Research Program Manager - Comprehensive Cancer Center | CREST

Position Summary

The Research Administration Management Analyst provides essential administrative and operational support for the research activities of the Center for Research Excellence in Supportive Care (CREST) at the James Cancer Center/Solove Research Institute and the Section for Pain and Palliative Care Research (SPARC) in the Division of Palliative Medicine. CREST focuses on supportive care research in areas such as aging and cognitive impairment, pain and symptom management, substance use, and medical cannabis in individuals with serious illness, particularly cancer. Under the direction of the Assistant Director, this position supports research coordination, participant recruitment, regulatory compliance, and administrative functions aligned with internal and sponsor guidelines. Success in this role requires strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist in the coordination of research projects and participant recruitment aligned with the centers strategic goals.

• Prepare and submit IRB applications and ensure regulatory compliance across research activities.

• Help standardize research processes to improve operational efficiency and participant experience.

• Monitor and report research data to ensure quality, accuracy, and compliance with institutional standards.

• Coordinate high-level administrative tasks in support of research operations, meeting logistics, event planning, and reporting activities aligned with internal and sponsor guidelines.

• Support the development and maintenance of research databases to track participant recruitment, scheduling, and data collection tools.

• Maintain inventory of research supplies and create requisitions for ordering through Workday.

• Collaborate with the research team and/or work under the guidance of the Assistant Director to perform data analysis, summarize results, assist in interpretation of findings, and contribute to manuscript development.

• Support the development and maintenance of a Quantitative Sensory Testing (QST) lab, including equipment setup, data collection, and documentation.

• Engage with internal and external stakeholders to advance research initiatives and partnerships.

• Maintain positive and professional working relationships with team members, collaborators, and community partners.

Job Requirements

Bachelors degree in a relevant field (public health, health administration, health sciences) or equivalent combination of education and experience. 2 years of relevant experience required.

Preferred Qualifications

2-4 years of experience in research administration, program or project management, or a related field preferred. Experience in the conduct or operations of biomedical or health sciences research in an academic medical center, industry or agency setting. Knowledge of research funding mechanisms, regulatory compliance, and best practices in grant management. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, with advanced skills in Excel and PowerPoint. Exceptional organizational, written, and verbal communication skills.

Research Administration - Research Administration Management - Individual Contributor - Specialized - S2 Experienced

We invite applications from individuals who are passionate about improving the quality of life for patients with cancer and their care partners. Join the newly established Center for Research Excellence in Supportive Care (CREST)an interdisciplinary initiative founded by the Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute (OSUCCC James) and led by Jessica Merlin, MD, PhD, MBA, a physician-scientist and behavioral researcher with board certifications in internal medicine, infectious diseases, palliative care, and addiction medicine. Dr. Merlin is a tenured Professor of Medicine at Ohio State, Chief of the Section for Pain and Palliative Care Research (SPARC), and Director of CREST.

CREST fosters inclusive, collaborative research across the university and is closely aligned with SPARC in the Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Palliative Medicine, a nationally recognized leader in clinical care, education, and research. The division includes a diverse team of physicians, nurses, pharmacists, social workers, and psychologists, and provides expert care across five service lines. The palliative medicine team focuses on improving the quality of life of patients and their families facing life-threatening illnesses. Our goal at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Centers Division of Palliative Medicine is the prevention and relief of suffering through treatment of pain and other physical, psychosocial and spiritual issues.

CREST was founded by the OSUCCC James, which includes over 250 investigators from 17 colleges dedicated to reducing the burden of cancer through basic, clinical, and translational research. The OSUCCC James is the only cancer program in the United States that features a National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated comprehensive cancer center aligned with a nationally ranked academic health center and a freestanding cancer hospital on the campus of one of the nations largest public universities.

Join us in shaping the future of supportive care science in a collaborative, innovative environment.