Research Associate, Clinical Research, Research Scientist

The University of Miami/UHealth Department of Public Health has an exciting opportunity for a full time Research Associate 2 to work in Miami, FL  The University of Miami Miller School of Medicine is seeking an enthusiastic and highly motivated Research Associate 2 to join a dynamic, multidisciplinary team conducting translational laboratory and population health research. The incumbent will support the Diversity and Innovation in Screening and Prevention of Exposure over the Long-term (DISPEL) to Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) prospective cohort study, which investigates occupational and environmental exposures to cyanobacterial harmful algal blooms and their potential short- and long-term effects on human health and the firefighter studies collecting biological and environmental samples.

This position offers the opportunity to contribute to meaningful, community-engaged research integrating participant recruitment, biospecimen and environmental sample collection, laboratory sampling processing and coordination, and longitudinal health assessment to advance the understanding and prevention of HAB-related health risks.  
** Core

Job Functions:

*** Performs specialized and complex experiments/studies.
* Participates in the publication of significant research results.
* Advances expertise through education, training, and research. Writes extramural grants/proposals to gain support when appropriate.
* Collects, prepares, analyzes, dissects, and evaluates specimens and tissue cultures.
* Weighs and anesthetizes laboratory animals for experiments.
* Operates sensitive and highly complex laboratory equipment.
* Performs calculations to complete research test results.
* Performs photography and dark room processing.
* Participates in training sessions and workshops.
* Adheres to University and unit-level policies and procedures and safeguards University assets.  
** Department Specific Functions:
*** Supports the Diversity and Innovation in Screening and Prevention of Exposure over the Long-term (DISPEL) to Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) prospective cohort study, which evaluates environmental and occupational exposures and potential short- and long-term health effects among Florida residents, workers, and visitors.
* Support the Firefighter Cancer Initiative with environmental and biological sampling processing.
* Collects, labels, processes, packages, stores, and ships biological specimens and environmental samples, including microbiome and water samples, according to study protocols, biosafety requirements, and chain-of-custody procedures.
* Conducts or assists with pulmonary function testing and other standardized participant measurements; prepares, calibrates, cleans, and maintains study equipment and associated logs.
* Coordinates field visits at community and outdoor locations throughout Florida, including preparation of sampling kits, transport of supplies, maintenance of inventories, and return of samples to designated laboratories.
* Performs routine quality-control reviews of study data, consent documentation, participant tracking records, and specimen inventories; identifies and resolves discrepancies with the study team.
* Recruits, screens, consents, enrolls, and retains research participants in accordance with Institutional Review Board (IRB)-approved protocols and study procedures.
* Schedules and coordinates baseline and longitudinal study visits, follow-up contacts, participant reminders, field activities, and community-based recruitment events.
* Administers study questionnaires and standardized exposure and health assessments and accurately records study data in REDCap and other approved systems.
* Maintains regulatory and study documentation, including current consent materials, protocol files, training records, deviations, and confidentiality safeguards, in compliance with University, HIPAA, and sponsor requirements.
* Communicates professionally and responsively with participants, community partners, investigators, laboratories, and collaborating institutions to support timely completion of study activities.
* Assists with the development and implementation of standard operating procedures, recruitment materials, training resources, progress reports, presentations, abstracts, manuscripts, and grant-related materials.
* Trains and provides day-to-day guidance to students and research personnel on approved study procedures and performs other duties consistent with the needs of the DISPEL to HABs cohort study.  
** This list of duties…