Research Associate

Job Summary:

The Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome is seeking applicants for a full-time Research Associate to participate in the scientific management of various high-level internal and externally funded scientific projects.

The Research Associate provides scientific leadership and operational oversight of multi-site, international research initiatives spanning the United States, Latin America, and Asia, coordinating cross-functional teams of investigators, clinicians, data managers, and research staff to ensure successful study implementation and alignment with program objectives. The position is responsible for translating scientific protocols into operational workflows, including the development and oversight of REDCap-based data systems, longitudinal data tracking frameworks, and data quality assurance processes.

The role supports the design and implementation of clinical and translational research studies, including protocol development, site readiness, and coordination of regulatory requirements such as IRB approvals and international compliance considerations (including FDA and GDPR where applicable). The incumbent also facilitates data sharing agreements (MTAs/DTAs) and ensures compliant, efficient exchange of research data across collaborating institutions.

Working closely with global partners and consortium members, this position supports study execution, data harmonization, and dissemination of findings across multi-institutional research networks. The role contributes to grant development, budgeting, and scientific reporting for large-scale federally funded initiatives, including the NIH INCLUDE Project.

In addition, the Research Associate develops and maintains standard operating procedures (SOPs), reporting structures, and program monitoring tools to support research coordination, data integrity, and decision-making across sites. The incumbent also plays a key role in training and onboarding research staff and coordinators, supporting capacity building and standardization of research practices across international teams.

The successful candidate will hold a Ph.D. in biomedical sciences, computational sciences, or a related field and bring experience in managing complex, multi-site research programs involving clinical and/or multi-dimensional biomedical data. The ideal candidate is a self-directed scientific leader and program manager with strong analytical, organizational, and collaborative skills, capable of operating independently in a highly interactive, global research environment.

Key Responsibilities:

50% Project Management & Global Program Leadership

· Lead multi-site international research initiatives, providing strategic oversight of cross-functional teams, timelines, deliverables, and stakeholder engagement.

· Coordinate research activities across investigators, institutions, and global partners to ensure alignment with scientific objectives, funding requirements, and program milestones.

· Oversee study implementation, site readiness, and operational workflows across multiple institutions.

· Monitor project progress, identify operational challenges, and implement process improvements to support efficient and consistent study execution.

25% Research Infrastructure & Clinical Research Operations

· Design, implement, and oversee data collection and management systems (e.g., REDCap), including longitudinal tracking, data quality assurance, and harmonization across sites.

· Develop and maintain standardized data workflows, governance practices, SOPs, and reporting structures to support high-quality, reproducible research.

· Support clinical and translational research implementation, including protocol development, regulatory compliance, and integration of clinical, biospecimen, and research data.

· Coordinate regulatory and ethical requirements, including IRB, FDA, and GDPR considerations, to support compliance across participating institutions.

15% Consortium Collaboration, Grants & Strategic Planning

· Collaborate with international investigators, clinicians, and research partners to coordinate study activities, facilitate data sharing (MTAs/DTAs), and strengthen collaborative networks.

· Contribute to federal grant applications, budgets, progress reports, and strategic planning for large-scale NIH-funded initiatives, including the INCLUDE Project.

· Track program milestones, deliverables, and outcomes to support sponsor reporting, program evaluation, and future funding opportunities.

· Serve as a liaison between global research sites and central leadership to facilitate communication, resolve challenges, and support dissemination of research findings.

10% Training, Mentorship & Capacity Building

· Lead onboarding and training of research staff and site coordinators to promote consistent protocol implementation, data collection, and regulatory compliance.

· Provide ongoing mentorship and operational support to strengthen research capacity across international teams and institutions.

· Develop training materials and resources to standardize practices, improve team coordination, and promote sustainability across research programs.

Work Location:

Hybrid – this role is eligible for a hybrid schedule of 4 days per week on campus and as needed for in-person meetings.

Why Join Us:

The Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome is the largest academic home for Down syndrome research. The Crnic Institute collaborates with prominent scientists and leaders around the globe to enable precision medicine approaches to improve health outcomes in Down syndrome. Learn more at: https://medschool.cuanschutz.edu/linda-crnic-institute.

The University of Colorado offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes health insurance, life insurance, retirement plans, tuition benefits, ECO pass, paid time off – vacation, sick, and holidays and more. To see what benefits are available, please visit: https://www.cu.edu/employee-services/benefits-wellness

Why work for the University?

We have AMAZING benefits and offer exceptional amounts of holiday, vacation and sick leave! The University of Colorado offers an excellent benefits package including:

· Medical: Multiple plan options

· Dental: Multiple plan options

· Additional Insurance: Disability, Life, Vision

· Retirement 401(a) Plan: Employer contributes 10% of your gross pay</