Research Coordinator I/II - Children's Learning Institute

Position Summary:

We are seeking a dedicated full-time Research Coordinator to lead the daily operations of our “CARE for Head Start Educators” project. This project involves a comprehensive randomized-controlled trial aimed at evaluating the effectiveness of a mindfulness-based social-emotional learning program called the Cultivating Awareness and Resilience in Education (CARE). This program is intended to enhance the psychological and professional well-being of early childhood educators, reducing their job-related stress and burnout.

The Research Coordinator will manage operations, including recruitment and communication with research partners and participants, and timeline coordination. They will also develop and manage study protocols and IRB submissions, coordinate training sessions, and oversee data collection efforts. The coordinator may also assist in writing reports, conducting literature reviews, and other academic outputs. This role assists with the day-to-day administrative project management and may provide scientific direction for research projects of considerable scope and complexity.

Opportunities: collaborate on co-authoring papers and presenting at conferences, contributing significantly to the field of early childhood educator well-being.

What we do here changes the world. UTHealth Houston is Texas’ resource for healthcare education, innovation, scientific discovery, and excellence in patient care. That’s where you come in.

Once you join us you won't want to leave. It’s because we reward our team for the excellent service they provide. Our total rewards package includes the benefits you’d expect from a top healthcare organization (benefits, insurance, etc.), plus:  

• 100% paid medical premiums for our full-time employees  
• Generous time off (holidays, preventative leave day, both vacation and sick time – all of which equates to around 37-38 days per year) 
• The longer you stay, the more vacation you’ll accrue! 
• Longevity Pay (Monthly payments after two years of service) 
• Build your future with our awesome retirement/pension plan! 

We take care of our employees! As a world-renowned institution, our employees’ wellbeing is important to us. We offer work/life services such as... 

• Free financial and legal counseling 
• Free mental health counseling services 
• Gym membership discounts and access to wellness programs 
• Other employee discounts including entertainment, car rentals, cell phones, etc. 
• Resources for child and elder care 
• Plus many more! 

Position Key Accountabilities:

Assists with the day-to-day project management coordination for research projects to include personnel, facilities, supplies supporting research project desired outcomes, budgets, and timeliness.

Assists in the preparation of progress reports and grant proposals to both private foundations and governmental agencies; works closely with the Office of Sponsored Projects on the submission of grants.

Assists with the preparation of budgets, initiates re-budgeting requests based on needs of research staff, and authorizes expenditures for multiple projects. Attends research-planning meetings to assist in the preparation of budget drafts for departmental leadership approval.

Prepares annual progress reports and applications for various committees and ensures that all staff has received the proper training/attended the appropriate training courses.

Maintains confidential records of collected data, ensures accuracy and integrity of data. Data may include patient data and departmental programmatic data.

Prepares draft reports and communications for the departmental program/division leadership.

Interacts with representatives from state, federal, and private agencies regarding proposals and funded projects.

Provides work administrative direction and guidance to administrative staff personnel within department.

May review contracts and develop training.

Other duties as assigned.

Certification/Skills:

Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal. Bilingual in Spanish preferred.
Working knowledge of MS Office.

Excellent organizational skills, interpersonal and teamwork abilities preferred. Strong interest in both the administrative and academic aspects of research projects is a plus.

Minimum Education:

Bachelor’s degree in a related field or relevant experience in lieu of education. A background in psychology, psychiatry, behavioral science, mental health, public health, or related fields is preferred.

Minimum Experience:

None

Physical Requirements:

Exerts up to 20 pounds of force occasionally and/or up to 10 pounds frequently and/or a negligible amount constantly to move objects.
This position may include work involving potentially hazardous chemical, biological or radioactive agents.

Security Sensitive:

This job class may contain positions that are security sensitive and thereby subject to the provisions of Texas Education Code § 51.215

Residency Requirement:

Employees must permanently reside and work in the State of Texas.