Assistant Scientist - Psychology

Current Employees:

If you are a current Staff, Faculty or Temporary employee at the University of Miami, please click here to log in to Workday to use the internal application process. To learn how to apply for a faculty or staff position using the Career worklet, please review this tip sheet .

The Assistant Scientist, GAB carries out a particular research agenda in support of the University’s research goals and objectives. Moreover, the Assistant Scientist, GAB contributes to the scientific community by publishing research findings and promotes the University’s reputation as a leader in the field. The Department of Psychology is seeking to fill an Assistant Scientist position for Dr. Sannisha Dale's SHINE (Strengthening Health through INnovation and Engagement) Research Program . The Assistant Scientist will be responsible for helping to carry out the overall research agenda for the SHINE Research Program and overseeing day to day research activities and supervising staff for studies related to the SHINE Research Program, which is centered around HIV prevention and treatment in marginalized communities, trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder, adherence to treatment for chronic illnesses, and structural factors (e.g., racism). For instance, current projects at the time of hire include projects on (a) a large-scale randomized control trial delivering a psychosocial intervention for Black women living with HIV (b) pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and direct engagement with community residents, businesses, and health organizations in local neighborhoods during weekdays, evenings, and weekends and (c) microaggressions, discrimination, reoccurring violence and resilience among Black women living with HIV.

The Assistant Scientist will (a) play a key role in the oversight of data collection, management, analyses, and publication as well as developing and submitting grant applications, and (b) help to train and supervise other staff (e.g., research associates, coordinators, graduate students, and undergraduate students). This position requires excellent organizational skills. Due to the time sensitive nature of many projects, the pace of work may be challenging at times; however, some projects may be long-term and require constant attention to prioritization. For instance, workload may be heavy prior to grant deadlines (usually Dec/Jan, Mar/Apr, and Aug). Having flexibility and the ability to manage and prioritize multiple projects simultaneously is key.

The applicant should demonstrate both experience with and interest in psychology and/or mental health research, preferably focused on racial/ethnic minority health, LGBTQIA+ health, HIV, chronic illnesses, behavioral medicine, trauma, mental health and/or community health. The applicant will be required to affirm and empower diverse individuals in terms of race/ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, mental health, substance use, etc. The applicant should demonstrate experience with and a commitment to serving Black communities, other racial/ethnic communities, and the LGBTQIA community. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills are required, in addition to a motivation for collaborative research and the openness, desire, and curiosity to learn new skills and pursue new research opportunities. Those with experience using advanced research writing and statistical skills will receive preference.

The primary work location of this position is on the Miller School of Medicine campus; however, this role will also require traveling to and engaging in data collection in local Miami communities.

CORE JOB FUNCTIONS                                                                                               

• Contributes to basic and applied research activities and authors scientific publications, technical and agency reports, and patent preparations.
• Collaborates with senior staff to publish findings in refereed journals.
• Creates and conducts experiments and analyzes results.
• Works with other researchers to use and develop end products.
• Writes extramural proposals with approval from appropriate senior staff.
• Provides ready access to all experimental data for managing staff.
• Requests or acquires equipment and supplies for assigned project(s).
• Uses the Internet, surveys, legal documents, and other available sources to collect information.
• Applies for grants to continue research and prepares materials for submission to granting agencies and foundations.
• Adheres to University and unit-level policies and procedures and safeguards 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.

Department Specific Functions

• Development and writing of IRB applications.
• Learn and train staff in delivering psychosocial interventions.
• Perform statistical analyses on collected data using software such as SPSS, SAS, Mplus, and/or R.  

CORE QUALIFICATIONS                                                                                    

Education:

Ph.D. in Psychology, Public Health, or a related field required

Experience:

Minimum 1 year of relevant experience

Knowledge, Skills and Attitudes:

• Skill in collecting, organizing, and analyzing data.
• Ability to recognize, analyze, and solve a variety of problems.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment in making critical decisions.

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:

A10