Research Data Management Specialist

Summary

Job Category:: Research Support
Job Title:: Research Data Management Specialist

Job Category Definition:: This specialty covers the design, implementation and evaluation of various research projects. Functions include providing support in areas such as instrumentation, data management, laboratory operations and general administration.
Job Title Definition:: The Research Data Management Specialist advises and assists investigators in developing and implementing a data management plan that focuses on the collection, structure/format, coding, review, entry, validation, editing, and reporting of research data; collaborates with research coordinators, statisticians, clinical/biomedical investigators, programmers, database administrators, and other research faculty to design customized computer applications to meet the specifications of the data management plan to perform processes such as research subject registration, data entry, review, verification, validation, editing, auditing, treatment randomization, query generation, biological sample tracking, and report generation; creates procedures to identify potential data problems and communicates with research staff to resolve data problems prior to analysis; creates technical documents detailing defined procedures and creates and implements training sessions for research staff. Duties are performed at various levels within the defined title.
Working Conditions:: Specific physical requirements and effort are outlined in Job Responsibilities Worksheet (list of essential job duties and responsibilities specific to a particular job at the unit level) in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA).
Other Requirements:

Level 1

Level Details
Job Code	Salary Band	FLSA Status
RERS0501	G	Non-Exempt

Level 1 positions typically demonstrate baseline working knowledge of routine work applications; follow standard principles and systems and use appropriate terminology associated with a particular field of specialization; participate as a team member in a collaborative environment within a diverse workforce; actively contribute to completion of team goals and assigned tasks; clearly communicate information, ideas, or instructions verbally and in writing; follow recommended approach to assigned work to facilitate achievement of desired results; ensure safe practices and environmental consciousness are exhibited in decisions; typically work under direct and frequent supervision while performing routine duties using established procedures with detailed instructions.

Typical Education & Experience
0+ years related experience Bachelor's Degree or higher Or an equivalent combination of education and experience

Typical Work Duties
Program, test, maintain and update data entry applications for manual data entry or electronic data capture (i.e., scanning technology) Define and execute processes for identifying potential data problems due to transcription, keying, or recording errors Design, implement, and track queries; coordinate with research staff to resolve data problems Manage, reformat, enter, edit, merge and maintain data in preparation for analysis Program data validation checks Program reports to identify potential problem data Plan, implement, and document data audits and data quality site visits Assist in designing, creating, and generating data quality reports Create data coding schemes Monitor data quality and data processing flow Assist in defining functional specifications for computer applications related to data collection and data processing Develop and implement testing plans for computer applications Define and create validation error checks to identify problem data Track computer application problems and resolutions with programmers Prepare and implement data collection/processing training sessions for research staff Create technical documents defining data collection/processing procedures Import, convert and merge data files for data processing Design data collection forms for research projects that can be transferable to multiple data entry systems Provide customer service to research staff related to data management procedures

This profile is intended to indicate the kinds of tasks and levels of work difficulty that will be required of positions in this job title and should not be construed as declaring what the specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position shall be. It is not intended to limit or in any way modify the right of any supervisor to assign, direct, and control the work of employees under his/her supervision. The use of a particular expression or illustration describing duties should not be held to exclude other duties not mentioned that are of a similar kind or level of difficulty.

Level 2

Level Details
Job Code	Salary Band	FLSA Status
RERS0502	H	Exempt

Level 2 positions typically demonstrate intermediate knowledge of the concepts, practices and procedures of a particular field of specialization; perform intermediate tasks in defined skill areas/applications by continuously building on current job knowledge; maintain effective relationships with peers, vendors, and others in a diverse environment; support team decisions and follow through with team responsibilities; interpret information, ideas and instructions and communicate clearly and accurately both verbally and in writing including materials intended for distribution; determine causes of unusual occurrences and apply standard principles and practices to determine and implement solutions; ensure safe practices and environmental consciousness are exhibited in decisions; typically work under general supervision, while performing assignments that are varied and that may be somewhat difficult in character, but usually involve limited responsibility.

Typical Education & Experience
2+ years related experience Bachelor’s Degree or higher Or an equivalent combination of education and experience

Typical Work Duties
Assist in evaluating data management systems and processes to identify areas for enhancements to improve data quality and data processing efficiency Program, test, maintain, and update data entry applications for manual data entry or electronic data capture (i.e., scanning technology) Assist in defining detailed functional specifications for computer applications Define and execute processes for identifying potential data problems due to transcription, keying, or recording errors Design, implement, and track complex queries and coordinate with research staff to resolve data problems Program data validation checks and reports to identify potential problem data Plan, implement, and document data audits and data quality site visits Assist in designing, creating, and generating data quality reports Monitor data quality and data processing flow Analyze statistical data; summarize findings and prepare final reports for distribution to funding agencies and/or other research staff Assist in defining functional specifications for computer applications related to data collection and data processing Develop and implement testing plans for computer applications Define and create validation error checks to identify problem data; identify and assign protocol violations Design and implement data collection/processing training sessions for research staff Create technical documents defining data collection/processing procedures Provide customer service to research staff related to data management procedures May serve as system administrator for reporting systems; provide training and technical assistance to users Assist in creating research certification exams Provide technical guidance to other staff; serve as a mentor to lower level staff May also perform duties identified in lower level(s)

Level 3

Level Details
Job Code	Salary Band	FLSA Status
RERS0503	I	Exempt

Level 3 positions typically demonstrate proficient and comprehensive knowledge of defined skill areas/applications to integrate fundamental elements from other specialties into work assignments; apply knowledge of principles, practices, and procedures of a particular field of specialization to complete difficult assignments; promote a culture that is conducive to effective relationships among diverse team members; ensure safe practices and environmental consciousness are exhibited in decisions; may lead a project team involved in completion of difficult assignments, requiring proficient knowledge of field of specialization; interpret and communicate information, ideas and instructions clearly, accurately and persuasively both verbally and in writing including materials intended for distribution; incorporate new facts and ideas into group processes and apply creative thinking to develop new solutions; typically work with minimal supervision on difficult assignments, conferring with manager on unusual matters.

Typical Education & Experience
4+ years related experience Bachelor’s Degree or higher Or an equivalent combination of education and experience

Typical Work Duties
Collaborate with research coordinators, statisticians, clinical/biomedical investigators, and other research faculty to design and implement data management plans for research projects including data collection forms, processes for data entry, verification, and validation, and tracking systems for participants, data, and biological specimens Define detailed functional specifications for computer applications Align information technology solutions to match the needs and budgets of research projects Provide leadership and project coordination to data management project teams Program, test, maintain, and update data entry applications for manual data entry or electronic data capture (i.e., scanning technology) Create/program/test data validation error conditions to identify potential data problems Collaborate with programmer/analysts and research staff to design computer applications for data collection/processing/reporting including writing functional specifications and overseeing the testing of the applications Design and implement training sessions/materials for research staff Create and execute complex database queries Evaluate existing database management system applications to identify areas for enhancements to improve data quality and the efficiency of data processing Troubleshoot software and computer application issues with programming staff, technical support staff, or vendors Research, evaluate, and implement new data management procedures using the latest technologies Initiate, oversee, and document data quality procedures including data audits and data quality site visits Collaborate with statisticians, project managers and other research staff in designing and executing data quality assurance reports Assist in developing, documenting, and maintaining standard operating procedures Author or co-author abstracts or manuscripts related to data management topics Provide back-support to lower level staff Train and oversee quality and work efficiency of lower level staff and/or interns May also perform duties identified in lower level(s)

Level 4

Level Details
Job Code	Salary Band	FLSA Status
RERS0504	J	Exempt

Level 4 positions typically demonstrate advanced knowledge of principles, practices, and procedures of a particular field of specialization and complete complex assignments; integrate complex elements from other specialties into work assignments; demonstrate a strong commitment to inclusionary practices which support diversity throughout the University; establish a shared vision and take responsibility for the achievement of team goals, and provide direction for appropriate implementation of plans; present ideas, concepts and instructions in a clear manner, and use persuasion and negotiation to build consensus and cooperation; ensure safe practices and environmental consciousness are exhibited in decisions; develop new techniques, concepts, theories, programs or solutions and apply them to complex strategic operating issues; typically work independently on complex work assignments, review progress and evaluate results and update management as appropriate; may direct and delegate work to lower-level staff.

Typical Education & Experience
8+ years related experience Bachelor’s Degree or higher Or an equivalent combination of education and experience

Typical Work Duties
Collaborate with research coordinators, statisticians, clinical/biomedical investigators, and other research faculty to design and implement data management plans for research projects including data collection forms, processes for data entry, verification, and validation, and tracking systems for participants, data, and biological specimens Collaborate with high level computing and networking staff to design computer applications for data management processes and solve technical problems that arise Provide leadership, technical support, and project coordination to data management project teams and major research initiatives with a data management component Create/program/test data validation error conditions to identify potential data problems Collaborate with programmer/analysts and research staff to design computer applications for data collection/processing/reporting including writing detailed specifications: purpose, functionality, process, user roles, database constraints, field constrains and application reports Oversee the development of comprehensive application testing plans; coordinate the execution, resolution of problems and documentation of testing Evaluate existing database management system applications to identify areas for enhancements to improve data quality and the efficiency of data processing Troubleshoot software and computer application issues with programming staff, technical support staff, or vendors Collaborate with statisticians, project managers and other research staff in designing and executing data quality assurance processes and reports Lead in developing, documenting, maintaining, and ensuring compliance of standard operating procedures Assist in developing cost estimates, budget justifications and research plans for data management components of research grant submissions Author/co-author abstracts or manuscripts related to data management topics; attend and present at national meetings and conferences Assist in coordinating the work assignments among the other Specialists Train, oversee quality and work efficiency of, and mentor lower level staff May also perform duties identified in lower level(s)

Level 5

Level Details
Job Code	Salary Band	FLSA Status
RERS0505	K	Exempt

Level 5 positions typically extend mastery of job knowledge to the principles, theories and practices of related specialties; expand knowledge of best practices and incorporate into all work assignments and procedures; evaluate and enhance current practices and efforts to ensure optimal support of diversity; oversee leadership of teams and projects that involve extensive cooperation and coordination between multiple departments across the University or with external customers; prepare written and/or verbal presentations or proposals on highly complex issues and deliver to a broad variety of audiences; identify and implement innovative solutions to important, highly complex strategic and/or operational issues which may involve unusual circumstances and incomplete or conflicting data; ensure safe practices and environmental consciousness are exhibited in decisions; work independently on highly complex or strategic assignments; may direct and supervise lower-level staff.

Typical Education & Experience
12+ years related experience Bachelor’s Degree or higher Or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Typical Work Duties
Collaborate with research coordinators, statisticians, clinical/biomedical investigators, and other research faculty to design and implement data management plans for research projects including data collection forms, processes for data entry, verification, and validation, and tracking systems for participants, data, and biological specimens Provide consultative services to researchers regarding standard data management practices that can improve data quality Collaborate with high-level computing and networking staff to design computer applications for data management processes and solve technical problems that arise Provide leadership, technical support, and project coordination to data management project teams and major research initiatives with a data management component Collaborate with programmer/analysts and research staff to design computer applications for data collection/processing/reporting including writing detailed specifications: purpose, functionality, process, user roles, database constraints, field constrains and application reports Oversee the development of comprehensive application testing plans; coordinate the execution, resolution of problems and documentation of testing Evaluate existing database management system applications to identify areas for enhancements to improve data quality and the efficiency of data processing Troubleshoot software and computer application issues with programming staff, technical support staff, or vendors Research, evaluate, and implement new data management procedures using the latest technologies Initiate, oversee, and document data quality procedures including data audits and data quality site visits Collaborate with statisticians, project managers and other research staff in designing and executing data quality assurance processes and reports Lead in establishing and modifying policies and standard operating procedures to ensure data quality, data integrity, and data processing efficiency across research projects Assist in developing cost estimates, budget justifications and research plans for data management components of research grant submissions Develop and implement a strategic plan for data management staff infrastructure development Research published best practices and regulations in data management pertaining to research projects Author/co-author abstracts or manuscripts related to data management topics; attend and present at national meetings and conferences Monitor and manage staff workloads; prioritize tasks based on the needs and timelines of research projects Train and monitor performance of staff, recommending areas for improvement and retraining May also perform duties identified in lower level(s)