Research Associate

University of Colorado Anschutz

Department: School of Medicine- Linda Crnic Institute for Down
Syndrome

Job Title: Research Associate

Position #: 00854155 – Requisition #: 41564

Job Summary:

The Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome is seeking applicants
for a full-time Research Associate to participate in the scientific
management of various high-level internal and externally funded
scientific projects.

The Research Associate provides scientific leadership and
operational oversight of multi-site, international research
initiatives spanning the United States, Latin America, and Asia,
coordinating cross-functional teams of investigators, clinicians,
data managers, and research staff to ensure successful study
implementation and alignment with program objectives. The position
is responsible for translating scientific protocols into
operational workflows, including the development and oversight of
REDCap-based data systems, longitudinal data tracking frameworks,
and data quality assurance processes.

The role supports the design and implementation of clinical and
translational research studies, including protocol development,
site readiness, and coordination of regulatory requirements such as
IRB approvals and international compliance considerations
(including FDA and GDPR where applicable). The incumbent also
facilitates data sharing agreements (MTAs/DTAs) and ensures
compliant, efficient exchange of research data across collaborating
institutions.

Working closely with global partners and consortium members, this
position supports study execution, data harmonization, and
dissemination of findings across multi-institutional research
networks. The role contributes to grant development, budgeting, and
scientific reporting for large-scale federally funded initiatives,
including the NIH INCLUDE Project.

In addition, the Research Associate develops and maintains standard
operating procedures (SOPs), reporting structures, and program
monitoring tools to support research coordination, data integrity,
and decision-making across sites. The incumbent also plays a key
role in training and onboarding research staff and coordinators,
supporting capacity building and standardization of research
practices across international teams.

The successful candidate will hold a Ph.D. in biomedical sciences,
computational sciences, or a related field and bring experience in
managing complex, multi-site research programs involving clinical
and/or multi-dimensional biomedical data. The ideal candidate is a
self-directed scientific leader and program manager with strong
analytical, organizational, and collaborative skills, capable of
operating independently in a highly interactive, global research
environment.

Key Responsibilities:

50% Project Management & Global Program Leadership

· Lead multi-site international research initiatives, providing
strategic oversight of cross-functional teams, timelines,
deliverables, and stakeholder engagement.

· Coordinate research activities across investigators,
institutions, and global partners to ensure alignment with
scientific objectives, funding requirements, and program
milestones.

· Oversee study implementation, site readiness, and operational
workflows across multiple institutions.

· Monitor project progress, identify operational challenges, and
implement process improvements to support efficient and consistent
study execution.

25% Research Infrastructure & Clinical Research
Operations

· Design, implement, and oversee data collection and management
systems (e.g., REDCap), including longitudinal tracking, data
quality assurance, and harmonization across sites.

· Develop and maintain standardized data workflows, governance
practices, SOPs, and reporting structures to support high-quality,
reproducible research.

· Support clinical and translational research implementation,
including protocol development, regulatory compliance, and
integration of clinical, biospecimen, and research data.

· Coordinate regulatory and ethical requirements, including IRB,
FDA, and GDPR considerations, to support compliance across
participating institutions.

15% Consortium Collaboration, Grants & Strategic
Planning

· Collaborate with international investigators, clinicians, and
research partners to coordinate study activities, facilitate data
sharing (MTAs/DTAs), and strengthen collaborative networks.

· Contribute to federal grant applications, budgets, progress
reports, and strategic planning for large-scale NIH-funded
initiatives, including the INCLUDE Project.

· Track program milestones, deliverables, and outcomes to support
sponsor reporting, program evaluation, and future funding
opportunities.

· Serve as a liaison between global research sites and central
leadership to facilitate communication, resolve challenges, and
support dissemination of research findings.

10% Training, Mentorship & Capacity Building

· Lead onboarding and training of research staff and site
coordinators to promote consistent protocol implementation, data
collection, and regulatory compliance.

· Provide ongoing mentorship and operational support to strengthen
research capacity across international teams and
institutions.

· Develop training materials and resources to standardize
practices, improve team coordination, and promote sustainability
across research programs.

Work Location:

Hybrid – this role is eligible for a hybrid schedule of 4 days per
week on campus and as needed for in-person meetings.

Why Join Us:

The Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome is the largest academic
home for Down syndrome research. The Crnic Institute collaborates
with prominent scientists and leaders around the globe to enable
precision medicine approaches to improve health outcomes in Down
syndrome. Learn more at:
https://medschool.cuanschutz.edu/linda-crnic-institute.

The University of Colorado offers a comprehensive benefits package
that includes health insurance, life insurance, retirement plans,
tuition benefits, ECO pass, paid time off – vacation, sick, and
holidays and more. To see what benefits are available, please
visit: https://www.cu.edu/employee-services/benefits-wellness

Why work for the University?

We have AMAZING benefits and offer exceptional amounts of holiday,
vacation and sick leave! The University of Colorado offers an
excellent benefits package including:

· Medical: Multiple plan options

· Dental: Multiple plan options

· Additional Insurance: Disability, Life, Vision

· Retirement 401(a) Plan: Employer contributes 10% of your gross
pay

· Paid Time Off: Accruals over the year (based on percentage of
time)

· Vacation Days: 22/year (maximum accrual 352 hours)

· Sick Days: 15/year (unlimited maximum accrual)

· Holiday Days: 11/year

· Tuition Benefit: Employees have access to this benefit on all CU
campuses

· ECO Pass: Reduced rate RTD Bus and light rail service

There are many additional perks & programs with the CU Advantage .

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications:

· Ph.D. in Biomedical Sciences, Bioinformatics, Data Science,
Molecular Biology, or related fields.

· Minimum of 3 years of progressively responsible experience in
biomedical or translational research, including demonstrated
experience in managing complex, multi-component research programs
or collaborations.

Preferred Qualifications:

· Demonstrated experience in biomedical or translational research,
preferably within federally funded programs (e.g., NIH) and
multidisciplinary research environments.

· Experience coordinating multi-site, consortium-based, or
international research initiatives, including collaboration with
investigators, clinical teams, external partners, and
vendors.

· Experience with IRB-regulated human subjects research, including
protocol development, regulatory submissions and amendments, and
ongoing compliance.

· Experience with research program management and
implementation

· Familiarity with research data management, including data
curation, harmonization, quality assurance, and integration of
longitudinal, clinical, biospecimen, or multi-omics datasets.

· Experience contributing to grant applications, budget
development, sponsor reporting, scientific manuscripts, and
research publications.

· Demonstrated ability to develop SOPs, operational workflows, and
training materials, and to mentor colleagues and support consistent
research practices across teams.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

To be successful in this position, candidates will demonstrate the
following:

· Ability to communicate complex scientific concepts effectively to
diverse audiences, including researchers, clinicians, institutional
leadership, and external stakeholders

· Demonstrated ability to build and sustain collaborative
relationships across multidisciplinary teams, institutions, and
international partners

· Proven ability to lead and contribute to scientific publications,
including drafting, revising, and submitting manuscripts in
peer-reviewed journals

· Strong presentation skills, with experience delivering scientific
findings at conferences, consortium meetings, and stakeholder
briefings

· Experience contributing to or leading the development of grant
applications, budgets, and sponsor reports

· Ability to initiate, develop, and manage scientific
collaborations, including coordination across complex
organizational structures

· Expertise in data analysis, data stewardship, and management of
complex biomedical datasets, including ensuring data quality and
integrity

· Demonstrated ability in research program coordination and team
leadership, including managing competing priorities and
timelines

· Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to influence without
direct authority and navigate complex team dynamics

· Exceptional organizational and project management skills, with
attention to detail and the ability to drive initiatives from
concept through execution

· Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including
preparation of technical documents, SOPs, and strategic
reports

Conditions of Employment:

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States
without requiring sponsorship. We are unable to provide work visa
sponsorship or employment authorization for this position now or in
the future.

Open Track: To support the growth of our faculty, selected
candidates will be offered the opportunity to choose a track that
corresponds to their area of excellence. Learn more about faculty
tracks at the
Office for Faculty Affairs .

How to Apply:

For full consideration, please submit the following
document(s):

1. A letter of interest describing relevant job experiences as they
relate to listed job qualifications and interest in the
position

2. Curriculum vitae / Resume

3. Five professional references including name, address, phone
number (mobile number if appropriate), and email address

Applications are accepted electronically ONLY at www.cu.edu/cu-careers .

Questions should be directed to: Sydney Ashton,
Sydney.ashton@cuanschutz.edu

Screening of Applications Begins:

This position may be seeking multiple candidates. Positions will
remain open until filled. Applications will be reviewed as they are
received, and candidates may be contacted for interviews throughout
the posting period. Upon candidate(s) selection, the posting will
be closed, and no further applications will be accepted.

Anticipated Pay Range:

The starting salary range ( or hiring range ) for this
position has been established as HIRING RANGE:

$65,000 to $80,000

The above salary range ( or hiring range ) represents the
University's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of
possible compensation at the time of posting. This position is not
eligible for overtime compensation unless it is non-exempt.

Your total compensation goes beyond the number on your paycheck.
The University of Colorado provides generous leave, health plans
and retirement contributions that add to your bottom line.

Total Compensation Calculator: http://www.cu.edu/node/153125

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

The University of Colorado (CU) is an Equal Opportunity Employer
and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws
governing nondiscrimination in employment. We are committed to
creating a workplace where all individuals are treated with respect
and dignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to
apply, including protected veterans and individuals with
disabilities.

ADA Statement:

The University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants
with disabilities throughout the employment application process. To
request an accommodation pursuant to the Americans with
Disabilities Act, please contact the Human Resources ADA
Coordinator at hr.adacoordinator@ucdenver.edu
​.

Background Check Statement:

The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus is dedicated to
ensuring a safe and secure environment for our faculty, staff,
students and visitors. To assist in achieving that goal, we conduct
background investigations for all prospective employees.

Vaccination Statement:

CU Anschutz strongly encourages vaccination against the COVID-19
virus and other
vaccine preventable diseases . If you work, visit, or volunteer
in healthcare facilities or clinics operated by our affiliated
hospital or clinical partners or by CU Anschutz, you will be
required to comply with the vaccination and medical surveillance
policies of the facilities or clinics where you work, visit, or
volunteer, respectively. In addition, if you work in certain
research areas or perform certain safety sensitive job duties, you
must enroll in the
occupational health medical surveillance program .