Job Summary
We are seeking a Project Coordinator who will play a crucial role in supporting the operations and initiatives of the CDMRP Dept of Defense Spinal Cord Injury Research Program funded research project “Improving Cardiometabolic Health in Individuals with Spinal Cord Injury Using Home-Based Interactive Virtual Gaming”.
Research Program Overview
Physical/physiological changes following spinal cord injury (SCI) and barriers to physical activity place individuals with SCI at increased risk for chronic diseases exacerbated by physical inactivity and deconditioning. Physical activity, and exercise as a subset, can ameliorate these risks; however, individuals with SCI rank among the lowest on the physical activity and physical fitness spectrums. An urgent need therefore exists to address traditional barriers to exercise and facilitate meaningful exercise experiences for individuals with SCI. Although the potential utility of home-based VR gaming in SCI has been acknowledged, there has yet to be a platform informed specifically by the needs and interests of individuals with SCI. Further, while laboratory-based studies have supported the exercise potency for VR gaming in SCI, a home-based platform has yet to be developed. The current project seeks to address these major gaps in the field by refining and testing an interactive, immersive VR exercise platform (VR-Move) informed by the physical needs, preferences, and expertise of end users (i.e., Lived Experience Consultants - individuals with SCI) and SCI specific experts, who can address crucial barriers to SCI exercise engagement, and who can implement VR interventions within individuals’ homes as a resource for promoting physical activity.
The position is funded for 3- years with a 12-month appointment for two years then 9-month appointment in the final year.
Essential Functions
- This position involves:
- Assisting with participant recruitment
- Scheduling participant testing sessions
- Maintaining institutional review board approvals
- Clinical trials registration
- Participant eligibility determination, consenting, oversight of the virtual reality (VR) home deployment and participant communication
- Data entry, participant payments, training of research personnel for data entry
- Ordering materials and supplies
- Overall study management of the proposed trial.
- The incumbent will also be trained to assist as a backup in delivering the phone interview sessions, as necessary to support the investigators. Additionally, the project coordinator may provide support for administrative tasks, and report writing.
- Other duties as assigned.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s Degree or the equivalent combination of education and work experience.
- 0-2 Years of Experience
Preferred Qualifications
- Excellent verbal and written communications skills.
- Ability to work both independently and as part of a team, take initiative and meet deadlines.
- Flexible, committed and problem-solving attitude.
- Effective planning and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple complex tasks.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and basic computer skills
Physical Requirements
- Typically sitting at a desk/table
Location
- University City – Philadelphia, PA
Additional Information
This position is classified as exempt, grade I. Compensation for this grade ranges from $41,120 - $61,680. Please note that the offered rate for this position typically aligns with the minimum to midrange of this grade, but it can vary based on the successful candidate’s qualifications and experience, department budget, and an internal equity review.
Special Instructions to the Applicant
Please make sure you upload your CV/resume and cover letter when submitting your application.
Additional Required Documents
- Personal Statement (1-2 pages double spaced that includes career objectives/research goals, specific research interest, knowledge/skills specific to this position)
- Curriculum Vitae/Resume
- Two letters of recommendation
A review of applicants will begin once a suitable candidate pool is identified.
