Senior Staff Associate I

Position Summary

Investigators at the Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer's Disease and the Aging Brain are looking to hire a motivated senior staff associate fluent in English and Spanish. The associate will play a central leadership role in multidisciplinary research studies that focus on exceptional longevity and neuroinfectious disease. This position requires advanced clinical research expertise, exceptional organizational judgment, and the ability to manage complex projects with a high degree of independence. The coordinator will oversee daytoday study operations, supervise junior staff, and ensure the highest standards of research integrity, regulatory compliance, and participant care.

Responsibilities

Clinical and Participant-Facing Duties

• Lead and conduct clinical research visits, including recruiting participants, obtaining informed consent, administering structured interviews, cognitive assessments, and study questionnaires.
• Coordinate and track all clinical procedures, including blood draws, sample processing, MRI scheduling, and follow-up procedures.
• Build and maintain strong, trusting relationships with study participants to support retention and highquality data collection.
• Communicate complex study procedures to participants in both English and Spanish with clarity, accuracy, and cultural sensitivity.

Study Operations and Data Management

• Maintain high-quality, timely, and accurate data entry across REDCap and institutional databases; routinely monitor data for completeness and integrity.
• Implement and oversee systems for participant tracking, visit scheduling, and protocol adherence.
• Train, supervise, and evaluate field workers, research assistants, and temporary study personnel.
• Troubleshoot operational challenges and develop practical solutions to ensure study continuity.

Regulatory and Administrative Leadership

• Prepare and submit IRB applications, protocol amendments, continuing reviews, and reportable events.
• Draft, revise, and maintain protocols, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and study manuals.
• Prepare sponsor progress reports, DSMB materials, and regulatory summaries.
• Ensure compliance with institutional, federal, and sponsor guidelines at all stages of the research lifecycle.

Scientific and Scholarly Contribution

• Assist with literature reviews, data cleaning, preliminary statistical analyses, and interpretation of study findings.
• Contribute to the drafting of abstracts, posters, presentations, and manuscripts for publication.
• Support grant submissions through preparation of materials, timelines, and documentation as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

Requires a bachelor's degree and a minimum of 6 years of clinical research experience, preferably in psychology, neuroscience, nursing, or a related field.

Must be able to prioritize assignments and work independently and display excellent organizational skills with strong attention to detail.

The ability to exercise sound judgement and discretion, maintain a high level of confidentiality, and meet internal and external deadlines is essential. Must be highly organized, enthusiastic, and possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills. The applicant must be bilingual/fluent in English and Spanish and be able to communicate study-related materials to participants in both languages effortlessly.

The work schedule requires some flexibility to accommodate participant schedules, and a modest amount (<1/month) of domestic travel should be expected.

Preferred Qualifications

Past involvement in clinical trials in the field of aging and dementia would be useful. The successful applicant should be able to research literature and prepare and analyze data for publication. Experience with REDCap, EPIC, iLab and Columbia's RASCAL system would be a plus. Experience with MRI-based research protocols, biospecimen handling, or community-engaged research is advantageous. Candidates who can offer a two-year commitment are preferred.

Columbia University is an Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

Pay Transparency Disclosure

The salary of the finalist selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to departmental budgets, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, specialty, and training. The above hiring range represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.