Medical Student Research Liaison

Medical Student Research Liaison

The Research Navigator serves as a central resource for medical students seeking to engage in research within the Boonshoft School of Medicine (BSOM). The position focuses on helping students identify, access, and participate in research opportunities by connecting them with faculty investigators, research teams, ongoing studies or developing their own research. This role serves as the school's lead for connecting medical students to research opportunities across BSOM and affiliated research partners.

The Research Navigator manages a centralized database of active research opportunities, including investigator or student-initiated projects and clinical trials conducted through Wright State University and affiliated health system partners. This role is responsible for developing and maintaining relationships with affiliated research partners to identify and expand student-accessible research opportunities. Through ongoing communication with investigators and departments, this role ensures that students have visibility into available opportunities and can be matched with research projects aligned with their interests and career goals.

This role promotes a culture of student research engagement by serving as an advisor, connector, and information resource for students navigating the research environment.

Minimum Qualifications:

Master's degree in a science discipline, public health, health administration, business or related field and 2 years of relevant experience in externally funded research project management, IRB review, clinical trials, research program coordination/administration in an educational setting, or student advising in medical education (includes experiences gained during education/internship). OR Bachelor's degree in a science discipline, public health, health administration, business or related field and 4 years of relevant experience in externally funded research project management, IRB review, clinical trials, research program coordination/administration in an educational setting, or student advising in medical education (includes experiences gained during education/internship).

Demonstrated ability to build relationships and engage effectively with diverse stakeholders, including students, faculty, and external partners. Experience managing or maintaining databases, tracking systems, or program-related data. Strong organizational and communication skills, including the ability to translate complex research processes into accessible guidance. Excellent computer skills and ability to learn new software quickly. Continually demonstrate competency and high ethical standards.

Preferred Qualifications:

Master's degree in a science discipline, public health, health administration, business or related field and 4 years of relevant experience in externally funded research project management, IRB review, clinical trials, research program coordination/administration in an educational setting, or student advising in medical education (includes experiences gained during education/internship). Experience with research project management, IRB review and submission, clinical trials and research program coordination.

Experience supporting student research programs in a medical school or healthcare environment including experience in research project planning and IRB submission. Experience working with research tracking systems or clinical trial databases. Experience on creation of biomedical surveys and input of the survey to Qualtrics or REDCap.

Essential Functions and percent of time: 50% Student Research Engagement & External Partnerships. Develop and maintain strategic relationships with affiliated research partners to identify new opportunities for student engagement. Serve as the primary liaison to affiliated partners (e.g., Premier Health, VA, WPAFB, Dayton Children's Hospital, etc.) to maintain visibility into relevant research opportunities. Manage the matching process between students and research opportunities to ensure alignment of student interests and research needs.

Serve as a primary point of contact for students seeking research opportunities within BSOM. Meet regularly with medical students to discuss research interests, career goals, and potential research involvement and connect students with faculty investigators and research teams conducting studies aligned with their interests. Promote awareness of student research opportunities through targeted outreach, in collaboration with Research Affairs staff. Develop and manage initiatives that increase student participation in research and scholarly activities by improving access to research opportunities and enhancing alignment between student interests and faculty research needs.

Attend Premier Health Investigation Research Committee meetings and Consortium Research Committee meetings with affiliated partners. 25% Research Opportunity Development & Tracking. Expand and maintain a centralized database of active…