Program Manager

The CNS Lab at the University of Minnesota is seeking a Program Manager tasked with overseeing the planning, development, and management of lab activities. The CNS lab is a multiple PI-led research lab with a significant grant funding portfolio across multiple departments (Pediatrics, ICD) housed at the Masonic Institute for the Developing Brain at the University of Minnesota. Meghan Swanson and Jed Elison are co-Directors, and Casey Burrows is the Director of Clinical Training. The successful candidate will act as a key partner to the lab Directors to establish and track strategic vision and develop research project and staffing policies.

The lab focuses on understanding brain and behavioral development of infants and young children. More specifically, our research examines the critical period of brain development in the first two years of life, which represents a time interval of dynamic development, plasticity, and potential vulnerability. Our research participants include typically developing children, autistic children, children with agenesis of the corpus callosum, infants with congenital cytomegalovirus infection, and children with Down syndrome.

This is an in-person position with limited opportunity for remote work. Work hours will primarily be 9am - 5pm, but limited night and weekend hours are possible. To learn more about the CNS lab and current studies, please visit the website: https://innovation.umn.edu/cns-lab.

Please upload a cover letter and CV/resume. Your application will not be considered until all components of the application are complete. Review of applications is ongoing, and the position will remain open until the posting is removed.

Duties:
Research Related Tasks (50%)

• Assist with coordinating and implementing studies for limited amounts of time during periods of staff transition
• Supervise project coordinators in developing and implementing appropriate systems, procedures, and study specific materials to meet protocol requirements.
• Conduct regular study audits to ensure studies are being executed with high fidelity
• Assist with IRB submission by drafting submission or training and supervising project coordinators on submissions
• Review and audit participant tracking sheets, recruitment numbers, enrollment reports
• Draft, submit, and monitor data transfer and use agreements
• Communicate with departmental financial analyst to assist in projecting and monitoring project expenses.
• Oversee project and lab invoicing and expenses
• Manage research-related subscriptions and accounts for testing platforms
• Manage study documentation and ensures compliance with regulatory requirements (e.g., personnel effort across research projects, request to present research at conferences)
• Adhere to all applicable University policies, procedures and regulations.
• Support liaison with University communication staff to facilitate dissemination of research
• Led regular meeting for all research study coordinators
• Attend research project meetings as needed

Personnel Management and Human Resources Related Tasks (20%)

• Design research roles aligned with study aims and funding portfolios
• Facilitate communication with human resources regarding open positions and current employees
• Lead research staff onboarding and offboarding
• For direct reports, organize annual employee reviews and prepare written and verbal reviews
• For all research staff, organize annual employee reviews and support directors with reviews
• Maintain employment documentation for members of lab that includes but is not limited to:
  reclassifications, training records, feedback documentation, corrective actions, employment milestones, etc.
• Develop and implement system for providing bidirectional feedback between lab directors and staff
• Support directors with employee matters that involve HR policies and procedures
• Supervise and train research staff on policies related to the lab, MIDB, and UMN membership

Lab Management (20%)

• Establish lab-wide policies for staffing and grant management
• Serve as a liaison between the directors and their corresponding department staff on issues of staffing, training, finances/accounting and grant management (Pediatrics, ICD)
• Lead lab meeting and set agenda
• Coordinate CNS member development and engagement events
• Update lab calendars and notify members of upcoming presentations and training opportunities
• Provide weekly updates to members of the lab
• Perform other special tasks as requested by the directors

Professional Development (10%)

• Participate in management and leadership training
• Engage in professional development activities according to interests

All required qualifications must be documented on application materials

Required Qualifications

• BA/BS in psychology, child development, neuroscience, public health, business administration or a related field, plus at least five years or more of research experience as study coordinator (or equivalent). OR advanced degree plus at least three years of relevant experience. OR a combination of education and relevant work experience to equal at least nine years
• Experience with computerized data management. Computer proficiency in a PC environment including Microsoft Office programs such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint
• Experience with internal regulations (IRB), and other regulatory requirements
• Demonstrated/documented record of advanced written, verbal, and interpersonal skill
• Demonstrated detail-orientation with exceptional organizational, planning and problem-solving skills
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, as a part of a team and with changing priorities
• Demonstrated ability to maintain deadlines and prioritize assignments
• Demonstrated ability to initiate and process multiple projects simultaneously
• Experience as a supervisor or manager

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in psychology, child development, neuroscience, data science, public health, business administration or related fields
• Experience working with children in the context of research or clinical services
• Experience with Good Clinical Practices (GCPs), coordinating and managing clinical trials
• Experience with FDA-specific regulatory activities

Pay Range: $75,000 - $95,000/year; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment Category:100% Appointment

Position Type: Civil-Service & Non-Faculty Labor Represented Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).

The University of Minnesota Medical School

Committed to innovation and diversity, the Medical School educates physicians, scientists, and health professionals; generates knowledge and treatments; and cares for patients and communities with compassion and respect. We value excellence, inclusiveness, collaboration, and discovery.
The mission of the regional campus located in Duluth is to be a national leader in improving healthcare access and outcomes in rural Minnesota and American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) communities. In partnership with CentraCare, the regional campus in St. Cloud offers a wide range of patient experiences throughout students' education in Greater Minnesota and prepares them to become exceptional clinicians and leaders for rural and immigrant populations.

Founded in 1888, the University of Minnesota Medical School has three campuses. A four-year MD program and the MD/PhD program are located on the Twin Cities campus in addition to MD programs at regional campuses in Duluth and St. Cloud.