Job Description

Basic Purpose. The Department of Biomedical Informatics at Columbia University is seeking a Research Coordinator for various current and future data and informatics-driven breast cancer prevention projects in Dr. Rita Kukafka’s research group. The candidate will report directly to the Principal Investigators and work in collaboration with members of the research team.

The primary scope of the work is a newly funded 5-year proposal funded by the National Cancer Institute. In this project, we will investigate where and why, on the patient's journey from understanding their risk to discussing risk-reducing medications with their provider, there is a divergence resulting in lower uptake of breast cancer chemoprevention relative to the use of statins for cardiovascular. Using iterative equity-focused human-centered design, we will uncover differences in the decision-making process (preventive regimens for breast cancer vs. cardiovascular disease). We previously developed and rigorously evaluated decision support tools for patients and providers. In this proposal, we will refine these decision-support tools based on a deeper understanding of chemoprevention uptake in the context of preventive therapy for cardiovascular disease. The proposal aims are to 1) apply human-centered design to refine decision support tools for patients and providers, 2) conduct a cluster randomized trial, and 3) conduct an equity-focused evaluation of intervention implementation. 

Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Project Planning and Execution: Develop and execute detailed project plans, timelines, and budgets in collaboration with principal investigators and key stakeholders. Coordinate project activities, meetings, and communications to ensure timely progress and achievement of milestones while ensuring IRB compliance.
2. Refinement of Decision Support Tools: Lead the human-centered design process to refine the RealRisks decision aid and BNAV (Breast cancer risk NAVigation) tool for breast cancer and cardiovascular decision-making. Conduct interviews, usability testing, and prototype evaluations with diverse groups of high-risk women, healthcare providers, and stakeholders.
3. Clinical Trial Management: Execute a cluster randomized trial involving 200 high-risk women and 60 primary care providers (PCPs) to evaluate the effectiveness of RealRisks and BNAV compared to standard patient educational materials. Monitor participant recruitment, intervention delivery, data collection, and follow-up assessments.
4. Data Collection and Analysis: Collect, manage, and analyze quantitative and qualitative data related to chemoprevention uptake, medication beliefs, decision antecedents, decision quality, and implementation factors using appropriate research methodologies.
5. Equity-Focused Evaluation: Utilize the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) to assess barriers, facilitators, and contextual factors influencing intervention implementation and sustainability across different levels (patient, clinic, health system). Conduct surveys, key informant interviews, and focus groups to gather insights.
6. Reporting and Dissemination: Prepare progress reports, presentations, and manuscripts for publication in scientific journals. Present findings at conferences, workshops, and stakeholder meetings to disseminate research outcomes and implications.
7. Assisting with project finances that include external vendor invoices and payment.
8. Organizing and participating in weekly research team meetings.
9. Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree or equivalent in education and experience, plus 4 years of related experience.

Preferred Qualification:

Master’s degree or equivalent with a minimum of 1 year of relevant experience in research.

Additional Qualifications:

• Excellent written and interpersonal communication, analytical, time management, and computer skills are required.
• Ability to work collaboratively as well as independently.
• The ability to strategically problem-solve and adapt to evolving research projects as needed to optimize the effectiveness of the position.
• Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) training certification, Good Clinical Practice (GCP) certificate, and Conflict of Interest (COI) training certification are required upon hire.
• Computer Skills: proficiency with MS Word programs and familiarity with Mac and PC platforms.

(Applicant MUST meet each of these qualifications above to be considered)

Other Requirements:

• Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Attention to detail and the ability to exercise independent judgment within the scope of the research to meet expected goals. 
• Experience conducting interviews, coding and interpreting interview data.
• Managerial skills to oversee and train part-time staff and other research personnel are desirable. 

Qualified Candidates. Please send your resume and a cover letter with the subject line PRC Position to Dr. Rita Kukafka email: rk326@cumc.columbia.edu

(Pay is depending on qualifications)

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