Research Associate, Research Scientist, Research Assistant​/Associate

Oct 07, 2026

POSITION OBJECTIVE

The Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, seeks a highly motivated and experienced Research Associate to support and advance clinical and translational research programs in rheumatology. The Research Associate will work closely with the Principal Investigator (PI) and multidisciplinary research teams to design, conduct, analyze, and disseminate clinical research focused on rheumatologic diseases.

The position requires a strong background in rheumatology, clinical research methodology, and statistical analysis. The Research Associate will independently manage assigned research projects from study development through data analysis, abstract and manuscript preparation, presentation, and dissemination. The individual will use statistical methods and software, including IBM SPSS Statistics, to analyze clinical research data and generate publication-quality tables and figures.

Under the direction of the PI, the Research Associate will contribute to the development of new research questions, study designs, analytical strategies, and collaborative research initiatives. The Research Associate will communicate regularly with the PI and collaborating departments, provide recommendations regarding study design and analytical methodology, and ensure that research projects progress efficiently and are completed according to established timelines.

The Research Associate will also contribute to scientific presentations, peer-reviewed publications, and grant applications, including the development of preliminary data and research materials to support new funding opportunities. The position requires a high level of scientific integrity, attention to detail, independence, collaboration, and commitment to responsible conduct of research.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Plan, conduct, and interpret statistical analyses for clinical and translational research projects developed by the PI. Participate in the design and implementation of new studies and, when appropriate, independently develop research questions, experiments, and analytical approaches in collaboration with the PI. Manage assigned research projects from study initiation through data analysis and dissemination. Monitor project progress, identify potential challenges or barriers, and provide regular updates and recommendations to the PI.

Collaborate with faculty, research staff, bioinformatics personnel, and other departments to facilitate study completion. Interpret research findings and provide scientifically sound recommendations regarding study design, statistical methodology, and analytical strategies. Ensure that research activities are conducted with scientific rigor, accuracy, and adherence to institutional policies and responsible conduct of research. (30%)

2. Assist the PI in developing novel areas of clinical and translational research within rheumatology. Independently identify opportunities for new research questions, hypotheses, and analytical approaches. Apply appropriate statistical methods to clinical research datasets using IBM SPSS Statistics and other analytical tools as needed. Collaborate with investigators and research teams to develop innovative approaches to clinical research. Contribute to database development, data management, quality control, and interpretation of complex clinical datasets.

Evaluate and recommend appropriate analytical methodologies based on the research question, study design, and available data. (30%)

3. Prepare abstracts for submission to national and international rheumatology and scientific meetings. Present research findings at departmental research meetings, scientific conferences, seminars, and other academic forums. Prepare manuscripts for submission to peer-reviewed scientific journals. Develop publication-quality tables, figures, and other research materials. Contribute to grant applications through development and analysis of preliminary data, research summaries, figures, and other supporting materials.

Collaborate with the PI and other investigators in communicating research findings to scientific and clinical audiences. (20%)

4. Independently develop and execute research projects under the overall guidance of the PI. Assemble, clean, analyze, and interpret research data. Generate publication-quality figures,…