ECHO Lab Sr. Research Associate 2 (Clinical Research)

About the role

The School of Nursing at the University of Miami has an open position for a Lab Sr. Research Associate 2 (Clinical Research) to work in Miami, Florida.

Responsibilities

• Contributes to basic and applied research activities by collecting and analyzing data and maintaining databases.
• Understands and interprets research protocols and procedures.
• Participates in the publication of significant results.
• Advances expertise through continued education, training, and research.
• Maintains an overview of relevant research findings.
• Ensures all research is undertaken according to good research practice.
• Stays abreast of developments in the field which may impact department functions.
• Provides guidance, mentorship, and oversight to junior research staff and students.
• Adheres to University and unit-level policies and procedures and safeguards University assets.

Qualifications

• Education: Master's degree in relevant field required.
• Experience: Minimum 1 Year Of Relevant Experience Required.
• Certification and Licensing: Required Technical Competencies Refer to department description for applicable certification requirements.
• Candidates must demonstrate hands-on experience with multiple of the following: Tissue culture and basic cell culture techniques Microscopy (e.g., fluorescence, brightfield imaging) ELISA and plate-based assays RT-qPCR and nucleic acid quantification DNA and RNA isolation and purification Protein-based assays (e.g., Western blotting) Multiplex assay platforms Sample preparation for mass spectrometry (MS/MS) General molecular biology and biochemical laboratory techniques.

Key Responsibilities

• Research Coordination, Implementation, and Leadership: Serves as lead coordinator for community-based and clinic-based studies focused on cancer. Monitors data integrity and ensures that all project activities adhere to protocol and regulatory requirements. Works closely with Principal Investigators and managers to develop and refine study protocols, data collection instruments, recruitment plans, and timelines. Acts as the primary point of contact for internal and external stakeholders, including collaborators, principal investigators, and regulatory staff. Oversees study implementation across multiple community and clinical sites. Coordinates project timelines, staffing plans, and site logistics. Collaborates with investigators on protocol adaptations and operational planning.
• Participant and Community Engagement: Conducts periodic performance assessments and supports the professional development of team members. Assists managers with study launch, monitors milestones, and ensures seamless communication between internal teams and external partners.
• Data Collection Documentation and Quality Assurance: Leads data management efforts, including database design, quality control, integrity monitoring, and qualitative analysis. Coordinates the work of entry-level research associates to ensure data is being collected effectively for assigned research studies. Prepares enrollment summaries, interim reports, and final project deliverables for internal use and reporting to SCCC managers. If certified/trained in phlebotomy, performs venipuncture and collects laboratory samples in accordance with study protocols. Prepares documentation for sponsor audits and monitoring visits. Conducts and oversees interviews and focus groups.
• Administrative & Operational Duties: Monitors study supply inventory and assist Senior Research Associates with ordering study-related supplies. If certified/trained in phlebotomy, performs venipuncture blood collections and collects laboratory samples 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. Supports manuscript preparations, abstract submissions, and conference logistics.
• Training and Team Integration: Engage in professional development and learning activities to enhance research capabilities. Collaborates with multidisciplinary team members to ensure timely and high-quality execution of research activities. Training and supervision of lower-level research associates and research trainees. Supports managers with team onboarding and continuing education activities. Provides project-specific guidance and oversees quality control for field and office activities. Ensures consistency and standardization of study implementation across the team.
• Supervision and Mentorship: Provides direct supervision, guidance, and mentorship to junior research staff, including Research Associate 1 and 2 and Research Support Specialist team members. Provide training on research methods, data collection tools, community engagement best practices, and regulatory compliance. Serves as study lead on multiple research projects, coordinating all aspects of protocol implementation. Acts as the primary point of contact for internal and external stakeholders, including collaborators, sponsors, and regulatory offices.