Director of Student Research Programs, University of Illinois College

This position supports the development and conduct of medical student research at the University of Illinois College of Medicine. The mission of this position is to stimulate medical student research and related publications through program development, resource facilitation, mentorship, counseling on student objectives, enhancement of student research skills, feedback on research design, proposals, and writing. Support to students may take the form of consultation, setting up, maintaining, and/or providing accesses to databases, assistance with research study design, assistance in writing up analyses for manuscripts and grant proposals, and facilitating connections between students interested in research and faculty members, post-doctoral associate, graduate students, and fellows willing to train and mentor those students on research projects.

Job Responsibilities (Essential Duties):

Support the implementation and administration of new and ongoing programs and other opportunities to enhance student research in collaboration with College of Medicine leadership. Work with Assistant Dean to develop and grow a student research portfolio and provide support for Assistant Dean.

Promote the development and conduct of medical student research within the University of Illinois College of Medicine at large. Provide specific support to Chicago campus students, and coordinate with Director of Research professionals in Peoria and Rockford.

Guide students in seeking research opportunities within the College of Medicine, and facilitate networking, research design, writing research project proposals/abstracts/papers, drafting research grant proposals, and access to statistical analysis.

Collect, synthesize, and publicize information regarding student research opportunities and activities, including presentations and publications. Function as a point person for COM principal investigators to post opportunities for medical students to do research with them. Assume responsibility for conveying external research opportunities to students. Monitor, document, and track outcomes of student research and draft annual reports.

Ensure compliance of student research projects with the Institutional Review Board, Institutional Committee on Biosafety, the Animal Care and Use Committee, and Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act guidelines.

Serve as the point of contact between the College of Medicine and other University of Illinois Chicago campus administrative offices that may support student research (e.g., OVCR, Graduate College).

Liaise with and support the James Scholar faculty director for the Chicago campus.

Liaise with and support the Craig Fellowship faculty director for the Chicago campus.

Oversee review of Chicago campus medical student applications for conference and meeting expenses to present research. Periodically review eligibility criteria in consultation with College leadership.

Support the organization and conduct of the annual COM Research Forum, including developing guidelines, promoting opportunities, securing faculty judges for papers and presentations submitted by students, and overseeing implementation.

Track program expenditures and conduct analyses to provide recommendations to Assistant Dean for budget proposals and adjustments.

Perform other related duties and participate in special projects as assigned.

Job Knowledge & Skills, Education, Experience

Master’s degree in biostatistics, epidemiology, social sciences, medical education, higher education, or related field required.

Minimum three years of experience conducting basic, clinical, or health systems research required. Two years of administrative experience required.

Experience managing a research enterprise preferred. Grant writing experience preferred.

Experience working with federal/state/private funding agencies preferred. Familiarity with research organizational structures preferred.

Knowledge of IRB, IBC, IACUC, and other related research regulations (e.g., HIPAA) required. Must possess and apply comprehensive knowledge of research principles, concepts, practices, and methods.

Working Conditions

General office environment. Regular travel not expected but may occur occasionally around previously scheduled events. Requires work in a stationary position for extended periods of time and operation of computer and other office equipment.

The University of Illinois Chicago is an affirmative action, equal opportunity employer that has a strong institutional commitment to the principle of diversity and is particularly interested in receiving applications from a broad spectrum of people. We are committed to equal employment opportunities regardless of sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.

The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, COVID-19 vaccination requirement, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify. Request an Accommodation