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The Research Associate 1 supports research activities under the direction of a principal investigator (Audrey Harkness, PhD) or designee of the principal investigator. Dr. Harkness leads the REACH (Research Engagement and Community Health) Equity Team which is focused on addressing 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 (MSM). 

The position is full-time and in-person at the School of Nursing and Health Studies at the Coral Gables campus of the University of Miami.

CORE JOB FUNCTIONS                                                                                           

Understands, interprets, creates, and follows research protocols and procedures. Conducts literature searches as requested by the PI. Ensures all research is undertaken according to good research practice and in compliance with lab and IRB approved protocols. Collects data, recruits and retains participants in research studies, performs basic statistical analysis of collected data (as needed), facilitates various aspects of study participation such as scheduling appointments, consenting, and documenting completion of study visits. Communicates with all members of the research team on a daily basis to provide study updates. Keeps abreast of current publications relative to methods, techniques, and developments within the area of research. Participates in the publication of significant results. Adheres to University and unit-level policies and procedures and safeguards to University assets.

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.

CORE QUALIFICATIONS                                                                                        

Education:

Bachelor’s Degree in relevant field (e.g., psychology, public health, health studies, sociology, nursing, or other related fields)

Certification and Licensing:

Not Applicable

Experience:

Prior research lab experience preferred but not required

Knowledge, Skills and Attitudes:

Skills in interacting in-person, via phone/text/email with local community members.Skill in completing assignments accurately and with attention to detail.Ability to analyze, organize and prioritize work under pressure while meeting deadlines.Ability to process and handle confidential information with discretion.Ability to work evenings, nights, and weekends as necessary.Commitment to the University’s core values.Ability to work independently and/or in a collaborative environment.

DEPARTMENT ADDENDUM

The Research Associate 1 (RA1) will support the following projects:

Dime Más: This project is a pilot trial. We are comparing three conditions to determine which strategy is best for improving the reach of PrEP, HIV testing, and behavioral health treatment to Latino MSM. The first condition is “Dime Más.” Latino MSM participants who are randomized to Dime Más receive intensive outreach from our community partner (Care Resource). The second condition is “Oye Miami.” Oye Miami is a website that shows real stories of local Latino MSM talking about their experiences with PrEP, HIV testing, or behavioral health services. The third condition is a referral sheet to help participants find local services. The RA1 would help screen, consent, and maintain participant engagement throughout the study. The RA1 would also support the recruitment of Latino MSM into the study by disseminating recruitment materials via online social/sexual networking apps/websites, sharing information via local listservs, and attending local community events, clubs, and venues.

JUNTOS Referral Network: JUNTOS is a website/app that is a centralized database of South Florida HIV prevention and treatment services, tailored to the needs of Latino MSM. We have a grant to pilot test JUNTOS as a strategy to improve the reach of HIV prevention and treatment services to Latino MSM. For the pilot, we are recruiting HIV test counselors and will randomly assign them to either get the JUNTOS tool (experimental condition) or a referral list (control condition). Counselors will then enroll Latino MSM testing clients into the trial. The RA1 would help screen, consent, and maintain participant engagement throughout the study. The RA1 would also support the recruitment of HIV test counselors by attending community events and coordinating with local HIV organizations (e.g., attending staff meetings, online dissemination of study information, etc.).

REACH Equity Team Overall Support: The RA1 may be asked to provide general support to the REACH Equity Team such as research team meeting coordination, support with onboarding student volunteers, scheduling participants, tracking participants through all stages of the research, data collection and management, maintaining the lab website, identifying recruitment events, and other support tasks as needed. This may also include supporting new studies as they are funded and supporting our Community Advisory Board, comprised of Latino MSM.

Department Specific Functions

Recruit, screen, enroll, and consent prospective participants for research studies following detailed protocols and documenting all data collected accurately within REDCap.Contribute to applied research activities by collecting and analyzing data, maintaining databases, etc.Carry out research activities in accordance with IRB approved protocols.Assist with developing and implementing standard operating procedures for projects.Support the maintenance of a lab website to ensure that ongoing projects are publicly accessible and accurately represented.Assist with preparing materials for IRB review and processing materials that have been IRB approved.Ensure all research is undertaken according to good research practice and guidance.Assist lab manager in interfacing with individuals who are supporting recruitment for specific projects such as hired consultants and contracted community organizations.Support recruitment efforts (e.g., developing recruitment materials, conducting active community outreach – e.g., by identifying and visiting events, venues, and community organizations for recruitment of Latino MSM and HIV test counselors - as requested by supervisor)Assist with participant interviews, focus group, and theater testing coordination and facilitation.Assist in coordinating ongoing relationships and building new relationships with community members (e.g., Latino MSM) and implementation partners (e.g., individuals involved in the delivery of HIV services) to carry out research projects. This includes following up with current and new partners to ensure meaningful participation of community and implementation partners in research activities.Attend lab meetings and project-specific meetings to report on study recruitment, progress, and participant engagement.Speak and write in both English and Spanish for most of the above responsibilities.

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 University of Miami is an Equal Opportunity Employer - Females/Minorities/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities are encouraged to apply. Applicants and employees are protected from discrimination based on certain categories protected by Federal law. Click here for additional information.

Job Status:

Full time

Employee Type:

Staff

Pay Grade:

A5