Research Coordinator, Human Sexuality and Well-Being Project at University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Job Description:

University OverviewThe University of Pennsylvania, the largest private employer in Philadelphia, is a world-renowned leader in education, research, and innovation. This historic, Ivy League school consistently ranks among the top 10 universities in the annual U.S. News & World Report survey. Penn has 12 highly-regarded schools that provide opportunities for undergraduate, graduate and continuing education, all influenced by Penn's distinctive interdisciplinary approach to scholarship and learning. As an employer Penn has been ranked nationally on many occasions with the most recent award from Forbes who named Penn one of America's Best Large Employers in 2023.Penn offers a unique working environment within the city of Philadelphia. The University is situated on a beautiful urban campus, with easy access to a range of educational, cultural, and recreational activities. With its historical significance and landmarks, lively cultural offerings, and wide variety of atmospheres, Philadelphia is the perfect place to call home for work and play.The University offers a competitive benefits package that includes excellent healthcare and tuition benefits for employees and their families, generous retirement benefits, a wide variety of professional development opportunities, supportive work and family benefits, a wealth of health and wellness programs and resources, and much more.

Posted Job TitleResearch Coordinator, Human Sexuality and Well-Being Project

Job Profile TitleResearch Coordinator

Job Description SummaryPOSITION SUMMARY:
Our team seeks a Research Coordinator to manage and support this large and multi-faceted project, and collaborate closely with the project leader, Dr. Ludwig, and project staff. There is potential for this position to expand based on your interests and strengths.


We are looking for a can-do, team-oriented person to contribute in three main areas for a large, NIH-funded project: (1) project management and research management for this project on sexual well-being, (2) administrative support and financial oversight, and (3) support with various research activities.


This is a 2-year term appointment with a possibility of renewal contingent on additional grant funding.


The goal of this research is the development of a comprehensive strengths-based model and scientifically rigorous measurement scale for sexual well-being (SW), with implications for health, therapy, education, and policy. We deeply value equity, accessibility, and belonging, and are committed to attending to the perspectives and experiences of diverse groups throughout this project. This is a good opportunity for someone interested in well-being research, who wants to make a difference, take on responsibilities, develop scientific research skills, and grow in an evolving, dynamic role.


Sexual well-being (SW), the cognitive and emotional evaluation of an individual's sexuality, is an important aspect of overall health and quality of life, yet it is often overlooked in research and clinical practice. Well-being is not only the absence of dysfunction but also the presence of positive factors. We know little about which factors determine SW and how to measure it. Our team includes experts in sexuality, public health, psychology, and psychometrics across the U.S. and Europe.

Job Description

ABOUT THE POSITIVE PSYCHOLOGY CENTER:

The mission of the Positive Psychology Center at the University of Pennsylvania is to promote research and education in Positive Psychology. Positive Psychology is the scientific study of the strengths that enable people to thrive.

To learn about our Center: https://ppc.sas.upenn.edu/

For some background on this project:

http://www.researchgate.net/publication/352648072_What_is_sexual_wellbeing_and_why_does_it_matter_for_public_health

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

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  Manage a complex, multi-faceted project to understand sexual well-being, including communicating with numerous collaborators, ensuring close adherence to timelines, supervising undergraduate research assistants, and organizing project outputs.

  
  


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  Support the project leader and research staff by drafting or proofreading surveys, copyediting manuscripts, coordinating and running research participants, conducting literature reviews, helping with qualitative interviews or focus groups, and handling aspects of the Institutional Review Board (IRB) process. Support collaborators by facilitating communication with project staff, reviewing materials, and encouraging timely completion of project components.

  
  


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  Oversee the financial administration of the project, with support from the business office. Track expenses and make budgetary projections as needed, process travel reimbursements for project personnel, use policy-compliant modes of procurement for research materials and services, and facilitate subaward and honoraria disbursement to compensate research collaborators.

  
  


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  Record the benchmark accomplishments and special achievements of the project and its personnel, and communicate these in progress reports. Oversee annual financial reporting to the NIH, in collaboration with our business office.

  
  


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  Coordinate public-facing speaking engagements and interview requests for the project leader. Keep a record of media highlighting the research, and cultivate a list of journalists who cover this topic. As time permits, promote new research and project achievements to both lay and scientific audiences, including through social media or a website.

  
  


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  Support the project leader in identifying and applying to new funding opportunities in relation to this project, particularly at the NIH.

  
  


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  Coordinate meetings and conference presentations, including lab meetings.

  
  

QUALIFICATIONS:

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  Bachelor's degree and at least 1-2 years of relevant professional experience, e.g., research studies experience, project management, administrative support, or other relevant fields is required, or equivalent combination of education and experience.

  
  


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  A background in a relevant field is preferred but not required.

  
  


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  A resume and cover letter are required.

  
  

SKILLS:

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  Excellent organizing abilities, with a strong attention to detail.

  
  


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  Proven ability to plan, manage, and prioritize multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment and meet deadlines.

  
  


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  Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

  
  


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  Excellent interpersonal skills.

  
  


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  Good quantitative skills.

  
  


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  Proven ability to thrive under occasional time pressure and workload.

  
  


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  Strong competence in MS Office and Google Suite.

  
  


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  These are a plus but not required: Familiarity with Penn tools and systems such as Concur, Penn Marketplace, Qualtrics, HSERA (Penn's IRB platform), Research Inventory System, PaymentNet (for Purchasing Card processing), and iPenn (Penn's visa request platform) or similar.

  
  

QUALITIES:

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  Strong sense of mission and interest in well-being and human sexuality research, questionnaire development methodology, and positive psychology.

  
  


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  Motivated to take initiative and responsibility for the success of a project.

  
  


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  Patience and persistence in navigating institutional processes.

  
  


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  High standard of professionalism, excellence, and accountability.

  
  


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  Proven ability to work both independently and as a collaborative member of a team.

  
  

Job Location - City, StatePhiladelphia, Pennsylvania

Department / SchoolSchool of Arts and Sciences

Pay Range$43,888.00 - $60,000.00 Annual Rate

Salary offers are made based on the candidate's qualifications, experience, skills, and education as they directly relate to the requirements of the position, as well as internal and market factors and grade profile.

Affirmative Action Statement

Penn adheres to a policy that prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, creed, national or ethnic origin, citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected class.

Special Requirements

Background check required after a conditional job offer is made. Consideration of the background check will be tailored to the requirements of the job.

University Benefits

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  Health, Life, and Flexible Spending Accounts: Penn offers comprehensive medical, prescription, behavioral health, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits to protect you and your family's health and welfare. You can also use flexible spending accounts to pay for eligible health care and dependent care expenses with pre-tax dollars.

  
  


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  Tuition: Take advantage of Penn's exceptional tuition benefits. You, your spouse, and your dependent children can get tuition assistance here at Penn. Your dependent children are also eligible for tuition assistance at other institutions.

  
  


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  Retirement: Penn offers generous retirement plans to help you save for your future. Penn's Basic, Matching, and Supplemental retirement plans allow you to save for retirement on a pre-tax or Roth basis. Choose from a wide variety of investment options through TIAA and Vanguard.

  
  


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  Time Away from Work: Penn provides you with a substantial amount of time away from work during the course of the year. This allows you to relax, take vacations, attend to personal affairs, recover from illness or injury, spend time with family-whatever your personal needs may be.

  
  


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  Long-Term Care Insurance: In partnership with Genworth Financial, Penn offers faculty and staff (and your eligible family members) long-term care insurance to help you cover some of the costs of long-term care services received at home, in the community or in a nursing facility. If you apply when you're newly hired, you won't have to provide proof of good health or be subject to underwriting requirements. Eligible family members must always provide proof of good health and are subject to underwriting.

  
  


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  Wellness and Work-life Resources: Penn is committed to supporting our faculty and staff as they balance the competing demands of work and personal life. That's why we offer a wide variety of programs and resources to help you care for your health, your family, and your work-life balance.

  
  


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  Professional and Personal Development: Penn provides an array of resources to help you advance yourself personally and professionally.

  
  


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  University Resources: As a member of the Penn community, you have access to a wide range of University resources as well as cultural and recreational activities. Take advantage of the University's libraries and athletic facilities, or visit our arboretum and art galleries. There's always something going on at Penn, whether it's a new exhibit at the Penn Museum, the latest music or theater presentation at the Annenberg Center, or the Penn Relays at Franklin Field to name just a few examples. As a member of the Penn community, you're right in the middle of the excitement-and you and your family can enjoy many of these activities for free.

  
  


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  Discounts and Special Services: From arts and entertainment to transportation and mortgages, you'll find great deals for University faculty and staff. Not only do Penn arts and cultural centers and museums offer free and discounted admission and memberships to faculty and staff. You can also enjoy substantial savings on other goods and services such as new cars from Ford and General Motors, cellular phone service plans, movie tickets, and admission to theme parks.

  
  


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  Flexible Work Hours: Flexible work options offer creative approaches for completing work while promoting balance between work and personal commitments. These approaches involve use of non-traditional work hours, locations, and/or job structures.

  
  


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  Penn Home Ownership Services: Penn offers a forgivable loan for eligible employees interested in buying a home or currently residing in West Philadelphia, which can be used for closing costs or home improvements.

  
  


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  Adoption Assistance: Penn will reimburse eligible employees on qualified expenses in connection with the legal adoption of an eligible child, such as travel or court fees, for up to two adoptions in your household.

  
  

To learn more, please visit: https://www.hr.upenn.edu/PennHR/benefits-pay

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