Director, Research Support (ECHO Project)

University of Miami•Coral Gables, FL

23h•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
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
Experience in managing large-scale maternal-child health and/or health disparities research

Responsibilities

Provide overall leadership, oversight, and execution of the ECHO study, ensuring alignment with NIH protocols, study timelines, and performance expectations.
Develop and implement strategic plans to support ECHO study goals, including coordination of multi-site clinical, laboratory, and data activities.
Oversee research activities to ensure adherence to ECHO study protocols, regulatory requirements (NIH, IRB, GCP), and quality standards.
Collaborate with research staff, clinical teams, and institutional partners to coordinate ECHO study execution and resolve operational challenges.
Monitor ECHO study progress, participant recruitment, retention, and follow-up activities, identifying barriers and implementing solutions to achieve milestones.
Oversee ECHO data collection, management, and reporting processes, collaborating with the Data Manager to ensure data integrity, quality control, and compliance.
Support preparation and development of ECHO scientific outputs, including manuscripts, reports, and presentations, and participate in local and national ECHO meetings.
Coordinate ECHO regulatory activities, including IRB submissions, protocol implementation, adherence to institutional and federal requirements, and audit readiness.
Serve as a liaison between the University of Miami site and national ECHO program leadership.
Provide operational oversight of the SONHS biobehavioral laboratory, supporting ECHO and faculty research initiatives.
Oversee biospecimen collection, processing, storage, and shipment within the SONHS laboratory environment, ensuring compliance with biosafety standards and laboratory protocols.
Provide leadership and direction to research staff and managers supporting laboratory and research infrastructure functions within the school, including training, onboarding, and development.
Coordinate laboratory integration with school research operations to maintain operational efficiency and continuity.
Support development and maintenance of research infrastructure, laboratory systems, and operational processes within SONHS, including SOPs and compliance documentation.
Support faculty research by translating study design into executable laboratory workflows, evaluating feasibility, and establishing operational workflows.
Stay current with developments in the field and integrate relevant advancements into laboratory and research operations.
Adhere to University and unit-level policies and procedures and safeguard University assets.