The position is in the Division of Epidemiology and Clinical Research in the Department of Pediatrics at the University of Minnesota Medical School. The Data Collection Specialist will be responsible for the coordination of pediatric cancer epidemiology studies, primarily for Childhood Cancer Registry for Etiology and Survivorship (CARES). The CARES registry is a protocol that aims to collect biospecimens and questionnaire data from childhood cancer cases. The main goal of the study is to create a critical resource to study the causes of childhood cancer and as a platform for survivorship research. This position will also support coordination of the NIH-funded BATS study. BATS (Breakpoint-Agnostic Translocation Screening) is a method for screening newborn dried blood spots for pre-leukemia cells. Support for this study will involve working with state biobanks to request and obtain blood spot specimens and ensuring annual renewal of Institutional Review Board approvals. The Data Collection Specialist will work with the study team on all areas of study coordination, recruitment and data collection, including participant contact, survey data collection, biospecimen collection, and requesting medical and birth records. The ideal applicant will have strong organizational skills and dependability, the ability to work both independently and within a team, experience working with diverse populations, and interest in research.

50%- Coordination of CARES study enrollment

• Implement standard procedures for participant outreach and enrollment developed
  following best practices for epidemiologic research
• Work with the study team to develop new enrollment procedures to engage participants
  in novel ways
• Coordinate data, record, and biospecimen collection for enrolled participants

25%- Biospecimen and record collection

• Coordinate collection of biological samples, including blood spot and tumor specimens
• Complete biospecimen and medical record collection requests and follow-up

20%- Coordination of BATS study

• Work with state-based biobanks to request and obtain newborn dried blood spots
• Ensure timely submission of annual and amendment IRB protocols and other regulatory
  approvals required

5%- Planning and quality improvement

• Actively participate in ongoing planning meetings and communications with the study
  team to establish, implement and improve data collection and recruitment processes.
• Assist with data documentation and report preparation

All required qualifications must be documented on application materials

Required Qualifications:

• BS/BA and 4 years' experience in research setting or an advanced degree and 2 years' experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience to total eight years
• Detail-oriented with exceptional organizational, planning and problem solving skills
• Ability to work flexible work hours, including occasional evenings and weekends

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with computerized data management in a health research-related setting such as
  REDCap
• Experience working with study participants and families from a remote setting
• Knowledge of federal regulations related to research with human subjects and protected health
  information
• Ability to work independently and with the multidisciplinary team as needed; make decisions,
  problem solve and prioritize the simultaneous management of multiple clinical studies
• Ability to follow strict protocols with utmost ethical standards
• Computer proficiency and ability to navigate multiple software applications
• Strong critical thinking skills
• Computer proficiency and ability to navigate multiple software applications
• Detail-oriented with exceptional organizational, planning and problem solving skills
• Ability to work flexible work hours, including occasional evenings and weekends
• Experience with computerized data management in a health research-related setting such as
  REDCap
• Experience working with study participants and families from a remote setting
• Knowledge of federal regulations related to research with human subjects and protected health
  information
• Ability to work independently and with the multidisciplinary team as needed; make decisions,
  problem solve and prioritize the simultaneous management of multiple clinical studies
• Ability to follow strict protocols with utmost ethical standards
• Computer proficiency and ability to navigate multiple software applications
• Strong critical thinking skills
• Computer proficiency and ability to navigate multiple software applications

The Division of Epidemiology and Clinical Research has nearly a 30-year history of conducting epidemiologic research into the causes of childhood cancer, outcomes during treatment, and late-effects among survivors. Currently five faculty work in this area, along with numerous graduate students and postdoctoral fellows. Data to be managed and analyzed includes cancer surveillance (i.e. SEER) data, many case-control studies conducted through the Children's Oncology Group, large record-linkage studies, and pooled case-control data through the Childhood Leukemia International Consortium, among others. The Division also holds many genomic datasets, which require management and integration with non-genomic data. Division research and trainees are supported by multiple NIH and foundation grants, an NIH T32 training grant, and the generous philanthropy of the Children's Cancer Research Fund.

Working at the University

At the University of Minnesota, you'll find a flexible work environment and supportive colleagues who are interested in lifelong learning. We prioritize work-life balance, allowing you to invest in the future of your career and in your life outside of work.

The University also offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefits.

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).

Committed to innovation and diversity, the Medical School educates physicians, scientists, and health professionals; generates knowledge and treatments; and cares for patients and communities with compassion and respect. We value excellence, inclusiveness, collaboration, and discovery.
The mission of the regional campus located in Duluth is to be a national leader in improving healthcare access and outcomes in rural Minnesota and American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) communities. In partnership with CentraCare, the regional campus in St. Cloud offers a wide range of patient experiences throughout students' education in Greater Minnesota and prepares them to become exceptional clinicians and leaders for rural and immigrant populations.

Founded in 1888, the University of Minnesota Medical School has three campuses. A four-year MD program and the MD/PhD program are located on the Twin Cities campus in addition to MD programs at regional campuses in Duluth and St. Cloud.