Social/Clinical Research Specialist

University of North Carolina, United States

Updated: about 1 year ago
Location: Chapel Hill, NORTH CAROLINA
Job Type: FullTime
Deadline: 03 Apr 2023

Posting Information
Posting Information


Department Globl Hlth and Infect Disease-427801
Career Area Research Professionals
Is this an internal only recruitment? No
Posting Open Date 03/27/2023
Application Deadline 04/03/2023
Position Type Permanent Staff (SHRA)
Position Title Soc/Clin Research Specialist - Journey
Salary Grade Equivalent GN11
Working Title Social/Clinical Research Specialist
Position Number 20054228
Vacancy ID P017163
Full-time/Part-time Permanent/Time-Limited Full-Time Permanent
If time-limited, estimated duration of appointment
Hours per week 40
Work Schedule
Monday through Friday, 8am to 5pm
Work Location Chapel Hill, NC
Position Location North Carolina, US
Hiring Range $50,145 - $70,000
Pay Band Information
To learn more about the pay band for this branch and role, please see the Career Banding rates spreadsheet .

Position Summary Information


Primary Purpose of Organizational Unit
The UNC School of Medicine has a rich tradition of excellence and care. Our mission is to improve the health and wellbeing of North Carolinians, and others whom we serve. We accomplish this by providing leadership and excellence in the interrelated areas of patient care, education, and research. We strive to promote faculty, staff, and learner development in a diverse, respectful environment where our colleagues demonstrate professionalism, enhance learning, and create personal and professional sustainability. We optimize our partnership with the UNC Health System through close collaboration and commitment to service.
OUR VISION
Our vision is to be the nation’s leading public school of medicine. We are ranked 2nd in primary care education among all US schools of medicine and 5th among public peers in NIH research funding. Our Allied Health Department is home to five top-ranked divisions, and we are home to 18 top-ranked clinical and basic science departments in NIH research funding.
OUR MISSION
Our mission is to improve the health and well-being of North Carolinians and others whom we serve. We accomplish this by providing leadership and excellence in the interrelated areas of patient care, education, and research.
Patient Care: We will promote health and provide superb clinical care while maintaining our strong tradition of reaching underserved populations and reducing health disparities across North Carolina and beyond.
Education: We will prepare tomorrow’s health care professionals and biomedical researchers by facilitating learning within innovative curricula and team-oriented interprofessional education. We will cultivate outstanding teaching and research faculty, and we will recruit outstanding students and trainees from highly diverse backgrounds to create a socially responsible, highly skilled workforce.
Research: We will develop and support a rich array of outstanding health sciences research programs, centers, and resources. We will provide infrastructure and opportunities for collaboration among disciplines throughout and beyond our University to support outstanding research. We will foster programs in the areas of basic, translational, mechanistic, and population research.
Position Summary
The Mission of the Institute of Global Health and Infectious Diseases (IGHID) is to develop ongoing clinical, educational and research activities focused on the prevention and treatment of infectious diseases. Working in nine countries, throughout the state, and across campus, the institute’s goals include:
  • Executing basic and applied research in infectious diseases and fostering collaboration among other investigators and researchers from both within and outside the University of North Carolina system.
  • Coordinating International and community outreach activities with UNC’s School of Public Health, Department of Epidemiology, and appropriate State agencies.
  • Improving clinical care in infectious disease, including activities related to the management of HIV and other infectious diseases, as well as activities related to emerging pathogens, international health issues, and clinical outreach efforts.
  • Supporting infectious disease prevention activities, including those with a focus on vaccine development and vaccination practices.


The Social/Clinical Research Specialist (SCRS) will join a dynamic research study team where they will be expected to independently execute, manage, and coordinate multiple clinical research protocols within the MACS/WIHS Combined Cohort Study (MWCCS) – a collaborative, multi-center, longitudinal study designed to comprehensively investigate the impact of chronic health conditions that affect people living with HIV.
The SCRS will independently oversee the data collection and day-to-day operations of several concurrent clinical research studies under the guidelines of individual research protocols, UNC and regulating agency policies. They will execute study protocols, including recruitment/enrollment, conducting study procedures, collecting and maintaining data, tracking and reporting, and ensuring quality and accuracy across a variety of therapeutic areas and protocols of varied complexity.
This position will be required to serve as the lead protocol administrator for one or more protocols. The SCRS is expected to direct all aspects of protocol planning and implementation, from the initial development of study-specific Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and training tools, through the reporting of study outcomes. They will oversee the development and implementation of robust and innovative recruitment plans, manage recruitment activities and track accrual and retention goals per research study.
The SCRS will monitor operational performance to ensure adherence to all protocol requirements with high data completeness and quality. They may also be asked to manage personnel and participate in hiring, training, and supervising the MWCCS field and administrative staff. They will be expected to attend training for each protocol and foster/maintain the knowledge and skills necessary for the successful performance of all job responsibilities, including the following:
  • Engage independently and professionally with study personnel, investigators, sponsors and service providers to ensure smooth and efficient study progress
  • Maintain good clinical practice and compliance with all regulatory bodies and study protocols
  • Work closely with study teams, Principal Investigators, and Senior RCMU Coordinators to ensure efficient and successful start-up and management of research protocols
  • Track study progress, meet deadlines, identify areas for quality improvements, recommend and implement improvements
  • Work collaboratively within the RCMU to streamline research processes and implement innovative solutions to increase efficiencies
  • Participate in continuing education activities, including teaching, mentoring and learning on an ongoing basis
Minimum Education and Experience Requirements
Bachelor’s degree in a discipline related to the field assigned and one year of related training or experience; or equivalent combination of training and experience. All degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions.
Required Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience
  • Candidate must have the ability to rapidly adjust priorities in a high-paced, high-pressure environment while maintaining patient safety and data quality.
  • Candidate must have the ability to work with a variety of people in a professional, effective, diplomatic manner, with excellent communication skills and a focus on customer service.
  • This position requires a great deal of autonomy coupled with the ability to seek input and/or oversight when appropriate.
  • Candidate must have significant attention to detail and the ability to successfully balance multiple competing priorities.
  • Candidate must have demonstrated ability to successfully and independently implement study protocols, recruit, and enroll study participants, and collect and maintain data.
  • Experience in varied clinical areas and ability to identify and solve problems.
Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience
  • Candidates whose background and experience reflect an ability to engage effectively with the target populations are strongly preferred. 
  • Experience with UNC research systems (e.g., CRMS, Epic@UNC) strongly preferred.
Required Licenses/Certifications
Special Physical/Mental Requirements
This position will be based at UNC, but the UNC Observational Research Unit has two locations (Raleigh/Durham). The candidate must have the ability to travel off-site clinic locations on a daily basis.
Campus Security Authority Responsibilities
Not Applicable.
Position/Schedule Requirements Exposure to Bloodborne Pathogens, Exposure to Hazardous Materials, Valid NC Driver’s License
Special Instructions
Quick Link https://unc.peopleadmin.com/postings/253095

Contact Information


Office of Human Resources Contact Information
If you experience any problems accessing the system or have questions about the application process, please contact the Office of Human Resources at (919) 843-2300 or send an email to [email protected]
Please note: The Office of Human Resources will not be able to provide specific updates regarding position or application status.
Equal Opportunity Employer Statement
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, race, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or status as a protected veteran.

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