Staff Associate II

The Columbia University, Robert N. Butler Columbia Aging Center is seeking a full-time Staff Associate II (Research Project Coordinator) to support the day-to-day research operations of the Aiello Research Group. This role combines responsibilities in statistical analysis, research coordination, data and biospecimen management, and regulatory compliance, supporting a multidisciplinary research program focused on the biological and social determinants of long-term health.

The Aiello Research Group seeks to identify the interaction and influence of social and biological factors on long-term health outcomes, including the effect of socioeconomic position, stress, and infection on chronic disease and mental health outcomes. We also investigate preventive measures for reducing infectious disease transmission in the community setting with a focus on non-pharmaceutical interventions. We aim to reduce social disparities in infection, chronic disease, and mental health by conducting integrative research across areas such as epidemiology, gerontology, sociology, infectious diseases, immunology, and laboratory research.

Responsibilities

20% - Research Coordination and Project Oversight

• Monitor fieldwork for domestic and international projects.
• Serve as the primary contact for field staff and make real-time decisions to meet project goals.
• Develop and lead team meetings and coordinate time-sensitive discussions for project milestones.
• Draft, revise, and enforce Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for new research methods.
• Review and approve protocol changes based on field conditions and recruitment progress.
• Provide oversight and contributions to project design, administration, and communication.
• Develop agendas and documentation for recurring project meetings and ensure alignment with study timelines.

25% - Data Management and Statistical Analysis

• Implement and maintain quality control measures during data and specimen collection.
• Develop and execute statistical analysis plans with the PI, project team, and collaborators.
• Maintain and document complex datasets, including biospecimen inventories, across multiple studies.
• Conduct data cleaning, quality assurance, and auditing tasks; create and maintain codebooks.
• Develop and refine data visualization tools including tables, charts, and figures for study outputs.
• Stay current on statistical programming skills and adopt new tools as needed (e.g., R, SAS, STATA).

20% - Compliance and Regulatory Documentation

• Initiate and coordinate IRB submissions; ensure study activities adhere to IRB-approved protocols.
• Draft, execute, and manage Data Use Agreements (DUAs), Material Transfer Agreements (MTAs), and similar compliance documentation.
• Ensure secure handling and transfer of data and specimens according to University and funding agency policies.
• Develop SOPs for classifying and storing sensitive vs. non-sensitive datasets and for secure data sharing.

15% - Biospecimen Oversight

• Serve as the liaison for questions about sample type, logistics, and inventory management.
• Coordinate temperature-controlled deliveries and shipments.
• Work with laboratories and vendors to facilitate testing and proper storage.
• Monitor and ensure compliance with biospecimen storage protocols, including temperature and sample return tracking.

20% - Grant and Publication/Presentation Support

• Perform literature reviews and preliminary analyses to support grant proposals and publications.
• Assist in preparing grant submissions, project budgets, and progress reports.
• Contribute to scientific publications, presentations, and development of new funding opportunities.
• Support study close-out procedures upon the completion of research grants.

Minimum Qualifications

* Bachelor's degree in a research specific field, such as public health, biomedical sciences, or a related field and 4 years of experience recommended.

* Candidates must have experience in coordinating research projects, strong interpersonal, leadership, and communication skills, and knowledge/experience with human subject ethics and Institutional Review Boards.

Preferred Qualifications

• A Master's degree or equivalent combination of education and experience preferred.
• A degree in public health is preferred, but a degree in another field with experience in epidemiology and/or public health research will be considered.
• Experience as a member of a research study team is strongly desired.

Other Requirements

• Ability to report in-person to New York City office Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm EST. Flexible work arrangements may be supported subject to business needs.

Appointments are on a fiscal year basis and are eligible for renewal each July 1st, contingent upon performance and funding.

The position's projected start date is October 1, 2025, or open until filled.

Columbia University benefits are included with this Officer of Research appointment.

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.