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Position Summary:

The Senior Research Associate/ Project Director is a key leadership position within the Peredo Lab in the Department of Special Education at Vanderbilt University. This individual will serve as the Project Director for an NIH Phase 1 clinical trial investigating a naturalistic developmental behavioral intervention (NDBI) approach for Latino families. The Senior Research Associate is a full-time term position responsible for overall research protocol implementation, team leadership, and successful execution of all project objectives in accordance with Vanderbilt Institutional Review Board (IRB) regulations, federal and sponsor regulations and guidelines, NIH guidelines, Vanderbilt Policies, and research protocols. The Senior Research Associate reports directly to the Principal Investigator.

The Senior Research Associate will direct all aspects of project operations, including leading and training a multidisciplinary research team (data coders, interventionists, data manager, and assessors), implementing culturally and linguistically adapted intervention protocols, coordinating participant recruitment and retention, conducting caregiver coaching sessions, overseeing data collection and quality assurance, and leading dissemination activities including peer-reviewed manuscripts and conference presentations. This position requires advanced expertise in NDBI approaches, bilingual competency in Spanish and English, and demonstrated success in coaching Latino parents on evidence-based early intervention strategies.

Note: The anticipated duration of this role is 5 years and is dependent on continuing availability of funding. Work hours are flexible and based on research participant appointments and team leadership needs, which are scheduled at all times of day, including morning, afternoon, late afternoon, evening, and/or weekends.

Key Functions and Expected Performance

Lead and train research team

• Lead, mentor, and supervise a multidisciplinary research team including data coders, interventionists, and assessors
• Develop and implement standardized training protocols for all team members on NDBI approaches, intervention fidelity, and assessment administration
• Conduct regular fidelity checks and provide ongoing coaching and feedback to ensure research protocol adherence and staff competency
• Maintain detailed documentation of all staff training and certifications

Coordinate and manage project

• Serve as the primary point of contact for all aspects of the NIH Phase 1 clinical trial
• Develop, implement, and monitor project timelines, ensuring all NIH-mandated deliverables and milestones are met
• Manage project budgets and expenditures in collaboration with administrative staff
• Prepare regular progress reports for the Principal Investigator and NIH program officer

Manage participant recruitment, enrollment, and retention

• Oversee all participant recruitment strategies and ensure equitable outreach to Latino communities
• Implement and coordinate participant enrollment procedures ensuring compliance with IRB protocols
• Implement retention procedures and conduct ongoing informed consent processes
• Maintain comprehensive participant databases and tracking systems
• Coordinate participant scheduling and ensure no-show follow-up procedures

Provide intervention and caregiver coaching

• Lead focus groups and community advisory board feedback sessions
• Independently administer NDBI-based coaching to Latino parents/caregivers in Spanish
• Adapt intervention delivery to meet individual family needs while maintaining fidelity to the research protocol
• Model evidence-based interaction strategies and provide real-time feedback to parents
• Document intervention sessions and maintain fidelity ratings
• Develop culturally sensitive, family-centered intervention plans in collaboration with caregivers

Oversee data collection and management

• Oversee all data collection activities, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and timeliness
• Manage REDCap database development, maintenance, and quality assurance
• Prepare data reports and provide regular data quality summaries to the PI

Human Subjects Research Compliance

• Ensure all research activities comply with Federal regulations and guidelines governing the protection of human subjects
• Maintain current knowledge of evolving federal and sponsor regulations
• Coordinate with the IRB and institutional compliance offices as needed
• Ensure appropriate documentation of all human subjects protections protocols
• Conduct regular team meetings on compliance and protocol adherence

Dissemination responsibilities

• Lead in manuscript preparation and research dissemination efforts
• Present findings at professional conferences and meetings
• Read professional journals and remain current on evidence-based practices in early intervention and NDBI
• Contribute to grant writing and funding applications as needed

Supervisory Relationships:

This position requires formal supervisory responsibilities of the research staff which includes staff positions such as assessor, interventionist, data manager, and research assistant and student research assistants. This position reports administratively and functionally to the Principal Investigator.

Education and Certifications:

• Doctoral degree (PhD or equivalent) is required. Degree in fields such as Speech-Language Pathology, Psychology, Special Education, Neuroscience, or related field is strongly preferred.
• Current State Licensure as a Speech-Language Pathologist is a plus.
• Certification for human subjects research is required.
• Advanced training or certification in NDBI approaches (e.g., Early Start Denver Model, Project ImPACT, Enhanced Milieu Teaching or Enhanced Milieu Teaching en Español or equivalent) is strongly preferred.

Experience and Skills:

Required

• Minimum 2 years of experience directing and implementing research projects with demonstrated ability to manage timelines, budgets, and team personnel
• Proficiency in bilingual (Spanish-English) communication, with ability to conduct clinical assessments and caregiver coaching in both languages
• Demonstrated experience coaching and supporting Latino families and caregivers on evidence-based early intervention strategies
• Advanced proficiency with REDCap database management, including database design, data validation, user access management, and troubleshooting
• Strong experience with Microsoft Office Suite and statistical software (e.g., SPSS, R, or equivalent)
• Demonstrated expertise in NDBI approaches and early childhood intervention with ability to model and train others
• Ability to work collaboratively with diverse families and multidisciplinary research teams
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with ability to prepare research reports and present findings
• Demonstrated ability to publish peer-reviewed manuscripts
• Ability to lift and carry materials, walk across campus daily, and stand for extended periods
• Access to reliable personal transportation for participant coordination and materials collection

Strongly Preferred

• Certification as a Speech-Language Pathologist (CCC-SLP)
• Expertise in augmentative and alternative communication (AAC)
• Prior experience with intervention fidelity measurement and coaching
• Prior experience with NIH-funded research or clinical trials
• Publication record in peer-reviewed journals
• Experience with single-case research designs and data analysis
• Cultural competency training and demonstrated commitment to health equity
• Completion of ADOS training