Senior Research Associate

Vanderbilt University•Nashville, TN

5d•Onsite

About The Position

The Senior Research Associate/ Project Director is a key leadership position within the Peredo Lab in the Department of Special Education at Vanderbilt University. This individual will serve as the Project Director for an NIH Phase 1 clinical trial investigating a naturalistic developmental behavioral intervention (NDBI) approach for Latino families. The Senior Research Associate is a full-time term position responsible for overall research protocol implementation, team leadership, and successful execution of all project objectives in accordance with Vanderbilt Institutional Review Board (IRB) regulations, federal and sponsor regulations and guidelines, NIH guidelines, Vanderbilt Policies, and research protocols. The Senior Research Associate reports directly to the Principal Investigator. The Senior Research Associate will direct all aspects of project operations, including leading and training a multidisciplinary research team (data coders, interventionists, data manager, and assessors), implementing culturally and linguistically adapted intervention protocols, coordinating participant recruitment and retention, conducting caregiver coaching sessions, overseeing data collection and quality assurance, and leading dissemination activities including peer reviewed manuscripts and conference presentations. This position requires advanced expertise in NDBI approaches, bilingual competency in Spanish and English, and demonstrated success in coaching Latino parents on evidence-based early intervention strategies. Note: The anticipated duration of this role is 5 years and is dependent on continuing availability of funding. Work hours are flexible and based on research participant appointments and team leadership needs, which are scheduled at all times of day, including morning, afternoon, late afternoon, evening, and/or weekends.

Requirements

Doctoral degree (PhD or equivalent) is required.
Degree in fields such as Speech-Language Pathology, Psychology, Special Education, Neuroscience, or related field is strongly preferred.
Certification for human subjects research is required.
Minimum 2 years of experience directing and implementing research projects with demonstrated ability to manage timelines, budgets, and team personnel
Proficiency in bilingual (Spanish-English) communication, with ability to conduct clinical assessments and caregiver coaching in both languages
Demonstrated experience coaching and supporting Latino families and caregivers on evidence-based early intervention strategies
Advanced proficiency with REDCap database management, including database design, data validation, user access management, and troubleshooting
Strong experience with Microsoft Office Suite and statistical software (e.g., SPSS, R, or equivalent)
Demonstrated expertise in NDBI approaches and early childhood intervention with ability to model and train others
Ability to work collaboratively with diverse families and multidisciplinary research teams
Excellent written and verbal communication skills with ability to prepare research reports and present findings
Demonstrated ability to publish peer-reviewed manuscripts
Ability to lift and carry materials, walk across campus daily, and stand for extended periods
Access to reliable personal transportation for participant coordination and materials collection

Nice To Haves

Current State Licensure as a Speech-Language Pathologist is a plus.
Advanced training or certification in NDBI approaches (e.g., Early Start Denver Model, Project ImPACT, Enhanced Milieu Teaching or Enhanced Milieu Teaching en Español or equivalent) is strongly preferred.
Certification as a Speech-Language Pathologist (CCC-SLP)
Expertise in augmentative and alternative communication (AAC)
Prior experience with intervention fidelity measurement and coaching
Prior experience with NIH-funded research or clinical trials
Publication record in peer-reviewed journals
Experience with single-case research designs and data analysis
Cultural competency training and demonstrated commitment to health equity
Completion of ADOS training

Responsibilities

Lead, mentor, and supervise a multidisciplinary research team including data coders, interventionists, and assessors
Develop and implement standardized training protocols for all team members on NDBI approaches, intervention fidelity, and assessment administration
Conduct regular fidelity checks and provide ongoing coaching and feedback to ensure research protocol adherence and staff competency
Maintain detailed documentation of all staff training and certifications
Serve as the primary point of contact for all aspects of the NIH Phase 1 clinical trial
Develop, implement, and monitor project timelines, ensuring all NIH-mandated deliverables and milestones are met
Manage project budgets and expenditures in collaboration with administrative staff
Prepare regular progress reports for the Principal Investigator and NIH program officer
Oversee all participant recruitment strategies and ensure equitable outreach to Latino communities
Implement and coordinate participant enrollment procedures ensuring compliance with IRB protocols
Implement retention procedures and conduct ongoing informed consent processes
Maintain comprehensive participant databases and tracking systems
Coordinate participant scheduling and ensure no-show follow-up procedures
Lead focus groups and community advisory board feedback sessions
Independently administer NDBI-based coaching to Latino parents/caregivers in Spanish
Adapt intervention delivery to meet individual family needs while maintaining fidelity to the research protocol
Model evidence-based interaction strategies and provide real-time feedback to parents
Document intervention sessions and maintain fidelity ratings
Develop culturally sensitive, family-centered intervention plans in collaboration with caregivers
Oversee all data collection activities, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and timeliness
Manage REDCap database development, maintenance, and quality assurance
Prepare data reports and provide regular data quality summaries to the PI
Ensure all research activities comply with Federal regulations and guidelines governing the protection of human subjects
Maintain current knowledge of evolving federal and sponsor regulations
Coordinate with the IRB and institutional compliance offices as needed
Ensure appropriate documentation of all human subjects protections protocols
Conduct regular team meetings on compliance and protocol adherence
Lead in manuscript preparation and research dissemination efforts
Present findings at professional conferences and meetings
Read professional journals and remain current on evidence-based practices in early intervention and NDBI
Contribute to grant writing and funding applications as needed