Post Doctoral Associate

University of Miami • Coral Gables, FL

2d • Onsite

About The Position

Conducts independent and collaborative research on specific areas of study as assigned. Prepares research manuscripts for publication. Maintains substantial knowledge of state-of-the-art principles and theories relevant to the lab’s program of research. Applies advanced analytical models and provides solutions and analyses to support research projects. Adheres to University and unit-level policies and procedures and safeguards University assets. Collaborates with other researchers to carry out research studies and develop research products. Contributes to research activities and authors scientific publications. Writes sections of extramural research proposals. Applies for grants to continue research and prepares materials for submission to granting agencies and foundations. Mentor and supervise graduate and undergraduate students as needed. This list of duties and responsibilities is not intended to be all-inclusive and may be expanded to include other duties or responsibilities as necessary.

The Postdoctoral Associate will support research activities under the direction of a PI (Audrey Harkness, PhD) or designee of the PI. Dr. Harkness’ research team uses implementation and behavioral science to address HIV and behavioral health (mental health/substance use) disparities affecting key populations affected by the HIV epidemic, with a focus on Latino men who have sex with men. The position is full-time and in-person at the School of Nursing and Health Studies at the Coral Gables campus of University of Miami.

Ongoing projects the Postdoctoral Associate could support include: JUNTOS: This R34 funded study requires data cleaning and analytic support. The project involved a pilot RCT with HIV test counselors and Latino MSM who were randomized to one of two implementation strategies to improve their engagement in PrEP, PEP, and/or HIV treatment. The Postdoctoral Associate will be asked to assist with data cleaning, creation of a study codebook, data analysis, and manuscript preparation for quantitative and qualitative data associated with the trial. The Postdoctoral Associate may also have opportunities to lead secondary analyses. SOMOS Alianza: This ongoing R01 study is currently in Year 2. Under supervision from the PI and the lead scientist for the SOMOS Alianza project, the Postdoctoral Associate will be asked to support data analysis, data collection, and other duties as assigned relevant to project goals. The Postdoctoral Associate may also be asked to assist with manuscript preparation and have opportunities to lead secondary data analyses. LGBTQ-Affirmative CBT Implementation Trial: This ongoing R01 study is led by colleagues at Yale University, which is evaluating the impact of various implementation strategies for improving the reach, adoption, implementation, and maintenance of LGBTQ-affirmative CBT in community settings. There may be opportunities for secondary analyses.

Beyond these ongoing projects, the REACH team is very active and includes students and staff. The Postdoctoral Associate may have opportunities to support other ongoing projects (applicants are encouraged to review our website for other active projects: https://www.sonhs.miami.edu/research/reach-equity-team/index.html ) and new projects. Other opportunities could include assisting with our Community Advisory Board, helping with student/staff mentorship and supervision, and more.

Responsibilities of the Postdoctoral Associate are expected to shift over time with the needs of the lab. For example, early responsibilities will include data cleaning and analysis for manuscripts, but are likely to shift to project coordination and support as new projects are funded. The Postdoctoral Associate will be mentored by the PI and encouraged to utilize resources to support their career development (e.g., UM’s Center for HIV and Research in Mental Health hosts implementation science training programs that will be available for the incumbent to complete). Submission of grant proposals, as aligned with the incumbent’s career goals, is also highly encouraged and will be mentored by the PI.

Requirements

• Ph.D. or other doctoral degree in relevant field (e.g., public health, psychology, communications, health services research, implementation science)
• Prior experience working on NIH funded studies during doctoral training or as a research assistant/coordinator
• Experience with project management/coordination
• Experience with manuscript preparation
• Skill in collecting, organizing, and analyzing data.
• Ability to prepare high quality drafts of manuscripts and grant proposals.
• Ability to recognize, analyze, and solve a variety of problems.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment in making critical decisions.
• Excellent time management and organizational skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to work in a collaborative, team science environment
• Ability to be self-directed while also being open to feedback and supervision

Nice To Haves

• Certification or advanced training in implementation science is a plus
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) – very strongly preferred
• Have received formal training in implementation science (e.g., graduate level courses, fellowships, etc.) and/or HIV/mental health research preferred but not required
• Have experience conducting implementation research
• Proactive and solutions oriented
• Detail oriented and methodical

Responsibilities

• Conducts independent and collaborative research on specific areas of study as assigned.
• Prepares research manuscripts for publication.
• Maintains substantial knowledge of state-of-the-art principles and theories relevant to the lab’s program of research.
• Applies advanced analytical models and provides solutions and analyses to support research projects.
• Adheres to University and unit-level policies and procedures and safeguards University assets.
• Collaborates with other researchers to carry out research studies and develop research products.
• Contributes to research activities and authors scientific publications.
• Writes sections of extramural research proposals.
• Applies for grants to continue research and prepares materials for submission to granting agencies and foundations.
• Mentor and supervise graduate and undergraduate students as needed.
• Assist with data cleaning, creation of a study codebook, data analysis, and manuscript preparation for quantitative and qualitative data associated with the trial.
• Support data analysis, data collection, and other duties as assigned relevant to project goals.
• Assist with manuscript preparation and have opportunities to lead secondary data analyses.
• Assist with Community Advisory Board
• Help with student/staff mentorship and supervision

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree