Research Coordinator

Position Title: Research Coordinator

Department : 9010|NIRC Administration

Responsibilities

The Research Coordinator at the New Iberia Research Center (NIRC) will oversee the activities of Research Associates, Pre-Clinical Technologists 1 & 2, and Laboratory Technicians in planning, directing, and coordinating research assignments. This role involves the implementation and conduct of complex research activities, ensuring compliance with study protocols and NIRC Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). The Research Coordinator will manage skill certifications, develop protocol-specific documentation, and play a hands-on role in in-life procedures for various research projects, including PHS-funded, university, and externally funded studies. The position requires informed, independent decision-making, advanced technical knowledge, and effective communication to meet the behavioral, veterinary, and husbandry needs of non-human primate (NHP) research subjects.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day activities of Research Associates, Pre-Clinical Technologists 1 & 2, and Laboratory Technicians during research projects.
• Develop and maintain protocol-specific documentation templates in compliance with research protocols.
• Conduct and document in-life procedures, including dose administration, sample collections, and test system observations for adverse effects/events.
• Perform skill certification and annual recertification of Pre-Clinical Technologists 1 & 2.
• Make independent decisions regarding NHP housing configurations, stress reduction, and optimization strategies for various social housing environments.
• Provide continual recommendations for improving animal welfare and optimizing in-life study conditions.
• Communicate effectively with internal/external personnel to ensure comprehensive care of NHP research subjects.
• Troubleshoot procedures, housing configurations, and animal-specific needs; document and report abnormalities and variances.
• Supervise and participate in training of research personnel, including hands-on procedures involving alert dosing and sample collection using primate restraint systems.
• Perform dose calculations, assist in test article formulation, and operate specialized equipment (e.g., apheresis machines, infusion pumps, imaging equipment).
• Conduct preventive maintenance and calibration of specialized equipment, ensuring data integrity.
• Manage multiple research protocols simultaneously, including pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, efficacy, and model development studies.
• Ensure adherence to biosafety protocols, including proper use of engineering controls, work practices, and PPE in accordance with the Biosafety Bloodborne Pathogen Exposure Control Plan.
• Minimize cross-contamination risks through strict compliance with laboratory and study-specific procedures.
  
  

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor of Science degree or equivalent with scientific emphasis
• ORa minimum of five years of relevant experience in a research facility as a lead worker, supervisor, and project lead (or equivalent) utilizing non-human primate animal models will substitute for the degree requirement.
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• AALAS Technician certification (or equivalent)
  
  

Skills, Knowledge, Etc.

• Advanced knowledge in a field of science and relevant experience to independently conduct protocol-mandated research procedures in nonhuman primate animal studies in an AAALAC-accredited facility
  
  

Job Ad# (req4191)