Jobs › Shirley Ryan AbilityLab

Senior Project Coordinator - Legs & Walking, Full-Time

Shirley Ryan AbilityLab · Chicago, IL · $61,800–$103,000 a year · Full time

Posted Aug 14, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

Tell me about a time you supervised research assistants or coordinators. How did you keep the work consistent?

What they are checking: Whether they can lead junior staff, set standards and check quality without micromanaging.

Tell me about a report or dissemination product, like a poster or manuscript, you helped develop.

What they are checking: Experience turning study results into products, which the posting lists as part of the job.

How do you build a good working relationship with the clinicians whose patients you recruit?

What they are checking: Ability to work with busy clinical teams so research fits into patient care, not against it.

What would you do

You'd be running several research projects at once, involving devices, therapies and outcomes. How do you keep each one on schedule?

What they are checking: Whether they have a real system for tracking timelines and deliverables across parallel studies.

Recruitment for a walking study is well behind its target. What would you do in the next month?

What they are checking: Practical, protocol-compliant ideas for hitting recruitment targets, which the posting names directly.

A collaborator at another site keeps missing deadlines for data. How do you handle it?

What they are checking: Ability to act as a firm but respectful liaison between project teams and outside partners.

A principal investigator wants to add a new measure mid-study. What do you need to think about?

What they are checking: Understanding of protocol changes, budget, staff time and regulatory approval before agreeing.

About the work

How do you prepare a study for an IRB submission or a protocol amendment?

What they are checking: Working knowledge of regulatory steps that keep human subjects research approved and compliant.

What experience do you have with medical device studies, and how are they different from other research?

What they are checking: Familiarity with device protocols, adverse event reporting and the extra rules device trials carry.

Walk me through how you keep participant safety front and center during gait or walking sessions.

What they are checking: Awareness that walking studies with impaired participants carry fall risk that must be planned for.

How do you catch data quality problems early, before the study ends?

What they are checking: Habits like regular audits and source checks that protect the integrity of results.

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The full job description

As published by Shirley Ryan AbilityLab.

Shirley Ryan AbilityLab is the global leader in physical medicine and rehabilitation for adults and children with the most severe, complex conditions. By joining our team, you’ll be part of our life-changing mission and vision. You’ll contribute to an innovative, multifaceted culture that is second to none — one that embraces collaboration, excellence, discovery and compassion. You’ll play a role in something that’s never been done before as we integrate science and clinical care to help patients achieve better, faster outcomes — as we Advance Human Ability, together. Job Description Summary The Senior Project Coordinator will plan, coordinate and implement research projects at Shirley Ryan AbilityLab. Contributes to multiple research projects involving therapeutics, medical devices, physical therapy modalities, and outcomes. The Senior Project Coordinator works with supervisor and acts as a liaison between project team members and collaborators to lead key projects within the department. This includes coordinating and overseeing efforts of Research Assistants and Project Coordinators to ensure timely completion of project deliverables and achievement of recruitment targets, completing project reports, and managing the development of dissemination products. The Senior Project Coordinator will consistently demonstrate support of the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab statement of Vision, Mission and Core Values by striving for excellence, contributing to the team efforts and showing respect and compassion for patients and their families, fellow employees, and all others with whom there is contact at or in the interest of the institute. The Senior Project Coordinator will demonstrate Shirley Ryan AbilityLab Core Attributes: Communication, Accountability, Flexibility/Adaptability, Judgment/Problem Solving, Customer Service and Core Values (Hope, Compassion, Discovery, Collaboration, and Commitment to Excellence) while fulfilling job duties. Job Description The Senior Project Coordinator will: • Support Research Scientists and Project Managers by assuming responsibility for designated tasks in study protocols. • Train Research Assistants and Project Coordinators on study protocols. • Assist in development of study budgets based on protocols and development of project work plans. Assist with tracking and reporting of hours and expenses. May assist with managing project budgets. • Manage daily operational aspects of research projects, including protocol development, regulatory document preparation, IRB submissions, study recruitment, preparation for study visits, documentation of study results in case report forms, and study participant follow-up procedures. • Interview research subjects for recruitment, study retention, and data collection. • Prepare reports for Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, Northwestern University, Clinicaltrials.gov and study sponsors (i.e. federal, foundation and pharmaceutical companies) when necessary. • Support qualitative and quantitative data analysis needs. • Ensure project documents are complete and current and sent to the appropriate party. • Perform all other duties that may be assigned in the best interest of the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab. Reporting Relationships: • Reports directly to the appropriate Principal Investigator or Project Manager. Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required: • Bachelor's Degree in a biological, physical science, social science, clinical, or related field. • Minimum 1 year experience as a Project Coordinator at Shirley Ryan AbilityLab or equivalent role at another institution. • Prior experience as a clinical research coordinator is highly desired but not absolutely required. • Knowledge of current Good Clinical Practice (cGCP) and its application in clinical research. • Demonstrated experience with project planning in a complex, regulated environment. Knowledge and experience with IRB procedures and submissions preferred. • Communication and interpersonal skills necessary to interact on a daily basis with internal/external customers. • Advanced organizational skills necessary to efficiently prioritize and complete a variety of tasks and provide leadership when required. • Ability to collaborate effectively in a team setting in order to maximize quality and efficiency of operations. • Ability to understand clinical study protocols and assist study investigators with various tasks when necessary. • Skill using a personal computer and word processing, spreadsheet, and database software applications. Working Conditions: • Normal office environment with little or no exposure to dust or extreme temperature. The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified. Pay and Benefits*: Pay Range: $61,800.00 - $103,000.00 Benefits: Shirley Ryan AbilityLab offers a comprehensive benefits program that is competitive with our industry peers in our geographic locations: https://www.sralab.org/benefits *Benefits and benefits’ eligibility can vary by position. Actual compensation will be determined by equity and qualifications of the role. Equal Employment Opportunity Employer Shirley Ryan AbilityLab is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. All applicants will be afforded equal employment opportunity without discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex, marital status, national origin or ancestry, citizenship status, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, military status, order of protection status, unfavorable discharge from military service, or any other characteristics protected by law. EEO is the Law | EEO is the Law - Know Your Rights | View our Full Policy Shirley Ryan AbilityLab is an Affirmative Action Employer as required by law.

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