General Summary of Position:
Supported by the National Science Foundation Smart and Connected Communities (SCC) program the research will develop and implement a community engaged water quality monitoring and alert system. Through a community engaged approach, community members will sample and test water from the socioeconomically diverse communities of Lowell, Lawrence, Dracut, and Andover. Under the direction of the Principal Investigator or designee(s), the Research Coordinator will support the SCC research study.
Key responsibilities, essential job duties, and key job factors are listed below.
Essential Job Duties:
1) The Research Coordinator will serve as a liaison between the university researchers and a diverse group of community stakeholders and will be responsible for communicating with different groups. They will interact with community participants on and off campus as needed by the projects; visit community organizations (Merrimack River Watershed Council, Groundwork Lawrence, YWCA, schools, offices). They will also schedule and attend team meetings and summarize meeting minutes, help organize meetings/workshops/symposiums.
2) Data Collection: The Research Coordinator will coordinate the water sampling and testing process, organize documentation forms for water samples and other activities and ensure accuracy of information; delegate tasks and ensure tasks are completed on schedule. The Research Coordinator will assist with preparing and administering surveys and questionnaires, and input, manage, and organize data in Excel or other software formats.
3) The Research Coordinator will be responsible for purchases/procurement (placing purchase orders, invoicing, and payment processing for the project, including travel and purchase reimbursements etc.).
4) The Research Coordinator will assist in preparing handouts and web-based materials.
5) The Research Coordinator will assist in preparing reports including yearly NSF reports.
Promote the University’s commitment to customer service by:
- Build effective partnerships with co-workers throughout the University by freely sharing appropriate information and providing assistance when needed.
- Ensuring optimum service to all internal and external partners in response to all requests for service and information.
- Maintaining an environment that is welcoming to persons of all backgrounds, nationalities, and roles.
Other Job Duties:
1) Performs other related duties as assigned.
2) Comply with all safety standards appropriate to this position.
Minimum Qualifications (Required):
- Bachelor’s degree with some experience preferably in project management, community social science, environmental science or other relevant fields
- Prior experience in project management
- Proficient in use of software (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, MS Teams, etc.). Proficient in computer and phone conference capability to complete study activities remotely if needed
- Strong oral and written communication skills that are necessary for interacting effectively with study participants and local community organizations, and project team members
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a larger team with researchers and staff of diverse racial/ethnic, cultural background and diverse scientific expertise
- Excellent organization, analytical, and interpersonal skills
- Required to work with communities and interact with participants on and off campus as needed by the projects
- A vehicle and a valid Driver’s License are required to conduct field work
- Should be willing to take any required human subjects protection training and obtain active certification for human subject studies
Preferred Qualifications:
- Bilingual or multilingual, ability to communicate proficiently in English and other languages such as Spanish, Portuguese, Khmer, or Vietnamese
Additional Considerations:
• Knowledge of geography and experience working with the communities in the Merrimack valley (Lowell, Lawrence, Dracut, Andover)
Special Instructions to Applicants:
Only current UML Employees within the Grants & Contracts (MTA/GRACE) bargaining unit will be considered during the first 10 business days of the posting. All other candidates will be considered after that period.
This is a Grants & Contracts (MTA/GRACE) bargaining unit position, Grade P13.
Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled; however, the posting may close when an adequate number of qualified applications is received.
This position is contingent upon funding.
Please include a resume and cover letter with your application. Names and contact information of three references will be required during the application process.
Posting updated 2/16/2023.
