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

* Paid Time Off: Accruals over the year (based on percentage of time)

* Vacation Days: 22/year (maximum accrual 352 hours)

* Sick Days: 15/year (unlimited maximum accrual)

* Holiday Days: 11/year

* Tuition Benefit: Employees have access to this benefit on all CU campuses

* ECO Pass: Reduced rate RTD Bus and light rail service

There are many additional perks & programs with the CU Advantage.

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications:

* Ph.D. in Biomedical Sciences, Bioinformatics, Data Science, Molecular Biology, or related fields.

* Minimum of 3 years of progressively responsible experience in biomedical or translational research, including demonstrated experience in managing complex, multi-component research programs or collaborations.

Preferred Qualifications:

* Demonstrated experience in biomedical or translational research, preferably within federally funded programs (e.g., NIH) and multidisciplinary research environments.

* Experience coordinating multi-site, consortium-based, or international research initiatives, including collaboration with investigators, clinical teams, external partners, and vendors.

* Experience with IRB-regulated human subjects research, including protocol development, regulatory submissions and amendments, and ongoing compliance.

* Experience with research program management and implementation

* Familiarity with research data management, including data curation, harmonization, quality assurance, and integration of longitudinal, clinical, biospecimen, or multi-omics datasets.

* Experience contributing to grant applications, budget development, sponsor reporting, scientific manuscripts, and research publications.

* Demonstrated ability to develop SOPs, operational workflows, and training materials, and to mentor colleagues and support consistent research practices across teams.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

To be successful in this position, candidates will demonstrate the following:

* Ability to communicate complex scientific concepts effectively to diverse audiences, including researchers, clinicians, institutional leadership, and external stakeholders

* Demonstrated ability to build and sustain collaborative relationships across multidisciplinary teams, institutions, and international partners

* Proven ability to lead and contribute to scientific publications, including drafting, revising, and submitting manuscripts in peer-reviewed journals

* Strong presentation skills, with experience delivering scientific findings at conferences, consortium meetings, and stakeholder briefings

* Experience contributing to or leading the development of grant applications, budgets, and sponsor reports

* Ability to initiate, develop, and manage scientific collaborations, including coordination across complex organizational structures

* Expertise in data analysis, data stewardship, and management of complex biomedical datasets, including ensuring data quality and integrity

* Demonstrated ability in research program coordination and team leadership, including managing competing priorities and timelines

* Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to influence without direct authority and navigate complex team dynamics

* Exceptional organizational and project management skills, with attention to detail and the ability to drive initiatives from concept through execution

* Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including preparation of technical documents, SOPs, and strategic reports

Conditions of Employment:

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States without requiring sponsorship. We are unable to provide work visa sponsorship or employment authorization for this position now or in the future.

Open Track: To support the growth of our faculty, selected candidates will be offered the opportunity to choose a track that corresponds to their area of excellence. Learn more about faculty tracks at the Office for Faculty Affairs.

How to Apply:

For full consideration, please submit the following document(s):

1. A letter of interest describing relevant job experiences as they relate to listed job qualifications and interest in the position

2. Curriculum vitae / Resume

3. Five professional references including name, address, phone number (mobile number if appropriate), and email address

Applications are accepted electronically ONLY at www.cu.edu/cu-careers.

Questions should be directed to: Sydney Ashton, Sydney.ashton@cuanschutz.edu

Screening of Applications Begins:

This position may be seeking multiple candidates. Positions will remain open until filled. Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and candidates may be contacted for interviews throughout the posting period. Upon candidate(s) selection, the posting will be closed, and no further applications will be accepted.

Anticipated Pay Range:

The starting salary range (or hiring range) for this position has been established as HIRING RANGE:

$65,000 to $80,000

The above salary range (or hiring range) represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting. This position is not eligible for overtime compensation unless it is non-exempt.

Your total compensation goes beyond the number on your paycheck. The University of Colorado provides generous leave, health plans and retirement contributions that add to your bottom line.

Total Compensation Calculator: http://www.cu.edu/node/153125

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

The University of Colorado (CU) is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. We are committed to creating a workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

ADA Statement:

The University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities throughout the employment application process. To request an accommodation pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, please contact the Human Resources ADA Coordinator at hr.adacoordinator@ucdenver.edu.

Background Check Statement:

The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus is dedicated to ensuring a safe and secure environment for our faculty, staff, students and visitors. To assist in achieving that goal, we conduct background investigations for all prospective employees.

Vaccination Statement:

CU Anschutz strongly encourages vaccination against the COVID-19 virus and other vaccine preventable diseases. If you work, visit, or volunteer in healthcare facilities or clinics operated by our affiliated hospital or clinical partners or by CU Anschutz, you will be required to comply with the vaccination and medical surveillance policies of the facilities or clinics where you work, visit, or volunteer, respectively. In addition, if you work in certain research areas or perform certain safety sensitive job duties, you must enroll in the occupational health medical surveillance program.