Science & Research OPT Jobs in Minnesota

INTRODUCTION

The Senior Research Associate within the Cardiovascular Imaging Research Center (CIRC) and Core Lab serves as an experienced technical and operational contributor within the Imaging Core Lab, leading complex study activities and supporting cross-functional workflows. This role is a key resource for Research Associates and Imaging Analysts, ensuring high-quality data outputs, efficient processes, and strong study execution across a portfolio of Core Lab research studies.

The Senior Research Associate works closely with imaging analysts, research associates, Core Lab leadership, and sponsors on multicenter industry-sponsored clinical trials. The role leads daily Research Associate activities across multiple Core Lab studies with minimal oversight and contributes meaningfully to both short-term and long-term projects within the Core Lab. This position is primarily onsite; once established, there may be some flexibility for hybrid working with prior manager approval.

Responsibilities may include:

• Lead daily Research Associate activities across multiple Core Lab studies with minimal oversight, ensuring high data quality and adherence to timelines.
• Take ownership of study start-up tracking and deliverables, including study documentation, training requirements, and operational readiness.
• Provide advanced study-specific input during internal and external meetings; communicate study updates, risks, and process changes clearly and professionally.
• Anticipate project and sponsor needs and proactively develop plans for execution and communication.
• Contribute to the development and refinement of Core Lab standard operating procedures, quality processes, and research infrastructure; identify operational issues and propose solutions to improve efficiency and data quality.
• May lead or co-lead special projects within the Core Lab and begin contributing to Core Lab resource coordination discussions.
• Mentor and train incoming and junior Research Associates; support onboarding and workflow training for Imaging Analysts and provide informal leadership and guidance.
• Perform routine analyst responsibilities as needed to support study turnaround timelines and deliverables; such as, downloading, tracking, and reporting cardiac imaging studies as they are received and analyzed.
• Communicate effectively with analysts, physicians, and industry sponsors; document team meeting minutes and action items and drive follow-through.
• Ensure compliance with Core Lab Standard Operating Procedures, regulatory requirements, and sponsor-specific requirements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree, preferably in a related field.
• Strong understanding of Core Lab workflows, imaging processes, and study operations.
• High attention to detail with consistent accuracy in high-complexity tasks; strong ability to organize and manage complex projects, documents, and workflows.
• Ability to anticipate project and sponsor needs and drive forward to execution; ability to troubleshoot operational issues and implement corrective actions.
• Ability to track action items, monitor progress, and maintain accountability across teams.
• Informal leadership skills and the ability to mentor through training and guidance.
• Ability to facilitate meetings and drive follow-through on decisions.
• Strong interpersonal and collaborative skills with the ability to work with others as a team and in support of a positive work culture.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills; ability to communicate study updates, risks, and process changes clearly and professionally.
• Skilled in Microsoft Suite including Excel; strong technical aptitude and ability/willingness to learn new tools and electronic data capture systems.
• Ability to work independently toward specific goals and manage work across multiple concurrent projects.
• Previous experience or exposure to research is preferred; prior Core Lab or imaging research experience strongly preferred for the senior level.