Project Manager

GENERAL SUMMARY/OVERVIEW STATEMENT:

The Ragon Institute is a highly unique, innovative, and collaborative research center at the forefront of biomedical science. Founded by Massachusetts General Hospital, MIT, and Harvard, the Ragon vision is a bold one: to harness the power of the immune system to prevent and cure human disease on a global scale. This vision is pursued and advanced every day by a group of highly motivated individuals. The Ragon Institute, at every level, depends upon collaboration, compassion, dedication, and innovation. It is a results-oriented organization that seeks people who not only embrace these values but who thrive in teams and want to work in a dynamic environment.

The Kwon Lab at the Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT, and Harvard is seeking a full-time Project Manager. The person hired will work under the supervision of Dr. Kwon to oversee ongoing and new studies in South Africa related to women's health, HIV risk, pregnancy outcomes, the vaginal microbiome, and mucosal immunity. The position will involve managing IRB and other regulatory protocols, communication between key stakeholders, data management, interactions with research sponsors, milestone tracking and reporting, and data analysis. Preference for personnel with experience at academic research institutions in project management roles and/or with data management. The overall goal is to support human translational research to help improve the health of women globally, particularly among those living in sub-Saharan Africa.

The Kwon Laboratory (www.kwonlab.org) is located at the Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT and Harvard in Cambridge, MA. The ideal candidate will be motivated, possess strong communication and management skills, and have outstanding organizational ability. This position functions as a critical part of the team and provides ample opportunities to mentor and train, develop new skills, support a mission driven organization, work with international collaborators, and communicate results to the scientific and lay communities while working in a supportive, highly collaborative, and energetic environment within an exceptional research setting with state-of-the-art facilities.

The Kwon lab is committed to providing a diverse, inclusive, and supportive environment; appropriately qualified applicants from all backgrounds will be considered.

PRINCIPLE DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The Project Manager will work closely with the Senior Program Manager and under the supervision of Dr. Kwon. The candidate will be responsible for:

Regulatory oversight

• For all studies, ensure research activities are conducted per approved protocols

• Assist management of regulatory submissions, including drafting and submission of protocol applications and amendments. This may also include assisting with protocol development, consent writing, and preparation of recruitment and other study materials as required

• Track all regulatory submissions and approvals

Communication

• Initiate, coordinate, and lead meetings with Senior Program Manager, Principal Investigators, Project/Study Coordinators and collaborating research scientists.

• Respond to requests for information and or documentation from Sponsors, PIs and other stakeholders

• Facilitate communication between stakeholders on multiple projects.

• Maintain close communication with the Senior Program Manager, Principal Investigator; provide frequent updates

• Prepare written progress reports to fundings sponsors, including the NIH and Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, including financial updates on grant spending.

Coordinate and Support Studies in South Africa

• Sample tracking and shipment from South Africa to the US, supply/chain management for critical clinical supplies as needed

• Communication with the FRESH/FRESH Baby U teams, including research updates, discussion/collaboration on implementing additional new protocols, data collection forms, and CRFs as needed

• Assist with visa coordination for trainees traveling between South Africa and the U.S. for training

• Provide checklist and advise on timeline for visa applications

• Prepare and submit material transfer agreements and data use agreements

• Maintain filing and record keeping of important project-related materials and licenses

QUALIFICATIONS

Education: BS or international equivalent required; MS preferred

Experience:

• 2 years of project management experience in research

• Data analysis skills preferred

Skills/Abilities/Competencies Required:

• Strong understanding of global health and equity in research, demonstrated interest in public health initiatives

• Must demonstrate outstanding project management skills in a clinical research environment

• Ability to manage IRB submissions and regulatory compliance with investigators and other research staff

• Must be highly organized, self-motivated, assertive and takes initiative, with good problem-solving ability

• Ability to work independently and as a team member, in fast-paced, demanding, clinical research environment in an effective and flexible manner.

• Demonstrates desire to learn from and support others.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.