Based on results from analyzing our MTTs' processes and impact, we
have found that the most successful teams are those with engaged and
transformational leadership, who show capacity to use multiple
disciplines and develop external networks, and are focused on their
primary translational outcome. As a result, we recommend the following
team structure.
- Director/Principal Investigator
- Principal investigator with substantive research record
- Acts as overall leader – research expert
- Responsibilities
- Role model
- Foster new collaborations
- Dissemination of practice-based interventions
- Transformational leadership in team
- Associate Director/Project Manager
- Junior faculty – often trainees
- Responsibilities
- Conducting the major translational project of the team
- Experimental coordination
- Project management
- Research Team Members
- Junior and senior scientists
- Drawn from multiple disciplines, depending on research question
- Expected to collaborate and support team functions
- Trainees
- Junior faculty, post-docs, medical students, and graduate students
- Generally a developmental role
- Critical to fulfilling the ITS mission and NCATS expectations
- External Team Members
- Frequently represent discipline-specific expertise not found at UTMB
- Membership can change over time
- Support core team members