Research Coordinator II - Center for Health & Nature

We are seeking a Research Coordinator II to support a pilot study investigating the impact of nature-based interventions in oncology infusion rooms. The study aims to evaluate the effects of artificial plants and nature sound stimuli on stress and anxiety levels in cancer patients undergoing treatment. This is a collaborative project across multidisciplinary teams, including Houston Methodist's Office of Sustainability, Center for Performing Arts and Medicine, and the Center for Health & Nature.

The coordinator will:

• Recruit and enroll at least 256 participants while ensuring diversity and ethical compliance.
• Coordinate data collection, including administering surveys and monitoring physiological markers (e.g., cortisol levels, blood pressure).
• Manage logistics for the experimental design, ensuring timely implementation of interventions and controls.
• Maintain accurate and organized study records and ensure adherence to IRB guidelines.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to analyze and disseminate findings.
• Support additional projects under the Center for Health & Nature, including a collaborative initiative with Houton Methodist Behavioral Health exploring pilot studies with nature prescriptions.
• Assist with other ongoing projects from the Center for Health & Nature as needed, contributing to research on the health benefits of nature-based interventions.

This role is vital to advancing research that explores cost-effective, evidence-based strategies for improving the quality of life and psychological well-being of oncology patients while also contributing to broader investigations into the intersection of health and nature.

PEOPLE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Under the direction of the Principal Investigator (PI), drafts various communications with the Sponsor and/or regulatory documents to be sent to the Sponsor.

• Identifies and recruits clinical research subjects and monitors enrollment goals.

• May conduct in-services to floor nurses/physicians; assists in precepting new clinical research staff and educating other research staff regarding scientific aspects of studies.

• Teaches peers to critically think by verbally expressing rationale for decisions and follows up consistently. Uses peer-to-peer accountability towards improvement of department score for turnover/retention/employee engagement.

SERVICE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Participates in the Principal Investigator (PI) meetings.

• Schedules, coordinates, and participates in the pre-site visit and site initiation visits; coordinates study initiation. Obtains Informed Consent from study participant and documents appropriately.

• Obtains vital signs and performs phlebotomy per training and competence; monitors participants' labs and notifies the PI of laboratory findings.

QUALITY/SAFETY ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Prepares Institutional Research Board (IRB) documents under the direction of the PI, assists with answering IRB stipulations to obtain final approval; documents IRB approval and contract approval.

• Maintains and monitors source documentation and appropriate forms as per protocol for quality and accuracy, including participant records; assists with the quality assurance process. Adheres to internal controls established for the department.

FINANCE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Assists with the budget development and Medicare coverage analysis.

• Utilizes resources effectively and efficiently, demonstrating responsible financial stewardship. Manages own time effectively and prioritizes work to achieve maximum results in a timely manner.

GROWTH/INNOVATION ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Assists PI and/or research nurse in the planning and design of source documents for protocol.

• Assists in developing procedures for laboratory collection and storage.

• Incorporates directions from other health care disciplines into clinical research protocols when reviewing patient eligibility; assists in eliciting relevant data from sources outside of the hospital.

• Proactively manages own professional development and completes My Development Plan.

This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive; the employee will also perform other reasonably related business/job duties as assigned. Houston Methodist reserves the right to revise job duties and responsibilities as the need arises.

EDUCATION

• Bachelor's degree

WORK EXPERIENCE

• Four years of research experience