Sr Research Program Specialist

As a community, the University of Rochester is defined by a deep commitment to Meliora - Ever Better. Embedded in that ideal are the values we share: equity, leadership, integrity, openness, respect, and accountability. Together, we will set the highest standards for how we treat each other to ensure our community is welcoming to all and is a place where all can thrive.

Job Location (Full Address):

601 Elmwood Ave, Rochester, New York, United States of America, 14642

Opening:

Worker Subtype:

Time Type:

Scheduled Weekly Hours:

Department:

Work Shift:

Range:

Compensation Range:

Responsibilities:

The Senior Research Program Specialist – Health Services Research (HSR) will collaborate with the Director of the HSR Program as an administrator responsible for supporting high-impact research and training programs in health sciences within the Department of Surgery.

HSR is a newly formed program and focus of research within the Department of Surgery dedicated to improving and informing healthcare policy through innovative and clinical research. The program provides mentorship, collaboration, and resources for the Department of Surgery faculty and trainees.

This role involves project management, maintenance of human subjects research approval, research support for faculty and trainees, and serves as the main contact for HSR and resource. This role will work closely with the Surgery faculty and trainees to develop and implement research programs and oversee resources, assist with programming, and maintain compliance. This role will assist with grant and manuscript preparation.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Research Program Coordination:

• Serve as a central resource and liaison for all HSR program activities, engaging faculty within the division, trainees, PIs, institutional offices (like IRB), and external collaborators.
• Ensure clear communication and alignment with the division’s research goals
• Work with the HSR director to support planning, development, and implementation of HSR research initiatives
• Provide oversight and coordination of all research projects within the division
• Track and ensure timelines, deliverables, and milestones are clearly defined and met.
• Organize and facilitate meetings, reports, progress updates to leadership

Research Project Management

• Provide comprehensive project management support across the research study lifecycle
• Coordinate regulatory approvals including IRB protocol development, submission, renewals, and compliance with institutional and federal guidelines
• Maintain accurate and organized study documentation, regulatory records, and research tracking systems
• Work with the Surgery research office on grant submissions, budget tracking, and reporting

Program Development:

• Support educational and training initiatives for faculty, residents, and students within HSR
• Assist the HSR director in organizing seminars and events aligned with HSR goals
• Help foster a collaborative and inclusive research environment to support and grow HSR
• Support recruitment, onboarding, and coordination of research hires

Manage Human Resources

• Collaborate with URMC leadership, Department division chiefs, the Vice Chair of Education, and the Director of Resident Research to support recruitment, evaluation, and development of emerging surgeon-scientists.
• Assists with hiring decisions, provide ongoing supervision and training, manages personnel issues and actions, and provides input for performance reviews.
• Analyzes reports to assess the short and long-term outcomes of pipeline program participants. Synthesizes and interprets data to determine the longitudinal success of HSR. Identifies and implements improvement activities as needed.

Other Duties as Assigned

• Obtain and maintain systems training and access as needed for various projects

MINIMUM EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's degree and 5 years of relevant experience required
• Master degree, Advanced degree (PhD or MD) preferred
• Or equivalent combination of education and experience

• Prior experience in higher education, academic research and grants administration preferred

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Strong leadership and team management skills preferred
• Exceptional communication, negotiation, project management and relationship-building skills preferred
• Proficiency in program evaluation and data analysis preferred
• Strong project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously preferred
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail and problem-solving ability preferred.
• Advanced budget management and financial planning expertise preferred
• Proficiency with Microsoft Suite, FileMaker Pro, virtual collaboration tools (Zoom, Box), Adobe, etc. as well as data analysis tools and software preferred
• Ability to effectively communicate and interact, both verbally and in writing, with people across diverse backgrounds and cultures preferred
• Intermediate Spanish language skills preferred

The University of Rochester is committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving an inclusive and welcoming culture to advance the University’s Mission to Learn, Discover, Heal, Create – and Make the World Ever Better. In support of our values and those of our society, the University is committed to not discriminating on the basis of age, color, disability, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, military/veteran status, national origin, race, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, citizenship status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law (Protected Characteristics). This commitment extends to non-discrimination in the administration of our policies, admissions, employment, access, and recruitment of candidates, for all persons consistent with our values and based on applicable law.