The B.R.E.A.T.H. lab, is seeking a qualified applicant for a part-time coordinator at the Research Associate 1 level. The position is anticipated to begin on or before March 1st, 2024, pending human subject research certification at the University of Miami and continue pending performance. The associate’s primary job responsibility will be to coordinate research participants visits to the University of Miami Coral Gables, and Downtown Medical Campuses.
The coordinator will recruit and schedule participants, assist with collection of laboratory- or EMA-based biomarker data, perform neurocognitive assessments and neuropsychiatric interviews. The associate will also be heavily involved in neuroimaging and pychophysiology data quality control and data analysis. There is opportunity to gain academic/career advancement through the collaborative submission of grants and scientific research reports.
This role requires solid problem-solving skills, an ability to communicate expectations, and an attentive focus to timelines. The associate will also assist with advancing other BREATH lab objectives. The principal investigator provides initial objectives, deadlines, and specific instructions for tasks. Work will be reviewed upon completion and occasionally to be verified for technical accuracy and compliance. The following is a description of the specific job responsibilities for this position.
Patient Supervision:
· Conducting interviews and performing neurocognitive assessments., (either in person or virtual).
· Coordinating study visits and assessments and supervision of participants (either in person or virtual).
· Supervise participant during magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), phlebotomy, and psychophysiological assessment.
Lab Management:
· Assistance with different phases of research conducted in the BREATH lab including: subject recruitment, screening; obtaining informed consent; interviewing; obtaining medical records; administering assessments and scheduling appointments.
· Collecting and transferring biospecimens between Coral Gables campus to the UM medical campus for laboratory analysis; retrieval of data.
· Manage lab/study budget and inventory including ordering supplies and services ensuring that they are necessary, reasonable and project related; orders and maintains inventory of study supplies.
Research:
· Participate in the collection, processing and analysis of biological specimens (blood via venipuncture and saliva), electrocardiogram, blood pressure, respiratory frequency and brain imaging protocols while assuring quality control.
· Multimodal data management; may assist in manuscript preparation, (i.e., reviewing, analyzing, interpreting, summarizing, formatting, editing as well as preparation of tables, figures, progress and final reports, etc.
· Assist with the supervision of undergraduate research assistants. Attend research meetings and pertinent training opportunities offered by the University of Miami. Make sure that safety and standard operation procedures are adhered to.
Additional responsibilities/job duties
Travel with own transportation to an- and off-campus sites including participant’s homes, outpatient centers, and clinical laboratories.
Securely handling human biospecimens (blood/saliva).
Must be outgoing and comfortable with speaking to/approaching participants of diverse backgrounds.
Make phone calls to contact participants to set up appointments for assessments and retention purposes.
Administer questionnaires for data collection for studies and follow-up.
Must be available to work flexible hours, (i.e., weekends).
Minimum Qualifications:
· A bachelor’s degree in a psychology, nursing or allied health area.
· 2 year practical research or related experience is preferred
· Must be eligible to complete UM’s IRB CITI training.
· Excellent oral and written English communication skills.
· Data management/analysis experience.
· Certified phlebotomist or eligible to become certified.
Preferred Qualifications:
· Experience with budget management.
· Ability to work with UM Health Systems to recruit from clinics & wider Miami-Dade community residents.
· Experience using online data collection platforms, e.g., REDCap or Uride;
· Ability to manage undergraduate research assistants in a small research lab.
· Experience with performing biological assays.
