Program Manager, Physician Scientist & Medical Student Research, School of Medicine

Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) School of Medicine is a premier academic medical center located in the heart of Richmond. Accounting for almost half of VCUs sponsored research the School of Medicine is internationally recognized for patient care and education.

Position Summary:

The Program Manager for Research Education Program Administration plays avital role in advancing the scholarly mission of the School of Medicine bycoordinating and advancing medical scientist training and medical studentresearch. This individual provides administrative oversight of the MD-PhDprogram (Medical Scientist Training Program) collaborates with faculty andstaff across departments to support medical student engagement in research andensures operational excellence in programming that enhances MD-PhD and medical studentresearch experiences across all phases of training. The Program Managerfacilitates access to research opportunities promotes student success inmentored scholarly work and serves as a key liaison to the MD-PhD DirectorMD-PhD program leadership team and the Director of Medical Student role supports strategic initiatives of the Office of Medical Educationaligning medical student research and MD-PhD training with institutionalpriorities and national standards.

Key Responsibilities:

1. MD-PhDProgram Support and Oversight

• Provide administrative oversight of the MD-PhD program in collaboration with the program administrator and program leadership ensuring alignment with institutional priorities national standards for physician-scientist training extramural funding and program accreditation requirements.
• Supervise the MD-PhD Program Administrator ensuring effective execution of admissions processes in coordination with the VCU SOM Admissions Office program communications student tracking and event planning/execution.
• Provide oversight for the MD-PhD admissions cycle including the development of admissions materials communication strategies and interview day structure in collaboration with the Admissions Office and MSTP program leadership.
• Monitor and promote student progression across all phases of the MD-PhD program in partnership with the Office of Medical Education the office of Graduate Education and leadership from all participating PhD programs to ensure vigorous student recruitment on-boarding and orientation transitions between medical school and graduate training and awareness of wellness and other resources.
• In collaboration with MD-PHD leadership the Office of Medical Education the Office of Graduate Education and leadership in participating PhD programs oversee and guide students toward identifying PhD programs and advisors achieving all program benchmarks such as completing PhD candidacy exams appropriate and timely course registration completion of PhD and MD degree requirements and awarding of degrees.
• Establish and maintain frequent effective communication and coordination with the MD program and all participating graduate programs.
• Serve as a member of the MSTP leadership committee with the Director Associate/Assistant Directors and the Program Administrator.
• Support development and evaluation of MD-PhD program curricula and co-curricular activities including seminars research symposia and professional development initiatives.
• Ensure effective tracking and reporting of program outcomes to MSTP leadership the Office of Medical Education and the Office of Graduate Education including trainee progress research productivity and match success for use in institutional decision-making and external benchmarking.
• In coordination with MSTP program leadership provide strategic coordination between the MD-PhD program and key institutional stakeholders including the MSTP Steering Committee and the Offices of Medical Education Graduate Education Financial Aid and Student Affairs to ensure alignment of policies resources and student support.
• Support strategic planning and resource development for the MD-PhD program including contributing to institutional training grant initiatives (e.g. NIH MSTP) through oversight of data collection program evaluation metrics and coordination of grant submission materials.
• Identify persistent or concerning student behavioral or academic issues and refer them to MSTP leadership.
• Collaborate with program leadership to identify opportunities for innovation expansion and continuous improvement drawing on national best practices in physician-scientist training.
• Provide administrative support to the Director and Associate/Assistant Directors of the MSTP to assist them in fulfilling their responsibilities in the program.
• Other duties as assigned during peak times.

2. Program Coordination and Student Support

• Serve as a point of contact for medical students seeking research opportunities providing guidance on available programs faculty mentor identification timelines and project expectations.
• Lead the coordination communication and tracking of student research activities including funding and presentation opportunities.
• Assist students with Institutional Review Board (IRB) processes including the IRB protocol development and submission ensuring compliance with institutional policies and facilitating access to training in the responsible conduct of research (RCR).
• Provide guidance and identify resources for research design data management and presentation preparation.
• Identify and share external funding training and recognition opportunities that support medical student research and education scholarship.
• Assist students in obtaining necessary research access including coordinating with institutional partners to facilitate EPIC access and other required systems for clinical or data-driven research.
• Support the coordination of the Longitudinal Research Education Curriculum including scheduling monthly sessions communicating with speakers advertising to students and assisting with session logistics and materials.

3. Faculty and Institutional Engagement

• Collaborate with the MD-PhD Program leadership team and the Director of Medical Student Research to recruit faculty mentors and identify research opportunities.
• Coordinate faculty development initiatives focused on mentoring student researchers and reviewing student work.
• Maintain collaborative relationships with institutional offices involved in research oversight IRB compliance and graduate education.

4. Events Funding and Presentation Support

• Lead planning and execution of Medical Student Research Day including abstract submission review and selection processes; event logistics; faculty judge coordination; and awards.
• Manage the abstract review process for student research events including recruiting and supporting faculty reviewers.
  Oversee student research travel awards including communications application review funding distribution and compliance documentation.
• Support student participation in internal and external conferences by assisting with poster printing.
• Administer the Deans Summer Research Fellowship program including managing the application and selection process communicating award decisions and supporting onboarding compliance and end-of-summer reporting.

5. Data Management and Program Evaluation

• Monitor and document student participation and outcomes in internal and external research and scholarly projects.
• Collect and analyze student and mentor feedback to improve programming and operations and inform strategic planning.
• Prepare annual reports and summary data for internal partners accreditation processes and national benchmarking.

6. IRB Support for Educational Research in the Office of Medical Education

• Provide guidance and logistical support to the Office of Medical Education (OME) and affiliated faculty conducting educational scholarship or program evaluation requiring IRB oversight.
• Prepare and submit IRB applications amendments and renewals for educational research and program evaluation projects on behalf of the Office of Medical Education in coordination with OME faculty and staff.
• Assist in maintaining accurate documentation for IRB-approved projects and support compliance with regulatory and institutional requirements.
• Coordinate IRB training for students and serve as a resource for OME staff and faculty navigating the application process for scholarly initiatives.

7. Other Duties

• Provide strategic support to the MD-PhD leadership team the Director of Medical Student Research and other research-related initiatives as assigned.
• Stay current on national trends in medical student research programs.
• Participate in relevant institutional committees or working groups focused on research education or student support.
• Perform other duties as assigned

Qualifications:

• Bachelors degree required
• Minimum of three years of experience in academic program coordination or research administration ideally in a medical or health sciences environment.
• Excellent organizational interpersonal communication and collaboration skills with a demonstrated ability to work effectively with diverse populations using a student-centered approach to program design and delivery.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities engage cross-functional teams and maintain accuracy in data tracking and reporting.
• Ability to handle confidential and sensitive information with professionalism and integrity.
• Demonstrated experience working in and fostering an environment of respect professionalism and civility with a population of faculty staff and students from various backgrounds and experiences or a commitment to do so as a staff member at VCU.

Preferred Skills and Competencies:

• Masters degree preferred in education public health biomedical sciences or a related field.
• At least 3-5 years of progressive experience in research support curricular planning. or related roles within higher education preferably in a health sciences or professional school setting.
• Demonstrated experience supporting research processes including IRB submission abstract review and coordination of scholarly events.
• Experience with planning and managing research events such as Medical Student Research Day or student research symposia.
• Familiarity with research compliance and institutional processes related to IRB review responsible conduct of research and academic integrity.
• Knowledge of undergraduate medical education (UME) and graduate school structures and the role of scholarly activity in professional development.
• Proficiency with learning management systems research administration platforms and data tracking tools.
• Ability to build strong working relationships across departments faculty and students.

Position will remain open until filled.

The School of Medicine continuously strives for our workplace and learning environment to reflect the demographic and social milieu of the communities we serve. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply.

VCU is committed to hiring veterans! VCU will include a veterans period(s) of military service in the calculation of their annual leave accrual rate. This may provide veterans with an increased leave accrual!

Brittany Usera

Required Experience:

Manager