Job Description

The Neuroimage Analytics Laboratory (NAL) and Biggs Institute Neuroimaging Core (BINC) at UT Health San Antonio are seeking a Project Manager to coordinate the implementation and operation of RURAL MIND, an NIH-funded study that will deploy portable MRI and hybrid cognitive assessment within the RURAL Mobile Examination Unit (MEU) to establish a rural brain aging research platform.

The Project Manager will work closely with and report to the Principal Investigator and will coordinate research operations across a multidisciplinary and geographically distributed team. The position will play a central role in coordinating the deployment of a portable MRI system, integrating MRI and cognitive assessments into the RURAL MEU workflow, coordinating field operations, overseeing study data collection and transfer, and ensuring that project milestones are achieved within the one-year R56 project period.

The Project Manager will serve as a key liaison between the Principal Investigator, RURAL investigators and leadership, the RURAL Data Coordinating Center, study and MEU personnel, imaging and cognitive teams, institutional research personnel, and the portable MRI manufacturer.

Responsibilities

• Initiate, manage, and coordinate operational requirements for the RURAL MIND project across participating teams and sites.
• Coordinate the acquisition, delivery, installation, and integration of the portable MRI system into the RURAL Mobile Examination Unit.
• Coordinate with the MRI manufacturer and RURAL operations team on equipment setup, MEU fit and positioning, safety procedures, workflow testing, data transmission, and initial pilot activities.
• Coordinate implementation of portable MRI and hybrid cognitive assessments during RURAL Visit 2, including participant scheduling, examination workflow, and field operations.
• Coordinate the collection, transfer, quality control, and documentation of MRI and cognitive data.
• Work closely with imaging analysts and the RURAL Data Coordinating Center to ensure timely and accurate data transfer and processing.
• Coordinate training and certification of study personnel and maintain appropriate training documentation.
• Monitor recruitment, participation, MRI completion, image usability, cognitive assessment completion, and other operational metrics.
• Organize regular meetings, track action items and milestones, and facilitate communication among investigators and collaborating teams.
• Support adherence to Institutional Review Board requirements, study protocols, standard operating procedures, and applicable NIH requirements.
• Assist the Principal Investigator with progress reporting, scientific presentations, manuscripts, grant applications, and preparation of the subsequent RURAL MIND applications.
• Identify operational challenges and coordinate timely resolution with the appropriate investigators, study personnel, or vendors.
• Support successful completion of the RURAL MIND project within the one-year R56 project period.
• Performs all other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or master's degree in health sciences, public health, clinical research, research administration, or a related field.
• Experience managing or coordinating research projects involving multiple investigators or teams.
• Strong organizational, interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple concurrent activities, timelines, and priorities.
• Experience with research data collection, quality control, and study documentation.
• Ability to work effectively with multidisciplinary teams and geographically distributed collaborators.

Education:

• Bachelor's Degree degree in related field is required.

Experience:

• Six (6) years related experience is required.

Preferred Experience:

• Experience coordinating large-scale or multisite research studies.
• Experience in clinical research, epidemiology, neuroimaging, cognitive research, or Alzheimer's disease and related dementias.
• Experience working with NIH funded research and Institutional Review Board requirements.
• Experience with research databases, REDCap, or related data management systems.
• Experience coordinating technology deployment, equipment vendors, or mobile/decentralized research operations.
• Experience working with rural or community-based research programs.

Benefits Overview

UT Health San Antonio offers an excellent benefits package for its employees. Employees who work at least 20 hours a week, with an appointment of at least 4.5 months, are eligible for benefits.

Medical - UT SELECT Medical insurance is offered free for employees and administered by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas. Family members can be added to the plan through payroll deduction. Employees and their dependents can also receive discounted copays and coinsurance when using UT Health Physicians, a network of 800 premier physicians including more than 100 specialists. Employees receive $50,000 of group term life insurance and $50,000 of basic accidental death and dismemberment insurance for free, with options to purchase additional employee and dependent coverage for both at group rates.

Dental - Three dental insurance plan options are available for employees and their families through Delta Dental Insurance Company, two PPOs and one dental HMO plan. Both PPO plans allow employees to choose any licensed dentist.

Vision - Fully insured Vision Care benefits are offered by Superior Vision Services. Two vision plan options that offer either standard or enhanced vision benefits.

Disability - Employees can enroll in the Disability Insurance which provides income if a non-work related illness or injury prevents you from working.

FSAs - Employees can enroll in flexible spending accounts (FSAs) to set aside money from earnings before taxes for qualifying dependent day care expenses or out-of-pocket health care expenses.

Retirement - Employees are eligible for either the Teacher Retirement System (TRS) or the Optional Retirement Plan (ORP). TRS is a defined benefit retirement plan which UT Health matches employee contributions. ORP is for eligible faculty staff employees. Voluntary retirement programs are also available to invest before- or after-tax dollars with the choice of five quality retirement plan providers.

Time Off - A generous leave program offers multiple paid leave options:

• Front-loaded Paid Time Off: 128 to 208 hours (16 to 26 days) of Paid Time Off based on years of service, given at the start of each fiscal year. PTO may be prorated in year one based on date of hire.
• Extended Illness Bank: 8 hours (1 day) accrued per month which can be used for illness or injury after one day of Paid Time Off is taken.
• Paid Family Leave: Up to 240 hours (6 weeks) to care for a spouse, child, or parent after 6 months of consecutive employment.
• Holidays: 12 set paid holidays each year.

Discounts - Employees enjoy a range of discounts on services, tickets, and gym membership.