Seeking Faculty Director, MICHR Clinical Research Staff Professional Training and Education

The Michigan Institute for Clinical & Health Research (MICHR) is seeking a Faculty Director for its programs focused on training and education for Clinical Research Staff Professionals (CRSPs). MICHR, the NIH Clinical and Translational Science Award (CTSA ‘UM1’) of the University of Michigan (funded 2023-2030), advances translational science. Translational science is the field that generates scientific and operational innovations that overcome longstanding challenges along the translational research pipeline. The ultimate goal of translational science is for health solutions to reach all people more quickly.

Workforce Development for Clinical Research Staff Professionals is one of the seven required modules of the CTSA funding mechanism. In 2022, the NIH increased the emphasis on training CRSPs. The NIH defines CRSPs as ‘research nurses, pharmacists, administrators, coordinators, consultants, data managers, quality assurance managers, regulatory affairs managers and/or educators in clinical trial management.’ NIH specifies the principles of Good Clinical Practice (GCP) and team science as expected areas of focus. NIH CTSA funding must be used to develop, test, and disseminate innovations in education and training. Examples include innovative seminars, workshops, e-learning courses, and experiential opportunities; innovative interactive online educational platforms; and novel outreach programs to grow the pool of CRSPs. Consultative support to other CTSA modules’ educational efforts is also expected. Examples of major initiatives and accomplishments of MICHR’s workforce development efforts over the last 15 years include: identification of CRSP competencies and development of an associated assessment tool,  creation of a platform for sharing CRSP training and assessment resources, development of a CRSP mentoring program, development and impact evaluation of a mentoring award, and development of a research training program for allied health professionals. The Faculty Director will work closely with MICHR staff experts and other key campus groups to assume oversight of several initiatives currently underway.  This new director may request resource allocation from the MICHR executive leadership for additional innovative initiatives that advance translational science and directly align with the Clinical and Translational Science Award.

MICHR is the recipient of the entire CTSA suite of funding mechanisms, which includes the UM1, K12, T32 predoc, T32 postdoc, and R25 summer training program. In contrast to many of the training programs that focus on individuals on a faculty career path, the UM1 includes a substantial focus on CRSPs. MICHR’s Associate Director for Education oversees the NIH-required scientific and administrative coordination, integration, and synergy between the UM1, K12, T32s, and R25. As such, the Faculty Director for MICHR CRSP Training and Education (like the Directors of the K12, T32s, and R25) reports to the MICHR Associate Director for Education. This faculty role partners with a highly functioning and experienced staff team with substantial expertise in educational theory and practice.

Key deliverables include: (1) developing and testing education innovations; (2) disseminating these innovations in the form of peer-reviewed manuscripts and presentations at national meetings; (3) actively participating in the national CTSA consortium and its committees and workgroups, assuming leadership roles where appropriate; (4) representing MICHR at the Association for Clinical and Translational Science; (5) representing the UM1 Workforce Development program in meetings with the NIH Program Officer, MICHR’s External, Internal, and Community Advisory Boards, and university leaders (e.g., chairs, deans); (6) staying abreast of roadblocks in translation, particularly related to CRSPs, to inform programmatic priorities and novel initiatives; (7) synthesizing broad stakeholder input and collaborating with units across the university to leverage strengths and prevent duplication; (8) leveraging strengths and preventing duplication at the national level by fostering partnerships with other CTSA hubs to build and test innovations. These stakeholders include: CRSP end users and faculty principal investigators within Michigan Medicine and across the university’s schools and colleges and three campuses; key collaborating units such as the Human Research Protection Program and the Clinical Trials Support Office; the faculty and staff in the other MICHR programs and training grants; and other institutions around the state.

This role will receive 10-20% effort coverage by MICHR (up to the NIH cap) with an appointment as Faculty on the NIH UM1, depending on the scope of work. The individual may be of any rank, within any track, at the University of Michigan; have a proven track record of extramurally-funded clinical and translational research; have strong leadership skills and a track record of developing successful innovative programs; and have excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage and successfully collaborate with stakeholders and team members. Preferred qualifications include experience in workforce development and training in a research environment; and knowledge of current trends and challenges in CRSP workforce development.

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter detailing their experience and vision for MICHR’s workforce development for CRSPs and a CV by 10/31/25 to Vicki Ellingrod, PharmD, Associate Director for Education at MICHR at [email protected]. Additionally, questions regarding this position can be directed to Dr. Ellingrod.