The Neuroimage Analytics Laboratory (NAL) and Biggs Institute Neuroimaging Core (BINC) at UT Health San Antonio are seeking a Project Manager to coordinate the implementation and operation of RURAL MIND, an NIH-funded study that will deploy portable MRI and hybrid cognitive assessment within the RURAL Mobile Examination Unit (MEU) to establish a rural brain aging research platform.
The Project Manager will work closely with and report to the Principal Investigator and will coordinate research operations across a multidisciplinary and geographically distributed team. The position will play a central role in coordinating the deployment of a portable MRI system, integrating MRI and cognitive assessments into the RURAL MEU workflow, coordinating field operations, overseeing study data collection and transfer, and ensuring that project milestones are achieved within the one-year R56 project period.
The Project Manager will serve as a key liaison between the Principal Investigator, RURAL investigators and leadership, the RURAL Data Coordinating Center, study and MEU personnel, imaging and cognitive teams, institutional research personnel, and the portable MRI manufacturer.
- Bachelor's or master's degree in health sciences, public health, clinical research, research administration, or a related field.
- Experience managing or coordinating research projects involving multiple investigators or teams.
- Strong organizational, interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.
- Demonstrated ability to manage multiple concurrent activities, timelines, and priorities.
- Experience with research data collection, quality control, and study documentation.
- Ability to work effectively with multidisciplinary teams and geographically distributed collaborators.
Education:
- Bachelor's Degree degree in related field is required.
Experience:
- Six (6) years related experience is required.
Preferred Experience:
- Experience coordinating large-scale or multisite research studies.
- Experience in clinical research, epidemiology, neuroimaging, cognitive research, or Alzheimer's disease and related dementias.
- Experience working with NIH funded research and Institutional Review Board requirements.
- Experience with research databases, REDCap, or related data management systems.
- Experience coordinating technology deployment, equipment vendors, or mobile/decentralized research operations.
- Experience working with rural or community-based research programs.
- Initiate, manage, and coordinate operational requirements for the RURAL MIND project across participating teams and sites.
- Coordinate the acquisition, delivery, installation, and integration of the portable MRI system into the RURAL Mobile Examination Unit.
- Coordinate with the MRI manufacturer and RURAL operations team on equipment setup, MEU fit and positioning, safety procedures, workflow testing, data transmission, and initial pilot activities.
- Coordinate implementation of portable MRI and hybrid cognitive assessments during RURAL Visit 2, including participant scheduling, examination workflow, and field operations.
- Coordinate the collection, transfer, quality control, and documentation of MRI and cognitive data.
- Work closely with imaging analysts and the RURAL Data Coordinating Center to ensure timely and accurate data transfer and processing.
- Coordinate training and certification of study personnel and maintain appropriate training documentation.
- Monitor recruitment, participation, MRI completion, image usability, cognitive assessment completion, and other operational metrics.
- Organize regular meetings, track action items and milestones, and facilitate communication among investigators and collaborating teams.
- Support adherence to Institutional Review Board requirements, study protocols, standard operating procedures, and applicable NIH requirements.
- Assist the Principal Investigator with progress reporting, scientific presentations, manuscripts, grant applications, and preparation of the subsequent RURAL MIND applications.
- Identify operational challenges and coordinate timely resolution with the appropriate investigators, study personnel, or vendors.
- Support successful completion of the RURAL MIND project within the one-year R56 project period.
- Performs all other duties as assigned.