Research Data and Project Manager at HarvardUniversity

Job Summary: The Research Data and Project Manager will serve a technical and management role, overseeing the daily operations and complex digital infrastructure within the Population Mental Health Lab. This includes two large-scale, multi-country psychiatric genetics research studies: The Genetics of Eating Disorders and NeuroGAP-Psychosis II. The Genetics of Eating Disorders study, a large-scale effort focused on online participant recruitment and cohort development in the United States and South Africa, as well as clinical based recruitment in South Africa. NeuroGAP-Psychosis II is a clinical based, large-scale study across Kenya, Uganda, and South Africa.  These projects are a collaborative effort and run by a team at the Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health and Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research at the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard. This role requires deep technical know-how in research databases, automation, programming, and troubleshooting to manage the research pipeline for recruiting new research participants and tracking active participants across the United States and three African countries. The goal of these projects is to expand knowledge on the causes and prevalence of mental health conditions such as anorexia nervosa (AN), bulimia nervosa (BN) and psychosis (schizophrenia and bipolar disorder), and how these conditions are shaped by genetic factors using large-scale data and sample collection. The successful candidate will ensure the project effectively builds its digital cohort and manages the related biospecimen collection, ensuring all activities are delivered with excellence: on time, on budget, and on scope. Job-Specific Responsibilities: Duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following: I. Research Technology, Automation, and Cohort Management • Digital Recruitment and Cohort Development: Supervise the recruitment and tracking of participants for a multi-step study process (Eligibility Screener, Informed Consent, Study Surveys). Focus on developing and optimizing digital pipelines for large-scale online enrollment and retention efforts, including building out the cohort over time. • Research Database Expertise and Automation: Independently develop, implement, and maintain complex administrative and data tracking systems using a variety of computer software. This includes managing the secure data collection website interface and utilizing technical skills to automate research processes and ensure data consistency across all digital recruitment platforms. • Programming and Troubleshooting: Serve as the primary technical resource to find and troubleshoot issues when programming breaks within the research databases, automated pipelines, and participant tracking systems. This role requires the ability to make critical technical and programmatic decisions. • Biospecimen Logistics: Oversee the technical logistics for participants who complete the study surveys and are subsequently invited to provide a saliva or blood sample for DNA analysis. This includes tracking sample kits and managing the secure transfer of biospecimen data. • Data Management and Analysis: Oversee data management and public release; develop systems for data management as needed. Process, organize, summarize, and analyze complex data related to eating disorders and genetic factors, reporting research results using scientific or statistical software applications.II. Research Lab Operations and Project Management • Lab Management and Supervision: Manage the day-to-day operation of research projects. Serve as the daily supervisor for a team of full-time Research Assistants, undergraduates, and volunteers, instructing staff in research methodologies. • Regulatory Compliance: Oversee the creation and modification of IRB materials and ensure compliance of all research practices, including human-subjects guidelines and the collection of DNA samples. • Project Oversight: Oversee the daily operations of the project, including developing project work plans and timelines; tracking project deliverables; and identifying roadblocks, escalating issues as they arise. • Strategic Contribution: Working closely with the Principal Investigators (PIs) across multiple institutions and countries, providing substantive input into research design and implementation. Generate written and oral presentations reporting on study milestones. • Financial and Grant Administration: Track the financial state of the project; develop and monitor budgets and spending. Assist with drafting grant materials, including proposals and progress reports as needed. • Stakeholder Liaison: Serve as a principal administrative contact and liaison, managing working relationships between project staff, faculty, and external partners, including the Broad Institute and Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health teams.PLEASE NOTE: This position has a term appointment of one year from the date of hire with the possibility of extension. PLEASE NOTE: This role will be required to travel, work evenings/weekends, or be required to lift heavy objects (15+lbs).