IEM Research Coordinator

Position Overview:

The Institute for Engineering in Medicine (IEM) at the University of Minnesota offers educational research opportunities to bridge the gap between medical technology professionals and the clinical environments where their innovations are applied. These educational opportunities equip medical technology professionals with the insights and experiences necessary to innovate effectively within the healthcare sector. By fostering a deep understanding of the clinical context, the program ensures that future medical devices and technologies are both practical and beneficial to patient care. The IEM Research Coordinator is responsible for the coordination and execution of clinical and biomedical education initiatives under the Institute for Engineering in Medicine. The IEM Research Coordinator, under the direction of the IEM Administrative Director, supports interdisciplinary research education efforts at the intersection of engineering and medicine.

Primary Responsibilities:

The Institute for Engineering in Medicine (IEM) at the University of Minnesota offers a Clinical Immersion Program designed to bridge the gap between medical technology professionals and the clinical environments where their innovations are applied. The IEM Research Coordinator supports the 1-5 day program that immerses participants directly into clinical settings, providing first hand exposure to the real-world application of medical devices and technologies. Participants in the program spend 1-5 days receiving formal training in a real clinical setting on processes, policies, and procedures relating to a variety of healthcare situations.

Key Features of the IEM Clinical Immersion Program:

• Hands-On Clinical Exposure: Participants spend one-five days in various clinical environments, observing and understanding the practical use of medical devices and technologies. This direct interaction helps in grasping the challenges and nuances faced by healthcare providers and patients.
• Understanding Medical Context: The program emphasizes the importance of comprehending the medical aspects that influence the design, functionality, and effectiveness of medical products. This knowledge is crucial for developing user-centered solutions that truly meet clinical needs.
• Identifying Unmet Clinical Needs: Through close collaboration with clinicians and patients, participants learn to identify gaps in current medical practices and technologies. This skill is essential for driving innovation and creating products that address real-world healthcare challenges.

In addition to this program, the IEM Research Coordinator will help support other existing research initiatives and develop new endeavors.

Duties/Responsibilities:

25%: Program Management

• Coordinate logistics for clinical immersion experiences for industry participants, including liaising with healthcare professionals and medical departments.
• Facilitate researcher access to clinical environments while ensuring compliance with hospital and research policies.
• Support participant recruitment, informed consent processes, and data collection.
• Manage relationships with hospital partners, physicians, research sponsors, and engineering faculty.

25%: Research Support & Analysis

• Contribute to data analysis, research publication preparation, and presentations.
• Assist in grant writing, preparing abstracts, posters, and manuscripts.
• Provide technical support for biomedical research projects, including data management and statistical reporting.

25%: Collaboration & Leadership

• Serve as the primary point of contact for research teams, clinical partners, and external stakeholders.
• Lead interdisciplinary project teams to ensure efficient execution of research initiatives.
• Mentor and support research assistants, students, and junior staff.
• Participate in program evaluation, quality control measures, and continuous improvement efforts.
• Promote IEM programs at events such as IEM Innovation Week, Medical Technology Outreach events, and beyond.

25%: Research Coordination & Compliance

• Oversee study start-up activities, including protocol development, site initiation visits, and regulatory document preparation.
• Ensure adherence to Institutional Review Board (IRB) and other regulatory body requirements, including submission of amendments, safety reports, and annual renewals.
• Identify, document, and report adverse events, protocol deviations, and unanticipated issues.
• Develop, implement, and maintain tracking systems for study documentation, research data, and compliance requirements.

IEM Effort Allocation: It is anticipated the IEM Research Coordinator will support the Clinical Immersion Program Management (60%), help develop new research opportunities within the Institute (20%) and support existing projects (20%) as needed.

Supervision & Decision-Making:

• Works under general supervision with autonomy in day-to-day research activities.
• May mentor junior research staff, assign project tasks, and provide leadership in study coordination.
• Collaborates with faculty, clinicians, industry participants and engineers to support program goals.

Work Environment:

• Hybrid work environment with a combination of office, laboratory, and clinical site responsibilities.
• Occasional travel to research sites, partner institutions, and conferences may be required.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field (e.g., biomedical engineering, clinical research, life sciences) plus at least six years of relevant experience, OR Advanced degree (Master's or PhD) plus at least four years of relevant experience.
• Experience in clinical research coordination, biomedical research, or related interdisciplinary work.
• Strong knowledge of research compliance, regulatory requirements, and IRB processes.
• Excellent communication and project management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects, collaborate with diverse teams, and work in a fast-paced environment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with medical device research, engineering-focused clinical studies, or human-centered design research.
• Familiarity with clinical workflows and hospital research protocols.
• Proficiency in research software, statistical tools, and electronic data capture systems.
• Previous experience working in an academic research institution, hospital, or clinical setting.
• Surgical Fellow experience.
• Previous Innovation Fellow with Earl Bakken Medical Devices Center experience.

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.

Pay Range: $78,200 - $83,200; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Work Location: In Person

Position Type: Faculty and P&A Staff

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

The University 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
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

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).