Job Description

The Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the University of Southern California is seeking a Senior Research Associate to support NIH- and foundation-funded clinical research programs focused on behavioral health, substance use, and mental health intervention development. Working under the supervision of Dr. Mark Prince, Associate Professor and Director of My Mental Health Data Analysis and Dissemination, this position plays a central role in advancing complex, multi-project research initiatives.

This role is designed for an experienced researcher who can independently lead scientific and analytic components of projects, contribute to methodological innovation, and provide leadership within a collaborative research environment.

The Senior Research Associate will be responsible for planning, designing, and conducting complex research projects independently and in collaboration with investigators. The role requires substantial expertise, initiative, and innovation in addressing scientific questions and developing solutions to complex research problems.

Key Responsibilities

Scientific Leadership & Study Design

• Plans, designs, and executes complex behavioral and clinical research studies
• Contributes to the development of new research questions, methodologies, and analytic approaches
• Exercises considerable independence in determining research objectives and strategies

Data Analysis & Interpretation

• Identifies, compiles, and evaluates data sources and relevant background literature
• Analyzes complex datasets using appropriate statistical and computational methods
• Interprets findings and contribute to high-impact manuscripts, reports, and presentations
• Stays current with emerging methodologies and incorporate them into ongoing research

Research Operations & Collaboration

• Collaborates with multidisciplinary teams across USC and external institutions
• Supports coordination of research activities across multiple studies and sites
• Ensures alignment between scientific goals and project implementation

Mentorship & Team Leadership

• Provides guidance and oversight to research staff, coordinators, and student trainees
• Supports training in research methods, data analysis, and study procedures
• Contributes to a collaborative and intellectually rigorous research environment

Financial & Administrative Responsibilities

• Assists with budget preparation and financial oversight in collaboration with the PI
• Manages procurement, reimbursements, vendor coordination, and financial tracking
• Liaises with university administrative offices to ensure compliance with institutional policies

Minimum Qualifications

• PhD or equivalent in psychology, public health, biostatistics, or a related field
• Minimum 3 years of relevant experience in academic or clinical research settings, including independent project contributions
• Advanced knowledge of research design, statistical analysis, and data interpretation
• Experience managing complex research projects and contributing to scientific publications

Required Skills

• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and work independently
• Ability to work collaboratively with investigators, staff, and institutional partners
• Familiarity with research compliance, quality assurance, and data management processes

• Ability to follow established USC and department policies, procedures, objectives, performance improvement, attendance, safety, environmental, and infection control guidelines, including adherence to the workplace Code of Conduct and Compliance Plan.

This position is hybrid, and the employee must report to work at the USC Health Sciences Campus in Los Angeles, CA when scheduled. Work hours and on-site days may be subject to change depending on business needs.

The annual budgeted salary range for this position is $76,675.67–$97,399.67 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: 3 years
Minimum Field of Expertise: Directly related education and experience in research specialization with advanced knowledge of equipment, procedures, analysis methods, principles, theories and concepts.

USC is an equal opportunity 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 observes affirmative action obligations consistent with state and federal law. USC will consider for employment all qualified applicants with criminal records in a manner consistent with applicable laws and regulations, including the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for employers and the Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, and with due consideration for patient and student safety. Please refer to theBackground Screening Policy Appendix Dfor specific employment screen implications for the position for which you are applying.

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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