Research Coordinator

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UW faculty and staff also enjoy outstanding benefits, professional growth opportunities and unique resources in an environment noted for diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits, and natural beauty.

Epidemiology has an outstanding opportunity for a Research Coordinator.

The National Alzheimer’s Coordinating Center (NACC) serves as the data, communication, and collaboration coordinating center for the National Institute on Aging (NIA) Alzheimer’s Disease Research Centers (ADRC) Program. NACC is currently funded by more than $58M in grants from the National Institute on Aging (NIA) and is home to one of the largest (50,000+ participants), oldest, and most powerful Alzheimer’s datasets. Our extensive database of rich, longitudinal, standardized clinical and neuropathological data was built in collaboration with more than 42 ADRCs across the US over the past 23+ years.

NACC is driving major innovations to modernize data infrastructure (collection, integration, storage, and sharing) and build interoperability with other NIA-funded repositories to transform and advance Alzheimer’s Disease and Alzheimer’s Disease Related Dementia (AD/ADRD) research and discovery. NACC is expanding its database to integrate electronic health records, Medicare claims, digital biomarkers, and digital neuropathology data, as well as additional genetic, biospecimen, and standard imaging (MRI and PET) metadata.

Additionally, NACC is developing a novel data search and visualization portal to make all ADRC data streams readily searchable and accessible to the international research community. This work will open the door to new discoveries in AD/ADRD, improve our understanding of the disease, and enable the development of better early disease detection, personalized medicine, and more impactful therapeutics. NACC is part of the Department of Epidemiology within UW’s School of Public Health.

NACC is organized into five teams: 1) technology team, 2) project team, 3) research team, 4) grants and finance team and 5) communications team.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The Research Coordinator role is a new position designed to manage the complex governance issues of data sharing as NACC integrates new data streams. This position designs complex and extensive data use agreements (DUAs) for 42 Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRCs) to share data with NACC and to support NACC sharing data with national investigators. This position will ensure that NACC is compliant with the new NIA (National Institute on Aging) Data Management & Sharing (DMS) Plan, including providing support of ADRCs and analysis of IRB (Institutional Review Board) requirements for ADRCs to ensure that their governance documentation is appropriate. This position provides high level, independent data research project management functions for NACC’s collaborative research projects, manuscript preparation, grant submissions, and independently generates annual data reports. This position reports to the Research Team Manager and will have direct and close relationships with multiple groups, competing priorities across multiple geographic locations. Primary responsibilities include:

Research Management: 45%

• Independently research, formulate, develop and revise data use agreements (DUAs) between NACC, Alzheimer’s Disease Research Centers (ADRCs) and NACC sharing data with investigators.
• Develop, document and manage the process of reciprocal data sharing between NACC and internal/external national investigators.
• Research, develop, and manage the process of ensuring NACC’s data sharing and governance requirements align with ADRC compliance.
• Advise NACC leadership on the process for autonomous adherence.
• Manage data research projects for collaborative research endeavors, encompassing manuscript preparation, active participation, research grant submissions, and the creation of large-scale annual data reports.
• Create, manage and communicate strategies to ensure adherence to regulatory data use standards. Take charge of maintaining NACC's compliance with the Office of Sponsored Programs (OSPs) and the Human Subjects Division (HSD).
• Design, optimize, and facilitate the determination of Alzheimer’s Disease Research Centers (ADRC) ID sharing/PTID for Tissue Requests, collaborating seamlessly with the National Centralized Repository for Alzheimer’s Disease (NCRAD).

Data & Compliance Management: 40%

• Build and establish processes to independently assess and ensure NACC’s compliance with the new NIA Data Management & Sharing (DMS).
• Plan, providing autonomous support for Alzheimer’s Disease Research Centers (ADRC) and conduct a thorough analysis of Institutional Review Board (IRB) requirements.
• Develop and manage data pass-through arrangements with NIA Genetics of Alzheimer’s Disease Storage Site (NIAGADS) in a collaborative effort to uphold the double-blind status of PTID.
• Develop and establish procedures for independently reviewing, managing, and finalizing a comprehensive spectrum of data use agreements (DUAs). This includes NACC-investigator DUAs, NACC-ADRC DUAs, Medicare and Medicaid Resource Information Center (MedRIC), Department of Aging and Rehabilitative Services (DARs) for the COVID Supplement, and collaborative DUAs with external partners. Drive the process to ensure efficiency and compliance while taking ownership of the entire lifecycle of these agreements.
• Develop and manage collaboration with the UW Copyright office to effectively manage copyright issues for cognitive tests in Version 4 of the Uniform Data Set (UDSv4).
• Manage a comprehensive review of permissions obtained for Version 3 of the Uniform Data Set (UDSv3) and autonomously acquire formal permissions for newly added cognitive tests. Engage with the Copyright office at UW to secure the updated copyright for Version 4 of UDSv4.
• Develop and establish governance documents and data-sharing agreements with the National Institute on Aging Genetics of Alzheimer’s Disease Data Storage Site (NIAGADS).
• Collaborate autonomously with external partners to manage COVID Governance and finalize Medicare and Medicaid Resource Information Center (MedRIC) data use agreements (DUAs) for the COVID Supplement.

Technical Assistance and Capacity Building: 15%

• Independently offer expert guidance and support as a primary liaison with Alzheimer’s Disease Research Centers (ADRC), addressing Institutional Review Board (IRB) inquiries and efficiently facilitating Institutional Review Board (IRB) reviews.
• Demonstrate autonomy in maintaining current, nuanced knowledge, interpreting, and ensuring compliance with the new NIA Data Management and Sharing plan. Proactively disseminate this critical information to ADRCs, fostering a culture of informed compliance.
• Extend the Electronic Health Record (EHR) program autonomously designated to Alzheimer’s Disease Research Centers (ADRC), implementing robust governance measures in tandem to enhance program effectiveness and data security.
• Review and maintain the Data Management retention policy at NACC, ensuring alignment with National Institute on Aging (NIA) initiatives.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor’s degree in public health, health services, or related field.
• Minimum three years of experience in public health, health services or related field.
• Equivalent education/experience will substitute for all minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license/certification/registration.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Experience in data governance, data management, and research project management.
• Familiarity with regulatory standards, especially in the context of data sharing and IRB requirements.
• Proven exceptional organizational skills in concurrently handling multiple projects and teams.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, coupled with a strong ability to collaborate effectively and draft complex correspondence.
• Demonstrate the capacity to autonomously manage workflow and navigate competing deadlines; adept at initiating, overseeing, and successfully concluding projects with minimal supervision.
• Proficient at working independently with limited guidance and being a valuable team contributor.

Application Process: The application process may include completion of a variety of online assessments to obtain additional information that will be used in the evaluation process. These assessments may include Work Authorization, Cover Letter and/or others. Any assessments that you need to complete will appear on your screen as soon as you select “Apply to this position”. Once you begin an assessment, it must be completed at that time; if you do not complete the assessment, you will be prompted to do so the next time you your “My Jobs” page. If you select to take it later, it will appear on your "My Jobs" page to take when you are access ready. Please note that your application will not be reviewed, and you will not be considered for this position until all required assessments have been completed.

Committed to attracting and retaining a diverse staff, the University of Washington will honor your experiences, perspectives and unique identity. Together, our community strives to create and maintain working and learning environments that are inclusive, equitable and welcoming.

The University of Washington is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information.

To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206-543-6450 or dso@uw.edu.