclerosis (scleroderma), autoimmune interstitial lung disease, vasculitis, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and other complex rheumatic conditions. The program brings together physicians, scientists, trainees, and research professionals to advance scientific discovery, improve patient outcomes, and develop new approaches to the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of autoimmune disease. Current efforts span investigator-initiated research, clinical trials, patient registries, translational science, and multidisciplinary research collaborations.

Position Summary

The Research Program Coordinator serves as a strategic operational partner to the Rheumatology Research Chair and plays a critical role in advancing the growth, sustainability, and impact of the Division of Rheumatology research program. This position is responsible for coordinating key operational, financial, regulatory, and programmatic activities that support a diverse and expanding research portfolio.

Working closely with faculty leadership, research staff, institutional partners, and external collaborators, the coordinator will help develop research infrastructure, support investigator success, manage program operations, and implement strategic initiatives designed to strengthen and grow the division's research program. This role is ideal for an individual who enjoys combining strategic planning, financial management, project coordination, and stakeholder engagement to advance a high-performing research program.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as a strategic operational partner to the Rheumatology Research Chair in the planning, development, and execution of division research priorities.
• Support the growth and development of the Rheumatology Research Program through implementation of new initiatives, infrastructure development, and process improvement efforts.
• Oversee and support the financial health of the research program and individual investigator portfolios.
• Monitor research accounts and budgets, identify financial trends, risks, and discrepancies, and assist investigators with financial planning and course correction when unforeseen expenses arise.
• Coordinate and support regulatory activities, including IRB submissions, amendments, modifications, continuing reviews, and other compliance-related requirements.
• Complete feasibility assessments for potential research opportunities and collaborate with investigators to evaluate operational, financial, and resource requirements.
• Facilitate engagement and collaboration among investigators, research personnel, institutional stakeholders, sponsors, and external partners.
• Develop reports, presentations, and business materials to support strategic decision-making, program evaluation, and leadership initiatives.
• Lead special projects and operational initiatives that enhance program effectiveness, research productivity, and faculty success

This vacancy is not eligible for sponsorship. We will not sponsor or transfer visas for this position. Also, Mayo Clinic DOES NOT participate in the F-1 STEM OPT extension program.

This is a hybrid position and must be located within 100 miles of our Arizona campus for occasional on-site expectations based on business needs. On-site expectations will be discussed during the interview process.

Bachelor's degree in public health, education, communications, or other related field. In lieu of Bachelor's degree, Associate's degree/college Diploma/Certificate Program with at least 3 years of experience OR HS Diploma with at least 5 years of clinical research coordination/related experience may be considered. Applied knowledge and prior experience working with various research populations preferred. Must have demonstrated excellent skills in leadership, communications, problem-solving and work organization. Excellent interpersonal and project management skills required. Must have excellent oral and written communication skills. Must be able to work independently and effectively with a variety of people at all levels both within and outside of Mayo Clinic. Must be proficient in desktop publishing, word processing, database applications, and web site development. Must be highly organized, efficient, capable of comprehending complex instructions and situations, able to manage several projects simultaneously, and able to function independently and exercise independent judgment in decision-making.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting research programs, academic medicine, healthcare operations, or research administration.
• Strong financial acumen with experience managing budgets, analyzing financial reports, forecasting expenses, and supporting complex funding portfolios.
• Experience with clinical trial budgeting, sponsor-funded research, grants administration, or research finance.
• Experience supporting IRB submissions, regulatory compliance activities, and study start-up processes.
• Experience completing clinical trial feasibility assessments and evaluating operational readiness for new research opportunities.
• Strong project management and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple competing priorities.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to work effectively with faculty, research staff, sponsors, and institutional leaders.
• Ability to think strategically while also executing operational details