Research Associate-Nursing

Date: March 9, 2025

Title: Research Associate

Department: General Operating

School: Nursing

Location: 2120 Cornell Road Cleveland, OH 44106

Supervisor Name and Title: Stephanie Griggs, Associate Professor

POSITION OBJECTIVE

The Research Associate will successfully execute federal, and foundation sponsored research to address predetermined aims and goals set by multiple funded projects aimed at advancing our understanding of the interplay between sleep, circadian rhythms, and glucose regulation in individuals with and without type 1 diabetes. The Research Associate is expected to work with a high level of independence to design, and plan projects, oversee collaborations, act as a liaison between the research teams, supervise students, staff research assistants at all levels, and project managers, manage human participants, and carry out research activities of an assigned project through completion.

The Research Associate will use quantitative and qualitative methods to analyze and determine achievement of findings. The Research Associate will keep the Principal Investigator (PI) informed of progress of research projects and provide recommendations on experimental design. The Research Associate will also present data and findings at local and scientific meetings, seminars, etc., prepare manuscripts, and contribute preliminary data for grant proposals.  A crucial aspect of this position involves the management of participant well-being, including implementing distress mitigation strategies and alcohol counseling. These interventions must be conducted by a licensed professional, ensuring that participants receive appropriate support regarding psychological distress and alcohol use. This position will be supported by Dr. Griggs’ program of research focused on sleep and the circadian system’s role in and leveraging sleep behavioral habits to improve glucose regulation and other secondary clinical outcomes (distress symptoms) in young and middle-aged adults with and without type 1 diabetes.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Plan and execute research projects, including clinical trials designed by the PI, while ensuring robust data and safety monitoring throughout the research lifecycle. This includes the independent design of data collection techniques in collaboration with the PI and carrying out protocols for psychological distress mitigation and alcohol counseling, as outlined in the IRB protocol. Assist with and coordinate research tasks performed by other research team members, ensuring adequate resources are available, assisting with experimental design and analysis, and monitoring safety protocols. Oversee the progress of the research projects with a focus on participant safety and well-being, providing regular progress reports to the PI that include updates on safety monitoring and psychological support interventions. Provide input and recommendations to the PI regarding significant developments in research projects, including any safety concerns or participant distress. Ensure the PI is informed about the results of staff and student members, particularly in relation to adherence to safety and support protocols. (20%)
2. Work closely with the PI and independently develop new techniques and protocols. Train research team members on new techniques. Assess, update, and develop new standard operating procedures (SOPs) and keep the manual of procedures (MOPs) up to date for the clinical research. (20%)
3. Prepare manuscripts, progress reports, and IRB continuing reviews, contribute preliminary data for grant proposals with PI. Assemble data and make publication-quality figures from analyzed data. With the highest level of integrity and responsible conduct of research, participate in writing manuscripts as a co-author for discoveries from research performed with the research, together with the PI and other research team members. Disseminate research project findings in peer-reviewed journals. Present data and findings at research team meetings and scientific meetings, seminars, etc. (20%)
4. Mentor and train research staff and students of all levels; oversee research work and ensure projects are being completed according to the research plan. This will involve teaching other members of the clinical research team techniques and scientific discovery methods, including students. Assist and teach both established and new research techniques to other clinical research team members to facilitate their compliance. Coordinate trainings for clinical research team members with the EHS and others, as needed. Supervise the research and technical work performed by other research team members, ensuring proper procedures are followed, and their safety, and ensuring adequate resources are provided for work. Supervise data entry and cleaning, prepare data for analysis, maintain, and edit data code book. Develop quality improvement initiatives and benchmarks for research team success integrating measures for safety and participant well-being into these benchmarks. (10%)
5. Oversee the laboratory and device equipment management process such as Centrepoint watches, A1C Now, WatchPAT ONE, and continuous glucose monitors. Also, coordinate collection and oversight of saliva and other lab specimens with the Biomarker and Basic Science Laboratory, Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing. Assist other research team members with general lab maintenance and required university training. (10%)
6. Develop a budget accounting system and assume primary responsibility for maintaining, balancing and coordinating budget information with the Case Western Reserve University Finance office. (10%)

NONESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Perform other duties as assigned. (5%)
2. Must maintain required certifications for protection of human subjects (CREC). Maintain University Hospitals credentials. Complete yearly COI statement. (5%)

CONTACTS

Department: Frequent contact with PI and research team members, may work with other faculty for collaboration of research projects, contact with administrative staff as needed

University: Regular/Occasional contact with other research teams for collaboration, Regular/Occasional contact with clinical affiliates (e.g., University Hospitals, Cleveland Clinic, Metro Health), Biomarker and Basic Science Laboratory, Contact with other departments as needed             

External: Supply vendors, other institutions, funding agencies, etc. as needed

Students: Undergraduate and graduate student employees working on research team

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

The research associate will have supervisory authority of research team.

QUALIFICATIONS

Experience: 3 or more years of relevant experience, requiring technical, research and managerial skills at a level meeting or exceeding the requirements of a Research Assistant 4 or a Project Manager.

Education/Licensing: Master’s or Doctoral level degree in relevant field (Nursing, Medicine, Psychology, Social Work).  A current relevant license in the state of Ohio in good standing required (e.g., registered nursing, medicine, clinical psychology, social work).

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS and ABILITIES

1. Excellent analytical skills; ability to formulate findings and recommendations from the analysis.
2. Excellent oral and written communication skills and interpersonal skills; must demonstrate the ability to effectively and professionally communicate and work with various individuals within and external to the University.
3. Strong organization skills; ability to multi-task, prioritize, and meet deadlines.  Must demonstrate attention to detail and accuracy, time management skills, and follow-through. Must be able to work under pressure and conform to shifting priorities, demands, and timeline.    
4. Effective leadership skills; ability to lead, train, work with, and elicit cooperation from team members and staff. 
5. Ability to work effectively independently and collaboratively within a team.  Must be highly motivated, responsible, dependable, and a self-starter.
6. Effective problem-solving skills; must demonstrate innovation and creativity, sound judgment, and good decision-making. 
7. Good computer skills, including database management. Ability to learn new programs as needed.
8. Good financial management skills. Ability to develop a budget accounting system and maintain budget and study records.
9. Ability to meet consistent attendance.
10. Ability to interact with colleagues, supervisors, participants, and customers face to face.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Must have reliable form of transportation to travel to study sites. Occasional early mornings, evenings, weekends. Need for internet access when working off site, a computer will be provided.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

Send inquiries, including a cover letter, CV and contact information for three references, along with confirmation that your clinical license is in good standing to Stephanie.griggs@case.edu. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

DIVERSITY STATEMENT

In employment, as in education, Case Western Reserve University is committed to Equal Opportunity and Diversity.  Women, veterans, members of underrepresented minority groups, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.