Research Development Research Associate

We are looking for a Research Associate to join our team at the Southern California Clinical and Translational Science Institute's (SC CTSI) Research Development core. The Research Development core serves as the research engine for the SC CTSI, which is funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) through the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS). We provide support in many aspects of faculty and Research Development to help investigators conduct innovative research projects that address challenges in clinical research and health problems of diverse populations. A key focus on our activities is to build the capacity for team science among researchers and our institutions: that is, science conducted as part of multidisciplinary and/or multi-sector research teams who are successful in addressing complex problems and translating research insights into real-world impacts.
The Research Associate will help initiate, implement, pilot, and evaluate new program efforts focused on building team science capacity among research team members and within the University infrastructure. This will include rigorous evaluation of the implementation and impact of these programs, and contributions to the 'science of team science' evidence base. The Ideal Candidate will have:

• Expertise in the science of science/science of team science or related fields, such as knowledge of theories end evidence in the 'science of team science' and how this can be translated into practical applications and interventions.
• Experience in program/intervention design, implementation, and evaluation.
• Excellent research capabilities: a strong track record of undertaking rigorous research activities including: administration, documentation, and reporting; human subjects and other regulatory approvals; data management and analysis; disseminating research findings to scientific and other stakeholder audiences.
• Excellent communication: Excellent communication is needed to ensure collaboration and execution across a wide range of University offices and staff as well as external stakeholders including business community members, industry, foundations, and government agencies.
• Strong project coordination: Strong project coordination skills required to navigate complex operational processes, drive projects forward and adhere to program deadlines.
• Strong collaboration: Strong history of collaboration reflective of the strong collaborative climate between programs at SC CTSI necessary to achieve institutional goals.
• Cultural competency experience: A leader in diversity and inclusion reflective of the diversity statements for the SC CTSI.

Key Responsibilities:
(15%) Plans, designs and conducts highly technical and complex research projects independently and in consultation with supervisor:

• Develops and implements research protocols, including obtaining required human subjects and regulatory approvals, for the the conduct of research to evaluate the acceptability, implementation, and effectiveness of team science program/initiatives.
• Develops research protocols to understand mechanisms of change/action that explain the effectiveness of team science programs/initiatives.
• Develops and implements strategies such as online surveys or secondary data gathering to evaluate program activities.

(30%) Analyzes and evaluates research data utilizing computers and provides interpretations requiring significant knowledge of a specialized area of research:

• Manages the collection and analysis of data used to evaluate team science activities
• Applies appropriate qualitative and/or qualitative research analytic approaches
• Integrates social network theory and analysis to evaluate relational data relevant to research teams

(15%) Searches literature, utilizing all available resources including electronic, regarding new methodology and designs experiments accordingly:

• Identifies and synthesizes relevant team science literature
• Draws on appropriate literature for program evaluation

(20%) Contributes to the development of research documentation for publication and/or prepares technical reports, papers and/or records:

• Develops manuscripts and scientific talks to disseminate research findings to the broader CTSI/CTSA network and to contribute to the science of team science evidence base
• Prepares briefs, presentations, or other materials to communicate research findings to other non-academic stakeholders such as community or external research partners

(15%) Team Science Program Support:

• Work with RD and SC CTSI leadership to promote, catalyze and support collaborative cross-disciplinary teams and programs
• Prepare and offer multiple trainings and seminars related to team science activities, and other team-related research tools for faculty and trainees
• Communicate and promote new team science tools and activities; encourage participation, track and prompt participation for follow-up through all phases.
• Proactively identify high-level barriers to promote success and propose innovative solutions.
• Create processes to implement solutions; identify and engage the right stakeholders to support the principles of team science.
• Ensure participants and teams are informed and have access to available tools, materials, and resources.
• Track and monitor SC CTSI-sponsored research team progress and work with RD leadership to ensure appropriate processes are in place and interventions occur when needed.
• Archives all documentation via hard copy and/or electronically.
• Attends events, meetings or participates in appropriate professional associations of network on behalf of program services.
• Establishes and maintains an active network of professional contacts.

(5%) Identifies, researches, compiles and evaluates data sources, background information and/or technology related to area of specialization
The annual base salary range for this position is $66,902.30 - $74,489.59. When extending an offer of employment, the University of Southern California considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, federal, state, and local laws, contractual stipulations, grant funding, as well as external market and organizational considerations.
Minimum Education: Ph.D. or equivalent doctorate
Minimum Experience: 1 year
Minimum Field of Expertise: Directly related education and experience in research specialization with advanced knowledge of equipment, procedures and analysis methods.
USC is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or USC policy. USC will consider for employment all qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring ordinance. We provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants with questions about access or requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact USC Human Resources by phone at (213) 821-8100, or by email at uschr@usc.edu. Inquiries will be treated as confidential to the extent permitted by law.
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