Senior Research Associate

Position Overview

The Senior Research Associate will be responsible for planning, designing, and conducting complex research projects independently and in collaboration with investigators. The role requires substantial expertise, initiative, and innovation in addressing scientific questions and developing solutions to complex research problems.

Key Responsibilities

• Scientific Leadership & Study Design
• Plans, designs, and executes complex behavioral and clinical research studies
• Contributes to the development of new research questions, methodologies, and analytic approaches
• Exercises considerable independence in determining research objectives and strategies
• Data Analysis & Interpretation
• Identifies, compiles, and evaluates data sources and relevant background literature
• Analyzes complex datasets using appropriate statistical and computational methods
• Interprets findings and contributes to high-impact manuscripts, reports, and presentations
• Stays current with emerging methodologies and incorporates them into ongoing research
• Research Operations & Collaboration
• Collaborates with multidisciplinary teams across USC and external institutions
• Supports coordination of research activities across multiple studies and sites
• Ensures alignment between scientific goals and project implementation
• Mentorship & Team Leadership
• Provides guidance and oversight to research staff, coordinators, and student trainees
• Supports training in research methods, data analysis, and study procedures
• Contributes to a collaborative and intellectually rigorous research environment
• Financial & Administrative Responsibilities
• Assists with budget preparation and financial oversight in collaboration with the PI
• Manages procurement, reimbursements, vendor coordination, and financial tracking
• Liaises with university administrative offices to ensure compliance with institutional policies

Minimum Qualifications

• PhD or equivalent in psychology, public health, biostatistics, or a related field
• Minimum 3 years of relevant experience in academic or clinical research settings, including independent project contributions
• Advanced knowledge of research design, statistical analysis, and data interpretation
• Experience managing complex research projects and contributing to scientific publications

Required Skills

• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and work independently
• Ability to work collaboratively with investigators, staff, and institutional partners
• Familiarity with research compliance, quality assurance, and data management processes
• Ability to follow established USC and department policies, procedures, objectives, performance improvement, attendance, safety, environmental, and infection control guidelines, including adherence to the workplace Code of Conduct and Compliance Plan.