Postdoctoral Associate - Implementation Science

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The Post Doctoral Associate (Implementation Science) performs scientific research and studies under the supervision of a PI (Audrey Harkness, PhD) or delegate of the PI. Dr. Harkness leads the REACH (Research Engagement and Community Health) Equity Team which focuses on using implementation and behavioral science to address HIV, behavioral health (mental health/substance use), and healthcare disparities. Moreover, the Post Doctoral Associate promotes institutional recognition through contributions to the scientific community.

To apply, applicants must submit a cover letter, curriculum vitae (CV), and a writing sample.

CORE JOB FUNCTIONS                                                                                           

• Conducts independent and collaborative research on specific areas of study as assigned.
• Prepares research manuscripts for publication.
• Maintains substantial knowledge of state-of-the-art principles and theories relevant to the lab’s program of research.
• Applies advanced analytical models and provides solutions and analyses to support research projects.
• Adheres to University and unit-level policies and procedures and safeguards University assets.
• Collaborates with other researchers to carry out research studies and develop research products.
• Contributes to research activities and authors scientific publications.
• Writes sections of extramural research proposals.
• Applies for grants to continue research and prepares materials for submission to granting agencies and foundations.
• Mentors and supervises graduate and undergraduate students or staff as needed.

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:

Ph.D. or other doctoral degree in relevant field (e.g., public health, psychology, communications, health services research, implementation science)

Certification and Licensing:

None required, however, certification or advanced training in implementation science is a plus

Experience:

• Prior experience working on NIH funded studies during doctoral training or as a research assistant/coordinator
• Experience with project management/coordination
• Experience with manuscript preparation

Knowledge, Skills and Attitudes:

• Skill in collecting, organizing, and analyzing data.
• Ability to prepare high-quality drafts of manuscripts and grant proposals.
• Ability to recognize, analyze, and solve a variety of problems.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment in making critical decisions.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) – preferred
• Have received formal training in implementation science (e.g., graduate level courses, fellowships, etc.) and/or HIV/mental health research preferred but not required
• Have experience conducting implementation research
• Proactive and solutions oriented
• Detail oriented and methodical
• Excellent time management and organizational skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to work in a collaborative, team science environment
• Ability to be self-directed while also being open to feedback and supervision

DEPARTMENT ADDENDUM

Department Specific Functions

The Postdoctoral Associate (Implementation Science) will support research activities under the direction of a PI (Audrey Harkness, PhD) or designee of the PI. Dr. Harkness’ research team uses implementation and behavioral science to address 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.

The position is full-time and in-person at the School of Nursing and Health Studies at the Coral Gables campus of University of Miami. The position is not eligible for remote/hybrid work.

We anticipate that the Postdoctoral Associate will primarily support two federally funded research projects:

JUNTOS HIV Self Testing: JUNTOS is a website/app that centralizes information about HIV prevention, treatment, and behavioral health services across South Florida. It was originally developed to address the needs of Latino MSM but is being expanded through this funded research project to become available to everyone who orders at-home HIV self-test (HIVST) kits from participating organizations in South Florida. The goal of the project is to improve the reach of HIV prevention, treatment, and behavioral health services among individuals who order HIVST kits. Through co-design workshops, we will develop and then evaluate the effectiveness of different reach strategies to engage HIVST kit users with relevant services through JUNTOS.

Within this project, the Post-doctoral Associate will work with the PI and a Research Coordinator to:

• Lead facilitation of stakeholder co-design workshops to develop and refine implementation and reach strategies
• Oversee data collection activities and ensure adherence to study protocols and research procedures
• Lead development and refinement of implementation strategies and blueprints designed to integrate JUNTOS into organizational workflows
• Collaborate with study staff to ensure appropriate participant screening, consent, enrollment, and randomization procedures
• Conduct or support qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-methods analyses related to implementation and intervention outcomes
• Assist with evaluation of intervention acceptability, appropriateness, and feasibility
• Contribute to interpretation and dissemination of study findings through manuscripts, presentations, and reports
• Lead or support secondary analyses arising from the project

LGBTQ-Affirmative CBT Implementation Trial: This ongoing R01 study is led by colleagues at Yale University, which is evaluating the impact of various implementation strategies for improving the reach, adoption, implementation, and maintenance of LGBTQ-affirmative CBT in community settings. The PI and REACH Equity team contributes to implementation and dissemination activities associated with the trial and its secondary analyses. Primary responsibilities for the Post-doctoral Associate could include:  

• Develop and propose secondary analysis projects using existing implementation trial data
• Conduct approved quantitative, qualitative, or mixed-methods analyses
• Lead and/or contribute to preparation of peer-reviewed manuscripts and conference presentations
• Support preparation of primary study manuscripts and dissemination products
• Create individualized feedback reports for participating implementation sites
• Develop and deliver presentations and webinars to disseminate study findings to participating organizations and implementers
• Contribute to interpretation and dissemination of implementation outcomes

In addition to project-specific activities, the Post-doctoral Associate will:

• Support development and submission of grant applications (e.g., preparing sections of grants, coordinating investigators on grant submissions, etc.) and other research proposals
• Provide mentorship and scientific guidance to research staff, trainees, and students involved in research activities
• Collaborate with investigators and study staff to ensure scientific rigor, data integrity, regulatory compliance, and successful project implementation
• Develop and maintain expertise in implementation science, HIV prevention and treatment, behavioral health, and clinical research methods
• Attend weekly lab meetings and project-specific meetings

Beyond these ongoing projects, the REACH team is very active and includes students and staff. The Post-doctoral Associate may have opportunities to support other ongoing projects and new projects. The Post-doctoral Associate will be mentored by the PI and encouraged to utilize resources to support their career development (e.g., UM’s Center for HIV and Research in Mental Health hosts implementation science training programs that will be available for the incumbent to complete). The Post-doctoral Associate will have weekly designated writing time that can be used for grant writing.

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