Senior Research Associate
About The Position
The Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the University of Southern California is seeking a Senior Research Associate to support NIH- and foundation-funded clinical research programs focused on behavioral health, substance use, and mental health intervention development. Working under the supervision of Dr. Mark Prince, Associate Professor and Director of My Mental Health Data Analysis and Dissemination, this position plays a central role in advancing complex, multi-project research initiatives. This role is designed for an experienced researcher who can independently lead scientific and analytic components of projects, contribute to methodological innovation, and provide leadership within a collaborative research environment.
Requirements
- PhD or equivalent in psychology, public health, biostatistics, or a related field
- Minimum 3 years of relevant experience in academic or clinical research settings, including independent project contributions
- Advanced knowledge of research design, statistical analysis, and data interpretation
- Experience managing complex research projects and contributing to scientific publications
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and work independently
- Ability to work collaboratively with investigators, staff, and institutional partners
- Familiarity with research compliance, quality assurance, and data management processes
- Ability to follow established USC and department policies, procedures, objectives, performance improvement, attendance, safety, environmental, and infection control guidelines, including adherence to the workplace Code of Conduct and Compliance Plan.
Responsibilities
- Plans, designs, and executes complex behavioral and clinical research studies
- Contributes to the development of new research questions, methodologies, and analytic approaches
- Exercises considerable independence in determining research objectives and strategies
- Identifies, compiles, and evaluates data sources and relevant background literature
- Analyzes complex datasets using appropriate statistical and computational methods
- Interprets findings and contribute to high-impact manuscripts, reports, and presentations
- Stays current with emerging methodologies and incorporate them into ongoing research
- Collaborates with multidisciplinary teams across USC and external institutions
- Supports coordination of research activities across multiple studies and sites
- Ensures alignment between scientific goals and project implementation
- Provides guidance and oversight to research staff, coordinators, and student trainees
- Supports training in research methods, data analysis, and study procedures
- Contributes to a collaborative and intellectually rigorous research environment
- Assists with budget preparation and financial oversight in collaboration with the PI
- Manages procurement, reimbursements, vendor coordination, and financial tracking
- Liaises with university administrative offices to ensure compliance with institutional policies
Benefits
- excellent benefits and perks
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
Education Level
Ph.D. or professional degree
