Director, Research Support (ECHO Project)

University of Miami • Coral Gables, FL

10h • Onsite

About The Position

The Director of Research Operations – ECHO is responsible for the leadership, oversight, and execution of the Environmental Influences on Child Health Outcomes (ECHO) study at the University of Miami. This role provides strategic and operational direction to ensure alignment with NIH protocols, institutional policies, and study objectives. In this capacity, the Director provides direct oversight of ECHO study execution, including clinical operations, data management, regulatory compliance, and multi-site coordination to ensure study performance, data integrity, and adherence to consortium requirements. The position also provides operational oversight of the SONHS biobehavioral laboratory and associated research infrastructure, supporting both ECHO and faculty-led research initiatives. The Director ensures integration of laboratory, clinical, and research operations, maintaining compliance, operational continuity, and long-term sustainability of the school’s research environment.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in relevant field
• Minimum 5 years of relevant experience.
• The candidate must be fluent in English and Spanish
• Knowledge of clinical research operations, laboratory processes, and regulatory requirements
• Ability to direct, manage, and evaluate complex research programs
• Ability to coordinate multidisciplinary teams across clinical, laboratory, and data domains
• Strong understanding of NIH-funded research and human subjects research regulations
• Ability to analyze and solve complex operational and research-related problems
• Strong organizational, analytical, and communication skills
• Ability to work independently and manage competing priorities in a dynamic research environment

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree or PhD in relevant field, preferred
• preference will be given to individuals with experience in managing large-scale maternal-child health and/or health disparities research.

Responsibilities

• Provides leadership and oversight of ECHO study operations to ensure successful execution of research objectives, timelines, and deliverables.
• Develops and implements strategic plans to support ECHO study goals, including coordination of multi-site clinical, laboratory, and data activities.
• Oversees research activities to ensure adherence to ECHO study protocols, regulatory requirements, and quality standards.
• Collaborates with research staff, clinical teams, and institutional partners to coordinate ECHO study execution and resolve operational challenges.
• Monitors ECHO study progress, identifies barriers to performance, and implement solutions to maintain alignment with study milestones.
• Oversee ECHO data collection, management, and reporting processes to ensure data integrity and compliance with NIH and institutional standards.
• Supports preparation and development of ECHO scientific outputs, including manuscripts, reports, and presentations.
• Coordinates ECHO regulatory activities, including IRB submissions, protocol implementation, and adherence to institutional and federal requirements.
• Serves as a liaison between the University of Miami site and national ECHO program leadership to ensure alignment with study expectations and requirements.
• Provides oversight of biobehavioral laboratory operations supporting school-based research activities, including ECHO and faculty studies.
• Provides oversight of biospecimen collection, processing, storage, and shipment within the SONHS laboratory environment.
• Ensures compliance with biosafety standards, laboratory protocols, and regulatory requirements related to human subjects’ research and laboratory operations.
• Provides leadership and direction to research staff and managers supporting laboratory and research infrastructure functions within the school.
• Coordinates laboratory integration with school research operations to maintain operational efficiency and continuity.
• Supports development and maintenance of research infrastructure, laboratory systems, and operational processes within SONHS.
• Stays current with developments in the field and integrates relevant advancements into laboratory and research operations.
• Adheres to University and unit-level policies and procedures and safeguards University assets.

Benefits

• The University of Miami is recognized as one of the nation’s premier research institutions and academic health systems and is among the largest employers in South Florida. With more than 20,000 faculty and staff, the University is committed to excellence and guided by a mission to positively impact the lives of students, patients, and communities locally and globally. We are dedicated to fostering a culture where every individual feels valued and empowered to contribute meaningfully. United by shared values, the University community works together to build an environment defined by purpose, collaboration, and service.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees