Clinical Research Coordinator

Department: SoC Comm Sciences & Disorders
Salary/Grade: EXS/5

Please note this position will be an term appointment for 18 months starting in August 2026.

Target hiring range for this position will be between $51,346-$57000 per year. Offered salary will be determined by the applicant's education, experience, knowledge, skills and abilities, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data

Job Summary:

Northwestern University Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders Center is offering an eighteen-month program coordinator- speech-language pathology clinical fellowship with specialization in the assessment and treatment of voice and upper airway disorders and integrated interdisciplinary, translational voice research training. The fellowship is scheduled for August 2026 - February 2028.

The clinical fellow will work closely with Mariah Morton-Jones, PhD, CCC-SLP, Lab Director of the upcoming Multi-system Voice Physiology Lab at Northwestern University and NUCASLL as well with clinicians of the Northwestern Voice Center. This position is comprised of approximately 40% clinical voice responsibilities (2 days) and 60% research effort (3 days). Clinically, the fellow will provide care in the interdisciplinary clinic performing behavioral voice assessments, laryngeal videostroboscopy, and engaging in clinical decision making with the laryngologist and other speech pathologists. They will provide behavioral voice and upper airway therapy across the entire spectrum of disorders. The fellow will also spend time learning and assisting with development of a research lab and serve as a research associate in data collection for an NIH/NIDCD-funded voice research grant with Dr. Morton-Jones, with the goal of submitting an abstract at a regional or national conference. The fellow is provided with financial support for attendance of a professional meeting during their fellowship.

The Northwestern Voice Center consists of an interprofessional team of 2 voice-specialized speech-language pathologists, 1 head and neck cancer speech-language pathologist, 1 PhD voice-specialized speech-language pathologist, and 2 fellowship-trained laryngologists. The speech pathology team utilizes a breadth of instrumental voice assessment, including laryngeal videostroboscopy and acoustic and aerodynamic assessment. They provide the highest quality treatment for the entire spectrum of voice and upper airway disorders, with expertise in gender affirming voice care and singing voice, as well as dysphagia and communication disorders related to head and neck cancer. Our laryngologists provide exceptional patient care and offer the most advanced surgical options and innovative treatments.

Successful candidates will: possess a strong academic background and understanding of voice and upper airway disorders with exposure to the assessment and treatment in a graduate clinical placement; strong demonstrated interest in interdisciplinary voice research; strong self-motivation, organizational and adaptability skills, complete a master's degree in speech-language pathology prior to start date; a desire to pursue post-fellowship career in clinical practice or research; be eligible for SLP licensure in the state of Illinois.

Clinically, there may be some incidental exposure to other clinical specialties, but this fellowship does not offer significant concentration in the areas of dysphagia, head/neck cancer (e.g., TEP management, laryngectomy care). This clinical fellowship will support the development of foundational, applied voice research skills, but not an independent research project. Research responsibilities during the fellowship will be focused on supporting ongoing funded research activities.

Northwestern University is an exceptional research institution, and the Communication Sciences and Disorders department is home to a thriving research environment. Research takes places in our state-of-the art labs on the Evanston and Chicago campuses, for which the fellow will have exposure to both settings.

Please note: Supervisor provides objectives and deadlines. Work is reviewed for fulfillment of objective and deadlines and overall compliance with policy and procedures. EE completes some activities without direction, informing supervisor only of potentially controversial matters, and/or far-reaching implications.

Specific Responsibilities:

Technical

• Leads execution & control of a biomedical &/or social science project or research study.
• Manages and ensures completion of study activities per protocol. Collaborating with nursing staff and Principal Investigator (PI) ascertains pretreatment & eligibility requirements; interviews participants & obtains social & medical histories; based on results determines & registers participants with appropriate sponsors; completes informed consent; determines & organizes patient's treatment and test schedules.
• Manages conduct of experimental tests & procedures. Closely monitors & documents patient's adverse events; partners with nursing staff in modifying dosages, tests & treatment schedule.

Data

• Manages project data including processing, accuracy, analysis & evaluation of data ensuring that results meet project information and deliverable objectives. Partners with internal/external project and IT staff to create, review, analyze, interpret, summarize and prepare progress & final reports.
• Provides consultation to internal/external project staff on appropriate data management, methodological issues and analysis of data.

Administration

• Manages project, collaborating and partnering with all internal/external staff including sponsoring agencies, organizations &/or other research &/or educational institutions to ensure project objectives and timelines are attained. Advises project staff on enhancements and changes to processes, practices, and procedures to ensure compliance with protocols and to increase effectiveness and efficiency of project.
• Manages day-to-day project operational & business functions; implements existing policy & ensures the effective, compliant, & efficient completion of daily administrative operations.
• Ensures appropriate and timely compliance with associated local, state, & federal regulatory guidelines, requirements, & laws; & research protocols.

Miscellaneous

Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor's or higher degree in a major such as social or health science or related; OR appropriate combination of education and experience and 2 years' research study or other relevant experience required; OR

• Successful completion of a full course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a master's or higher degree in a major such as social or health science or related; OR appropriate combination of education and experience and 1 year research study or other relevant experience.

• Must complete NU's IRB CITI training before interacting with any participants & must re-certify every 3 years

Benefits:
At Northwestern, we are proud to provide meaningful, competitive, high-quality health care plans, retirement benefits, tuition discounts and more! Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/index.html to learn more.

Work-Life and Wellness:
Northwestern offers comprehensive programs and services to help you and your family navigate life's challenges and opportunities, and adopt and maintain healthy lifestyles.
We support flexible work arrangements where possible and programs to help you locate and pay for quality, affordable childcare and senior/adult care. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/work-life/index.html to learn more.

Professional Growth & Development:
Northwestern supports employee career development in all circumstances whether your workspace is on campus or at home. If you're interested in developing your professional potential or continuing your formal education, we offer a variety of tools and resources. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/learning/index.html to learn more.

Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected characteristics, including disability and veteran status. View Northwestern's non-discrimination statement. Job applicants who wish to request an accommodation in the application or hiring process should contact the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance. View additional information on the accommodations process.