Sr. Research Associate 1 - Behavioral and Community Based Research

CORE JOB SUMMARY The Sr. Research Associate 1, SOM (A) provides laboratory-based support for the University’s research activities by tackling the more specialized and complex projects and experiments. Additionally, the incumbent leverages expertise in training and mentoring department staff, students, and less experienced research associates. CORE JOB FUNCTIONS Collects, analyzes, and presents research data. Monitors and maintains relevant research databases to ensure accurate data entries. Understands and interprets research protocols and procedures. Participates in the publication of significant results to include authorship of scientific monographs. Advances expertise through continued education, training, and research. Maintains current knowledge of relevant developments in the field. Ensures all research is undertaken according to good research practice. Warrants that department activities comply with applicable guidelines and regulations. Adheres to University and unit-level policies and procedures and safeguards University assets. This list of duties and responsibilities is not intended to be all-inclusive and may be expanded to include other duties or responsibilities as necessary. CORE QUALIFICATIONS Education: Master’s Degree in relevant field Experience: No experience required Knowledge, Skills and Attitudes Skill in collecting, organizing, and analyzing data. Ability to recognize, analyze, and solve a variety of problems. Ability to exercise sound judgment in making critical decisions. Department Specific Functions The Sr. Research Associate 1 is a senior-level professional within the Behavioral Community-Based Research Shared Resource (BCSR), responsible for leading and coordinating complex community-based and behavioral health research studies. This position requires at least five years of relevant experience and is ideal for a seasoned researcher who can independently manage research protocols, ensure regulatory compliance, and lead a multidisciplinary research team. As a study lead, the Sr. RA1 oversees the day-to-day implementation of research activities, supervises participant recruitment and data collection efforts, ensures data quality, and manages relationships with community partners and funding agencies. Additionally, the Sr. RA1 provides mentorship and training to junior research staff, supporting their professional development and ensuring consistent execution of study procedures. Key Responsibilities Study Leadership & Oversight Serves as study lead on multiple research projects, coordinating all aspects of protocol implementation from start-up to closeout. Works closely with Principal Investigators to develop and refine study protocols, data collection instruments, recruitment plans, and timelines. Oversees research activities across multiple sites, ensuring protocol fidelity, participant safety, and data quality. Acts as the primary point of contact for internal and external stakeholders, including collaborators, sponsors, and regulatory offices. Mentorship & Supervision Provides direct supervision, guidance, and mentorship to junior research staff, including Research Associate 1 and 2 and Research Support Specialist team members. Trains staff on research ethics, study procedures, data collection tools, regulatory compliance, and community engagement strategies for studies they are leading. Conducts periodic performance assessments and supports the professional development of team members. Ensures consistency and standardization of study implementation across the team. Participant Recruitment & Engagement Develops and oversees recruitment strategies tailored to specific study populations, with a focus on underserved and diverse communities. Conducts informed consent discussions and ensures all team members follow ethical, culturally competent practices. Conducts focus groups, semi-structured interviews, collects s Maintains strong relationships with participants, community partners, and healthcare providers to support engagement and retention. Regulatory & Compliance Management Oversees the preparation and submission of IRB-related documents, including continuing reviews, amendments, adverse event reports, and protocol deviations. Ensures research compliance with all institutional, federal, and sponsor regulations including IRB, HIPAA, HSRO, DSMC, and Good Clinical Practice (GCP). Maintains detailed documentation and ensures all regulatory binders, consent forms, and sponsor correspondences are complete and audit-ready. Data Oversight & Reporting Leads data management efforts including database design, quality control, integrity monitoring and qualitative analysis. Conducts qualitative data analysis using NVivo or rapid analysis techniques, or coordinates with analysts/statisticians as needed for project reporting. Oversees timely entry and maintenance of participant records in electronic systems such as REDCap, VELOS, EPIC, Cerner or Ripple Science. Prepares enrollment summaries, interim reports, and final project deliverables for internal use and external reporting to sponsors or funders. Administrative & Operational Duties Manages study budgets, monitors expenditures, and coordinates with managers on billing and grant-related reporting. Schedules and leads team meetings; prepares agendas, takes detailed meeting minutes, and ensures follow-up on action items. Orders and monitors study-related supplies and materials across multiple sites. If certified/trained in phlebotomy, performs venipuncture and collects biological specimens in accordance with study protocols. Collects, processes, packs, and ships specimens (blood, saliva, urine, fecal, etc.) according to protocol, applicable standards and regulations, and coordinates with appropriate laboratories for drop off and storage. Adapts to dynamic project needs, including travel to research sites and occasional evening/weekend work. Minimum Qualifications Master’s degree required Demonstrated leadership experience in managing research protocols and supervising research teams. Strong written and verbal communication skills in English; professional and culturally competent demeanor. Proficiency in Microsoft Office, experience with REDCap, electronic health record systems (EPIC/Cerner), and qualitative data analysis techniques. Knowledge of IRB procedures, federal regulations governing human subjects research, and data privacy standards. Preferred Qualifications Master’s degree in public health, social work, psychology, or related field. Fluency in Spanish and/or Haitian Creole. Experience working with underserved communities or conducting health disparities research. Phlebotomy certification or experience collecting biological samples is a plus. Experience with qualitative data analysis using NVivo or rapid analysis techniques. Knowledge of medical terminology and medical record abstraction. Working Conditions May require travel to research sites, healthcare clinics, and partner organizations. Occasional evening or weekend hours may be required based on study needs. May involve light lifting or transporting of research materials and equipment. The University of Miami offers competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, tuition remission and more. UHealth-University of Miami Health System, South Florida's only university-based health system, provides leading-edge patient care powered by the ground breaking research and medical education at the Miller School of Medicine. As an academic medical center, we are proud to serve South Florida, Latin America and the Caribbean. Our physicians represent more than 100 specialties and sub-specialties, and have more than one million patient encounters each year. Our tradition of excellence has earned worldwide recognition for outstanding teaching, research and patient care. We're the challenge you've been looking for. The University of Miami is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Applicants and employees are protected from discrimination based on certain categories protected by Federal law. Job Status: Full time Employee Type: Staff #J-18808-Ljbffr umiami