Project Coordinator

Position Summary:

We are looking for a full-time Project Coordinator for the Vanderbilt Stress and Early Adversity (SEA) Lab a fast-paced highly collaborative interdisciplinary research group exploring brain development caregiving and interventions to improve child and family functioning.

Under the supervision of Dr. Humphreys the Project Coordinator will provide strategic oversight and leadership for multiple concurrent research studies. This role requires exceptional organizational skills and the ability to independently manage competing priorities across diverse projects while maintaining rigorous research standards. The coordinator will exercise substantial autonomy in problem-solving daily operational challenges making independent decisions regarding recruitment strategies retention interventions protocol refinements and resource allocation. Strong leadership capabilities are essential as the coordinator will supervise a team of research assistants across educational levels (e.g. undergraduate masters doctoral) overseeing research protocol training scheduling for data collection and related tasks and overall performance while fostering a collaborative and productive team environment. Core responsibilities include monitoring recruitment targets and retention metrics across multiple studies developing and implementing study protocols conducting quality assurance audits of data collection procedures coordinating complex multi-part study visits and providing high-level administrative support to ensure seamless study operations. The role demands exceptional task-switching abilities as the coordinator will frequently pivot between strategic planning team management data collection with families compliance monitoring and troubleshooting operational issuesoften within the same day. While the primary focus is on coordination and oversight the coordinator may conduct data collection activities as needed including MRI and EEG acquisition laboratory-based parentchild interactions home visits and clinical interviews assessing mental health and adversity exposure.

This position offers substantial professional development for individuals seeking a leadership career in research environments with opportunities to refine project management team supervision and strategic decision-making skills. An ideal candidate would commit to 3-5 years allowing for progressive responsibility and meaningful contribution to multiple study lifecycles.

About the Work Unit:

At the Stress and Early Adversity Lab we are committed to fostering an environment that thrives on hard work high expectations and the pursuit of excellence. We celebrate achievements big and small and recognize that excellence is the driving force behind our impactful research. If you are seeking an environment where every day involves new and interesting challenges work well on a team in a fast-paced environment and are eager to contribute to cutting-edge translational research we would love for you to apply.

Key Functions and Expected Performance:

• Coordinate complex scheduling for longitudinal multi-phase study visits across large-scale research studies

• Serve as primary point of contact for participants proactively addressing concerns and ensuring positive study experience

• Implement systematic follow-up protocols to ensure timely completion of questionnaires and study procedures

• Drive participant retention strategies for two longitudinal cohort studies maintaining engagement throughout study duration

• Identify and resolve recruitment retention and participant satisfaction challenges through creative problem-solving

• Lead community engagement initiatives cultivating and maintaining partnerships with community organizations

• Manage end-to-end recruitment pipeline tracking progress against enrollment targets

• Build and sustain collaborative relationships with community partners to support study goals

• Design and maintain REDCap surveys and data collection instruments to support study protocols

• Maintain comprehensive databases for participant recruitment tracking and study metrics

• Monitor data quality and protocol adherence to ensure research integrity

• Develop document and refine study protocols and standard operating procedures

• Ensure all project documentation maintains strict compliance with IRB regulations

• Track project milestones and proactively troubleshoot deviations or concerns

• Support project reporting requirements and deliverables

• Supervise and mentor a team of undergraduate and masters-level research assistants

• Design and deliver comprehensive training programs for research staff on data collection and management procedures

• Delegate tasks effectively and provide ongoing guidance to ensure quality standards

• Perform administrative functions essential to laboratory operations

• Exercise independent judgment in resolving routine issues; escalate complex matters for senior-level review

• Contribute to continuous improvement of laboratory processes and workflows

• Conduct data collection sessions with children and adults (including neuroimaging procedures clinical interviews in-home proximity and auditory assessments home visits and stress/adversity and mental health evaluations) as needed

Supervisory Relationships:

This position does have supervisory responsibility of research assistants; this position reports administratively and functionally to Dr. Humphreys.

Education and Certifications:

• Bachelors degree in a relevant academic area; Masters degree preferred

Experience and Skills:

• Demonstrated excellence in leading and motivating diverse teams with proven ability to delegate effectively provide constructive feedback and foster a collaborative work environment
• Experience supervising research staff or student teams with strong mentorship capabilities
• Exceptional organizational abilities with meticulous attention to detail while managing multiple competing priorities
• Superior task-switching capabilities and mental agility to pivot seamlessly between projects responsibilities and unexpected challenges throughout the day
• Strong independent problem-solving skills with ability to make sound judgment calls under pressure without constant supervision
• Direct and transparent communication style
• Excellent rapport-building abilities with diverse populations including research participants community partners and team members
• Thrives in fast-paced dynamic environments where priorities shift rapidly
• Remains calm and solution-focused when plans change or unexpected obstacles arise
• Quick thinker who can troubleshoot and implement alternative strategies
• Self-directed and proactive able to work independently with minimal supervision while knowing when to escalate issues
• Strong work ethic high integrity and professional accountability
• Ability to meet deadlines and manage time effectively across multiple concurrent projects
• General understanding of scientific research methods and theory
• Flexibility to work occasional evenings or weekends to accommodate participant families schedules or troubleshoot as needed
• Experience with REDCap database design and management preferred
• Prior experience recruiting and scheduling research participants preferred
• Background in developing study protocols and standard operating procedures preferred
• Previous experience coordinating research studies or clinical trials preferred

Physical Requirements:

• Frequently perform desk-based computer tasks grasp lightly/fine manipulation lift/carry/push/pull objects that weigh up to 30 pounds
• Frequently stand/walk sit use a telephone writing by hand and sort/file paperwork.

Working Conditions

• May be required to work non-standard extended or weekend hours
• Transportation to participants home for home visits may be required; a preferred candidate will have a valid drivers license and access to their own transportation

Key Characteristics of a Successful Team Member in this Work Unit:

• Organized

• Team member