Senior Research Program Coordinator – Texas Center for Disability Studies Full-time

Senior Research Program Coordinator – Texas Center for Disability Studies

This is a grant-funded position and reassignment will be based upon performance, progress toward research goals and continuation of funding. Must be authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis for any employer without sponsorship.

Purpose

This position will coordinate the Mapping the Interactions of Language and Early Motor Skills in Down Syndrome (MILES) and Identifying and Distinguishing Early Indicators of Autism in Latino Children (IDEAL) research studies within the Improving Developmental Experiences for Autism and Developmental Disabilities (IDEA) Research Lab. The role will work directly with children with Down syndrome, autism, and other developmental disabilities, as well as their caregivers and family members.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate day-to-day operations of multiple federally funded research projects with internal and external collaborators. Facilitate regular team meetings, document research team decisions, and track project milestones.
• Supervise and support research data collection activities, including but not limited to, developmental, language, motor, and autism assessments, parent interviews, and video-recorded observations. Implement fidelity protocols and quality control to ensure accurate data entry.
• Oversee recruitment strategies for research participants throughout Texas, including bilingual outreach to Latino communities. Monitor participant retention and engagement.
• Provide guidance and support to research assistants. Develop training materials, manuals, and standardized protocols for assessment administration, interviewing, and ethical research practices.
• Assist with preparation and submission of Institutional Review Board (IRB) applications, amendments, renewals, and progress reports to the university and funding agencies.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

Bachelor's Degree in social work, psychology, human development, speech-language pathology, education, or other related field with at least 5 years of research coordination experience. Direct experience working with infants, toddlers, or young children with developmental disabilities, such as Down syndrome, autism, or related conditions, and their families. Experience administering or coordinating standardized developmental, language, or behavioral assessments. Experience with REDCap or comparable electronic data capture and data management systems. Proficient in Microsoft Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams, PowerPoint) and standard scheduling and communication tools. Demonstrated ability to manage multiple concurrent projects and competing priorities. Ability to work in person and engage directly with young children, including floor-level interactions. Excellent attention to detail. Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Values the contributions of others in the work environment. Relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.

Preferred Qualifications

Master's Degree in social work, psychology, human development, speech-language pathology, education, or other related field with at least 3 years of research coordination experience OR Doctoral Degree in social work, psychology, human development, speech-language pathology, education, or other related field with at least 1 year of research coordination experience. Experience preparing Institutional Review Board (IRB) continuing reviews, progress reports, or grant renewal materials. Experience administering developmental and autism assessments and parent interviews, including instruments such as the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development, Differential Ability Scales–2 Early Years, Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule–2 (ADOS-2), and Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales. Familiarity with community-engaged research methods and partnerships with community organizations, clinics, or schools. Ability to work flexible hours, including occasional evenings and weekends, to accommodate participant and family schedules. Bilingual in Spanish.

Salary Range

$60,000 – $70,000 – depending on qualifications

Working Conditions

• May work around standard office conditions
• Repetitive use of a keyboard at a workstation

Work Shift

• M-F, Flexible between 8am-6pm

Required Materials

• Resume/CV
• 3 work references with their contact information; at least one reference should be from a supervisor
• Letter of interest