Senior Research Associate, Center Discovery and Innovation - CDI

Overview

The Senior Research Associate, CDI will work under the guidance of the Principal Investigator to support a portfolio of behavioral science research focused on cancer prevention and control and population science. This role is central to the design and execution of community and clinic-based research studies, with a particular emphasis on research recruitment, data collection, and study coordination. A key focus will be supporting a new implementation science study examining a patient support tool for individuals with metastatic and triple negative breast cancer.

The Senior Research Associate will work both independently and collaboratively to develop and execute study procedures, ensure protocol fidelity, and advance research aims across active projects. This role will prepare data for presentations, progress reports, manuscripts, and grant applications, and will play an active role in the full cycle of behavioral science research— from participant recruitment and enrollment through data collection, management, and dissemination.

Additionally, this role serves as a primary point of contact for oncologists, clinical teams, and other stakeholders, facilitating meetings to align study goals, recruitment strategies, and implementation plans. The Senior Research Associate communicates study progress, data updates, and findings to clinical teams in a clear and actionable manner, and collaborates with clinical departments to integrate behavioral and implementation science research protocols into real‑world care settings.

This is not a wet lab or bench science position. Candidates with a background in behavioral science, public health, implementation science, health communication, or a related population science discipline are strongly encouraged to apply.

The Center for Discovery and Innovation – CDI was established by Hackensack Meridian Health as an academic basic and translational research enterprise to rapidly translate science innovation to the clinic and to improve outcomes for patients with cancer, infectious diseases, autoimmune disease and other acute and chronic diseases.

• Requisition #
• Shift: Day
• Status:
  Full Time with Benefits

• Conduct research and/or laboratory tasks and experiments under general supervision.
• Collect, analyze and interpret data.
• Create reports from analysis of initial observations and conclusions.
• Recommend changes to experimental protocols, design, and documentation.
• Handle complex issues and problems and refer only the most complex issues to higher level staff.
• Provide coaching and/or mentoring.
• Present findings at national conferences.
• Publish results in reputable peer‑reviewed journals.
• Lead, drive and manage projects, including but not limited to communicating with collaborators.
• Support grant reporting and writing.
• Other duties and/or projects as assigned.
• Adhere to HMH organizational competencies and standards of behavior.

Education,

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required:

• M.D. or Ph.D. from an accredited medical school or graduate level institution in a scientific field or other relevant area of study.
• Minimum of 4 or more years of experience of post‑doctoral research or other applicable research experience in a qualified laboratory in academia or industry.
• Minimum of two peer‑reviewed publications from prior work experience.
• Experience conducting and designing research projects.
• Possesses comprehensive knowledge of subject matter.
• Advanced knowledge of lab specific methodologies and experimental procedures.
• Ability to conduct independent research.
• Ability to work effectively within a team.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficient computer skills that include but are not limited to Microsoft Office and/or Google Suite platforms.

Education,

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Preferred:

• Organization skills with an attention to detail.

Minimum rate of $73,153.60 annually.

In addition to our compensation for full‑time and part‑time (20+ hours/week) positions, HMH offers a comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, vision, paid leave, tuition reimbursement, and retirement benefits.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, breastfeeding, genetic information, refusal to submit to a genetic test or make available to an employer the results of a genetic test, atypical hereditary cellular or blood trait, national origin, nationality, ancestry, disability, marital status, liability for military service, or status as a protected veteran.