Sr. Research Associate 2

Core Job Summary

The Senior Research Associate 2, SOM ensures that the operations of the assigned laboratory are efficient and in compliance with applicable guidelines and regulations. Moreover, this employee engages in complex and specialized research activities in furtherance of the University’s research goals and objectives.

Core Job Functions

• 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.

Core Qualifications

• Education: Master's degree in relevant field required.
• Experience: Minimum 1 year of relevant experience required.
• Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
  • Learning Agility: Ability to learn new procedures, technologies, and protocols, and adapt to changing priorities and work demands.
  • Teamwork: Ability to work collaboratively with others and contribute to a team environment.
  • Technical Proficiency: Skilled in using office software, technology, and relevant computer applications.
  • Communication: Strong and clear written and verbal communication skills for interacting with colleagues and stakeholders.

Department Specifics

The Senior Research Associate 2 will play a strategic leadership role in supporting and advancing community-engaged cancer research within the Behavioral and Community-Based Research Shared Resource (BCSR) at the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center. This position is designed for an experienced researcher with a minimum of 1 year of relevant research experience in behavioral science, community-based research, cancer disparities, or public health. This position supports the implementation of high-impact, community-engaged cancer and behavioral health research focused on addressing health disparities. The incumbent brings deep expertise in research coordination, community partnership development, regulatory compliance, and capacity-building for junior staff. As a senior-level professional, the Senior Research Associate 2 leads large-scale, multisite studies and contributes to the strategic direction of BCSR by supporting infrastructure development, fostering new collaborations, and ensuring high standards of research integrity and cultural competence. This is an excellent opportunity for a detail-oriented and mission-driven professional to work at the intersection of research, community engagement, and health equity.

Key Responsibilities

• Research Coordination, Implementation, and Leadership:
  • Serves as lead coordinator for community-based and clinic-based studies focused on cancer prevention, screening, survivorship, and psychosocial outcomes.
  • Recruits, consents, and enrolls eligible research participants following IRB-approved procedures in both community and clinic-based settings to meet the needs of operational demands.
  • Assists BCSR managers to deliver research services and technical assistance for cancer-related projects, including participant recruitment and retention, data collection, survey development, and the creation of culturally appropriate materials.
  • Maintains 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.
  • Coordinates project timelines, staffing plans and site logistics.
  • Coordinates the development of study flyers, outreach materials, and proofreading and reviewing consent forms.
  • Collaborates with investigators on protocol adaptations and operational planning.
  • Marks recruitment progress, study deliverables, and data quality.
  • Participates in conferences, presentations, and trainings to enhance leadership skills and represent the BCSR shared resource inside and outside of the University.
• Participant and Community Engagement:
  • Establishes and sustains a robust network of community stakeholders and partners to support collaborative, community-based research initiatives.
  • Serves as a liaison between Cancer Center investigators and community agencies to ensure cultural competence and trust in the research processes.
  • Conducts periodic performance assessments and supports the professional development of team members.
  • Engages community partners and represents BCSR at events, health fairs, and advisory board meetings.
  • Coordinates and collects feedback from BCSR customers including principal investigators.
  • Buys and sustains long-term relationships with community-based organizations, clinics, and local leaders.
  • Represents BCSR in external collaborations, planning meetings, and health equity initiatives throughout South Florida.
  • Ensures community-facing materials and engagement strategies are culturally appropriate and linguistically inclusive.
  • Aids 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.
  • Conducts qualitative data analysis using NVivo or rapid analysis techniques, or coordinates with analysts/statisticians as needed for project reporting.
  • Coordinates the work of entry level research associates to ensure data is being collected effectively for assigned research studies.
  • Oversees timely entry and maintenance of participant records in electronic systems such as REDCap, VELOS, EPIC, Cerner or Ripple Science and ensures data completeness.
  • 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.
  • Leads and supervises qualitative and mixed-methods data collection, coding, and analysis using NVivo, REDCap, and other platforms.
• Administrative & Operational Duties:
  • Works on scheduling and leading team meetings, preparing agendas, taking detailed meeting minutes, and ensuring follow-up on action items.
  • Monitors study supply inventory and assists 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.
  • Adapts to dynamic project needs, including travel to research sites and occasional evening/weekend work.
  • Supports manuscript preparations, abstract submissions, and conference logistics.
  • Assists managers as a resource for troubleshooting complex research and operational issues across the BCSR team.
  • Participates in proposal development and supports the strategic growth of BCSR services.
• Training and Team Integration:
  • Participates in BCSR-led trainings on research ethics, study implementation, and community engagement.
  • Engages 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.
  • Trains 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.
  • Assists BCSR Managers with staff onboarding and continuing education efforts focused on ethical research conduct, data management, and community-based methodologies.
  • Serves as the primary point of contact for internal and external stakeholders, including collaborators, sponsors, and regulatory offices.
• 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.
  • Provides 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.

Minimum Qualifications

• Education: Master's degree in Public Health, Behavioral Science, Psychology, Sociology, Epidemiology, or a related field required.
• Experience: Minimum 1 year of relevant experience required.
• Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
  • Learning Agility: Ability to learn new procedures, technologies, and protocols, and adapt to changing priorities and work demands.
  • Teamwork: Ability to work collaboratively with others and contribute to a team environment.
  • Technical Proficiency: Skilled in using office software, technology, and relevant computer applications.
  • Communication: Strong and clear written and verbal communication skills for interacting with colleagues and stakeholders.

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong organizational and project management skills with the ability to multitask across several studies.
• Excellent interpersonal communication skills and cultural competency.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in multidisciplinary teams.
• Willingness to work a flexible schedule including weekend and evenings, and travel for research studies as needed.
• Bilingual in English and Spanish or Creole.
• Phlebotomy certified and trained or willingness to obtain phlebotomy certification and training.

Salary and Benefits

The University of Miami offers competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, tuition remission and more.