Lead Research Project Coordinator

The University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB) School of Graduate Studies (SGS) invites applications for a full-time Lead Research Project Coordinator (RPC) within the Physician Assistant Leadership and Learning Academy (PALLA), part of the newly established Department of Health Professions Education and Workforce Innovation (HPEWI).

This staff position offers a distinctive opportunity to advance PALLA’s research portfolio, support its grant initiatives, and contribute to shaping its strategic scholarly direction. Reporting to the Executive Director of PALLA, the Lead Research Project Coordinator will independently oversee and coordinate complex research studies, workforce initiatives, and grant-related activities, ensuring strict adherence to study protocols and regulatory requirements. This role is ideally suited for an experienced and innovative professional with strong analytical expertise and a demonstrated background in research project coordination.

The coordinator will exercise advanced knowledge and sound independent judgment to manage grant-funded projects, develop research protocols, support regulatory compliance, and serve as a key resource in strengthening research operations and outcomes.

UMB is nationally recognized for excellence in health, biomedical sciences, and human services and is uniquely positioned to apply principles of innovation and entrepreneurship to advance health and social equality. In addition, UMB is committed to solving health and social disparities by involving those who face these problems every day. UMB seeks to understand the community served through the creation of innovative solutions based on people’s actual needs.

PALLA, housed within the UMB School of Graduate Studies, is a statewide initiative dedicated to strengthening and expanding the physician assistant (PA) profession across Maryland. Its mission is to build faculty capacity, support clinical educators, and prepare future PA leaders to advance education, research, and policy, while promoting excellence in PA education and expanding healthcare access for all Marylanders through an inclusive learning community.

The newly established Department of HPEWI provides advanced educational training for the next generation of health professions faculty. The Department of HPEWI aspires to serve as a center of excellence, empowering current and future educators to lead, innovate, and drive meaningful change in education, research, and policy—ultimately improving access to healthcare across Maryland and beyond.

UMB offers a comprehensive benefits package that prioritizes wellness, work/life balance, and professional development, along with additional exciting perks that employees can take advantage of. This position participates in a retirement program (pension or optional retirement plan/ORP) that must be selected and is effective on your date of hire. Exempt regular staff receive a generous PAID leave package that includes over 4 weeks of vacation accrued each year, 16 paid holidays, 3 personal leave, unlimited accrual of sick time, and comprehensive health insurance;

professional learning and development programs; tuition remission for employees and their dependents at any University System of Maryland school; and flexible work schedules and teleworking options (if applicable per job).

UMB is a public university and constituent institution of the University System of Maryland. All employees are expected to work primarily physically within the State of Maryland.

• Supports the principal investigator and co-investigators in seeking and implementing federal and non-federal grant funding for research studies and projects. Coordinates research project activities to ensure that the team focuses on desired outcomes and produces timely reports.
• Independently manages and coordinates complex health professions and health workforce-related research projects and grants.
• Serves as the primary liaison with internal departments, external partners, and regulatory bodies to promote effective and efficient operation and use of resources.
• Provides the highest level guidance and…