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Andrea McCubbin
Andrea McCubbin, MPH

Welcome to FORWARRD

In 2023, the College of Medicine Office of Research launched phase one of its new initiative to elevate research through clinical research professional workforce advancement efforts across the College of Medicine, Markey Cancer Center (MCC), and the Center for Clinical and Translational Science (CCTS).

Facilitating Opportunities for Research Workforce Advancement to Retain and Recruit Dynamic Teams (FORWARRD) is led by Andrea McCubbin, associate dean for research administration. The initiative is based on the Joint Task Force for Clinical Trial Competency鈥檚 Framework for clinical research professionals. The Framework鈥檚 eight competency domains focus on the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to conduct safe, ethical, and quality research.

In the first phase of FORWARRD, we successfully mapped 173 clinical research professionals in the College of Medicine across 16 departments and three centers. As we embark on the second phase of FORWARRD, our focus will shift to professionals in basic science and translational research. Our objective is to replicate the success of the initial phase by clearly defining job responsibilities, aligning tasks with competencies, identifying growth opportunities, and ensuring market competitiveness within the structure of basic science and translational research.

Program Goals

Our goal is to create a framework for clinical research jobs in the 好色先生 College of Medicine, Markey Cancer Center (MCC), and Center for Clinical and Translational Science (CCTS); from choosing the appropriate job descriptions for new positions to setting professional development goals and providing career advancement opportunities.

Our primary objectives are to:

  • Align job titles and descriptions with responsibilities and tasks
  • Enhance market competitiveness to attract and retain talented research professionals
  • Address the need for competency-based training and career paths

FORWARRD thinking: New initiative aims to elevate clinical research efforts

JANUARY 22, 2024

According to McCubbin, retaining highly qualified staff is a major goal of FORWARRD. 鈥淲e know that PIs are integral in securing research funding, but to see those PIs turn around and say 鈥榯he staff who's conducting the research in my lab or clinic, or alongside me, is just as integral to that process鈥, has been such a motivating force for this work,鈥 she said. 

Furthermore, McCubbin sees FORWARRD as a tangible example of the University's overarching strategic plan, , because it aligns with principle two: taking care of our people. Though some staff may feel disconnected from larger discussions of the strategic plan and its metrics, McCubbin thinks this initiative demonstrates the College鈥檚 effort to better express appreciation for and recognize the value of its clinical research teams.

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Moving 好色先生 FORWARRD: Workforce development initiative moves to phase two

APRIL 10, 2025

As the initiative's first phase wraps up, 173 clinical research professional staff from 19 departments and centers have been affected by the implemented changes.

"Throughout the process, FORWARRD stakeholders have remained committed to advancing the research workforce by recognizing core competencies, creating a pathway for professional growth, and ensuring market competitiveness," said McCubbin. "The changes brought about by FORWARRD recognize CRPs as valuable contributors and experts in their respective fields. For the first time, many of them now view their current role in the context of a career with the opportunity to advance, not just a job. That simple perspective shift strengthens stability in the clinical research workforce."

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FORWARRD Phase One

FORWARRD Phase Two

Joint Task Force (JTF) Competency Framework for Clinical Research Professionals

The has been utilized internationally by academic institutions, corporate entities, and professional societies to improve the quality, accuracy, and safety of clinical research. 

The JTF Framework has categorized the following competency domains for clinical research professionals: 

  1. Scientific concepts and research design
  2. Ethical and participant safety considerations
  3. Investigational products development and regulation
  4. Clinical study operations (GCPs)
  5. Study and site management
  6. Data management and informatics
  7. Leadership and professionalism
  8. Communication and teamwork