Job Abstract

University Overview

The University of Pennsylvania, the largest private employer in Philadelphia, is a world-renowned leader in education, research, and innovation. This historic, Ivy League school consistently ranks among the top 10 universities in the annual U.S. News & World Report survey. Penn has 12 highly-regarded schools that provide opportunities for undergraduate, graduate and continuing education, all influenced by Penn’s distinctive interdisciplinary approach to scholarship and learning. As an employer Penn has been ranked nationally on many occasions with the most recent award from Forbes who named Penn one of America’s Best Large Employers in 2023.

Penn offers a unique working environment within the city of Philadelphia. The University is situated on a beautiful urban campus, with easy access to a range of educational, cultural, and recreational activities. With its historical significance and landmarks, lively cultural offerings, and wide variety of atmospheres, Philadelphia is the perfect place to call home for work and play.

The University offers a competitive benefits package that includes excellent healthcare and tuition benefits for employees and their families, generous retirement benefits, a wide variety of professional development opportunities, supportive work and family benefits, a wealth of health and wellness programs and resources, and much more.

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Job Description Summary

Job Description

Manager Research Project A - The Clinical Studies Unit (CSU) is instrumental in the implementation and oversight of Dermatological Clinical Trials across the Department of Dermatology, Phase I-IV and Investigator Initiated Trials including multi-site protocols. Conducting complicated clinical trials in the areas of oncology and other medically complex disorders, while working collaboratively with multiple departments and outside parties.

The Manager position will report directly to the Director of Research Operations for Dermatology. The Manager will work closely with the Director in overseeing aspects of dermatological disorders clinical research portfolio being performed by the CSU. This includes assisting with study feasibility and selection, prioritization of the team’s work, working closely with the CSU coordinators to ensure competitive activation and enrollment timelines. Additionally, on daily basis, the Manager oversee operations of the clinical trials, including study enrollment, adherence, regulatory compliance, timely completion of project milestones, supervision of research staff, and reporting to the sponsor. Support and management of staff (direct and/or indirect) to ensure compliance with study protocol and all regulatory standards. Also participate in the onboarding of new CSU personnel. Assist with all aspects of research including billing, patient visit, specimen processing, and data entry, query resolution. 

Responsible for day to day management of complex projects conducted with collaborators both internal and external to Penn. With mentoring from the Director of Research Operations, the Research Project Manager will contribute to study design, methods, interpretation of results, and manuscript development and presentation. Plays a role in other dissemination activities related to project findings.

Will be required to ensure that studies/research are conducted safely and according to protocol, provide supervision to educators and teams conducting the study/interventions and collaborates with peers from other Universities and funding agencies and FDA. Collaborate with departmental business administrators to oversee resources and budgets.

 Provides contributions to presentations and manuscripts, including multiple drafts for review and dissemination.

Work with CSU team members to ensure accurate and timely data entry, query resolution, deviations and patient issues, identifying and addressing any issues including study recruitment and accrual. Communicating any specialized study budget needs to the Director of Operations, including any changes necessitated by a protocol modification and ensuring that the study team updates study trackers with study visit information and invoiceable items as needed by the Grants Team.

The manager will work closely with the CSU Director of Operations to develop and implement SOP’s, report team study metrics, and communicate issues that may affect overall research with CSU Trials. Perform other duties as may be assigned.

Manager Research Project B

All the duties listed above plus the following:

With mentoring from the Director, the Project Manager will take a leadership role in developing the team's research strategy and ensuring scientific integrity of the study design during implementation. His/her purview will stretch beyond implementation to significant contributions to progress reports, data analysis plans, manuscript development, and presentations. He/she will co-author manuscripts for submission to peer-reviewed journals, with a lead role on clinical trial protocol manuscripts. He/she will develop grant proposals and lead subprojects, as needed.

Both Positions

Effective problem solving abilities; effective communication and writing skills; strong organizational and time management skills; flexible and able to multi-task; demonstrated ability to work as part of a team, as well as independently; knowledge of IRB and human research protection regulations.

Job Responsibilities

• Responsible for day to day management of complex projects conducted with collaborators both internal and external to Penn. With mentoring from the Director of Research Operations, the Research Project Manager will take leadership role in developing study protocols, writing grants, managing the detailed operations of projects, analyzing qualitative and quantitative data, cultivating close relationships with community partner organizations, and drafting/editing manuscripts for submission to peer-reviewed journal.  He/she will help develop the team's research strategy and will have ample opportunities to lead projects and co-author papers

• Assist in overseeing all aspects of the clinical research portfolio being performed by the CSU. This includes assisting with study feasibility and selection, prioritization of the team’s work, working closely with the CSU coordinators to ensure competitive activation and enrollment timelines. They will also have primary study coordinator responsibility for Rare Dermatological Disorders and Translational Research studies for the CSU. 

• Will be required to ensure that studies/research are conducted safely and according to protocol, provide supervision to educators and teams conducting the study/interventions and collaborates with peers from other Universities and funding agencies.

• Will also be responsible for coordinating grant applications and interacts with funding administrators and the University Business Office.  Provides significant contributions to presentations and manuscripts, including multiple drafts for review and dissemination. Plays a primary role in other dissemination activities related to project findings.

• Work with CSU team members to ensure accurate and timely data entry, query resolution, deviations and patient issues, identifying and addressing any issues including study recruitment and accrual. Ensuring that the study team updates study trackers with study visit information and invoiceable items as needed by the Grants Team.

• Manager is expected to troubleshoot operational issues on a daily basis and assist with any and all aspects of their team’s work during absences or when a specific team member’s workload exceeds capacity.  Also to participate in the onboarding of new CSU personnel.

• Work closely with the CSU Director of Operations to develop and implement SOP’s, report team study metrics, and communicate issues that may affect overall research with CSU Trials.

• Other duties and responsibilities as assigned

Qualifications

Manager Research Project A: Bachelor of Science and 3 to 5 years of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience is required.

Manager Research Project B: Master's degree and 3 to 5 years of experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience is required.

A demonstrated ability to manage the scope, timelines, and budget of a large study, and excellent verbal and written communication skills are all required. Desirable skills include experience with randomized clinical trials.

This position is contingent upon funding.

Job Location - City, State

Department / School

Pay Range

Salary offers are made based on the candidate’s qualifications, experience, skills, and education as they directly relate to the requirements of the position, as well as internal and market factors and grade profile. 

Affirmative Action Statement 
Penn adheres to a policy that prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, creed, national or ethnic origin, citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected class.

Special Requirements 
Background check required after a conditional job offer is made. Consideration of the background check will be tailored to the requirements of the job.

University Benefits

• Health, Life, and Flexible Spending Accounts: Penn offers comprehensive medical, prescription, behavioral health, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits to protect you and your family’s health and welfare. You can also use flexible spending accounts to pay for eligible health care and dependent care expenses with pre-tax dollars.

• Tuition: Take advantage of Penn's exceptional tuition benefits. You, your spouse, and your dependent children can get tuition assistance here at Penn. Your dependent children are also eligible for tuition assistance at other institutions.

• Retirement: Penn offers generous retirement plans to help you save for your future. Penn’s Basic, Matching, and Supplemental retirement plans allow you to save for retirement on a pre-tax or Roth basis. Choose from a wide variety of investment options through TIAA and Vanguard.

• Time Away from Work: Penn provides you with a substantial amount of time away from work during the course of the year. This allows you to relax, take vacations, attend to personal affairs, recover from illness or injury, spend time with family—whatever your personal needs may be.

• Long-Term Care Insurance: In partnership with Genworth Financial, Penn offers faculty and staff (and your eligible family members) long-term care insurance to help you cover some of the costs of long-term care services received at home, in the community or in a nursing facility. If you apply when you’re newly hired, you won’t have to provide proof of good health or be subject to underwriting requirements. Eligible family members must always provide proof of good health and are subject to underwriting.

• Wellness and Work-life Resources: Penn is committed to supporting our faculty and staff as they balance the competing demands of work and personal life. That’s why we offer a wide variety of programs and resources to help you care for your health, your family, and your work-life balance.

• Professional and Personal Development: Penn provides an array of resources to help you advance yourself personally and professionally.

• University Resources: As a member of the Penn community, you have access to a wide range of University resources as well as cultural and recreational activities. Take advantage of the University’s libraries and athletic facilities, or visit our arboretum and art galleries. There’s always something going on at Penn, whether it’s a new exhibit at the Penn Museum, the latest music or theater presentation at the Annenberg Center, or the Penn Relays at Franklin Field to name just a few examples. As a member of the Penn community, you’re right in the middle of the excitement—and you and your family can enjoy many of these activities for free.

• Discounts and Special Services: From arts and entertainment to transportation and mortgages, you'll find great deals for University faculty and staff. Not only do Penn arts and cultural centers and museums offer free and discounted admission and memberships to faculty and staff. You can also enjoy substantial savings on other goods and services such as new cars from Ford and General Motors, cellular phone service plans, movie tickets, and admission to theme parks.

• Flexible Work Hours: Flexible work options offer creative approaches for completing work while promoting balance between work and personal commitments. These approaches involve use of non-traditional work hours, locations, and/or job structures.

• Penn Home Ownership Services: Penn offers a forgivable loan for eligible employees interested in buying a home or currently residing in West Philadelphia, which can be used for closing costs or home improvements.

• Adoption Assistance: Penn will reimburse eligible employees on qualified expenses in connection with the legal adoption of an eligible child, such as travel or court fees, for up to two adoptions in your household.

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To learn more, please visit: https://www.hr.upenn.edu/PennHR/benefits-pay