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The B.R.E.A.T.H. lab is seeking a qualified applicant for Research Associate 2 position. The research associate will be responsible for supporting the collection and analysis of data from various cognitive and behavioral neuroscience studies. Research support will be particularly dedicated to two NIH-funded projects investigating: 1) neuroimmune targets when treating depression and adherence in HIV and 2) neuroimmune targets involved in ecological momentary assessment of HIV-stigma and associated risk for cardiovascular disease. The RA may work on grant proposals and preparation work for future projects, as well as assist graduate and undergraduate students in neuroscience research. Other major activities include recruitment and scheduling of research participants for MRI, collection of biomarker data, and performing neurocognitive/neuropsychiatric screeners and assessments. There is a rich opportunity to gain academic/career advancement through the collaborative submission of grants and scientific research papers for publication.

This role requires solid problem-solving skills, an ability to communicate expectations, and an attentive focus to timelines. This role could potentially lead to networking opportunities that benefit the research objectives of the lab. Supervisor 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.

Data collection: 33% effort

·  (11%) Conduct screenings, interviews, neurocognitive/neuropsychiatric assessments via electronic and written communication collection devices.

·  (11%) Coordinating study visits and assessments (in person or virtual); retrieving biospecimens from research participants engaged in ecological research.

·  (11%) Supervise participants during research procedures including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), phlebotomy, and psychophysiological assessment.

Lab Management: 33% effort

·  (11%) Assistance with different phases of research conducted in conjunction with the TRIDENT & PSINAPSE studies including: subject recruitment, screening; obtaining informed consent; obtaining medical records; and scheduling appointments.

·  (11%) Collect and transfer biospecimens between the Coral Gables campus to the UM medical campus laboratories. 

·  (11%) Manage lab/study budget and inventory, including purchasing of supplies and services, ensuring that they are necessary, reasonable, and project related; orders and maintains inventory of study supplies.

Research: 33% effort

·  (11%) Make sure that safety and standard operation procedures are followed during biological specimen (blood via venipuncture, saliva, etc.), and biological signal (electrocardiogram, blood pressure, respiratory and neuroimaging) processing and analysis while assuring quality control.

·  (11%) 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).

·  (11%) Assist with the supervision of undergraduate research assistants. Attend research meetings and pertinent training opportunities offered by the University of Miami.  

Minimum Qualifications:

· A bachelor's degree in psychology, nursing, or allied health area + 2 years of experience

·  Must be eligible to complete UM's IRB CITI training.

·  Excellent oral and written communication skills.

·  Data management experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

·  Certified phlebotomist or eligible to become certified.

·  Experience or demonstrated interest in working with patient populations in a research context.

·  Highly proficient with Microsoft Office applications and/or web design.

·  Demonstrated expertise in quantitative methods.

·  Experience using online data collection platforms, e.g., REDCap or Uride;

·  Prior experience or aptitude for advanced functional MRI data analysis (eg. multivariate pattern analysis) and programming/coding skills in traditional software environments (e.g., R, UNIX, Shell, Python, or Matlab).

·  Experience with immunoassay or cell culturing. 

The position will be funded by the Health Division of the Department of Psychology at the University of Miami College of Arts and Sciences. The department and associated medical school are leaders in HIV biobehavioral research and have strong ties with the Clinical Science Translational Institute (CSTI) and Center for AIDS Research (CFAR).  

The University of Miami is an Equal Opportunity Employer - Females/Minorities/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities are encouraged to apply. Applicants and employees are protected from discrimination based on certain categories protected by Federal law. Click here for additional information.

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