Senior Research Associate

Job ID REQ20178718 Category Research and Clinical Support

The Department of Population and Public Health Sciences at the Keck School of Medicine of USC is in search of a Senior Research Associate.

A bilingual (English and Spanish), dependable, flexible, and detail-oriented Senior Research Associate is needed to join a research team at the University of Southern California to support three externally funded: (1) a Tobacco-Related

Disease Research Program (TRDRP) study; (2) an NIH NIMHD–funded mixed-methods implementation study to increase cervical cancer screening among Latina patients in federally qualified health centers; and (3) a Foundation

for Women’s Health–funded project developing a mobile application to support OB-GYN bedside care.

This position serves as a senior researcher with expertise in implementation science, community engagement, and health equity research, and involves: (1) independently planning, designing, and conducting highly technical and complex research activities across all three projects, in consultation with the Principal Investigator; (2) identifying, compiling, and evaluating data sources and background literature relevant to tobacco-related disease, cervical cancer screening among Latina patients, and OB-GYN bedside support technology; (3) analyzing and interpreting qualitative and/or quantitative research data using appropriate software and methods; (4) conducting in-person participant

recruitment, consent, interviews, and focus groups in Spanish and English, including at community and clinical partner sites such as federally qualified health centers and Los Angeles General Medical Center; (5) developing

solutions to complex research problems requiring ingenuity and innovation; and (6) contributing to research documentation for publication, including technical reports, papers, and conference presentations. Native Spanish-language

fluency is required for in-person participant recruitment, consent, interviews, and focus groups. The ideal candidate will have strong organizational capabilities, superb problem solving skills, and a demonstrated ability to work

independently while managing multiple complex research activities. Prior experience with community-based participatory research and community engagement approaches to health equity, social determinants of health, and environmental or structural drivers of health is required, along with a track record of qualitative data analysis, focus group facilitation, and collaboration with community steering committees or advisory boards. Postdoctoral research experience and a Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) credential are a plus.

Travel to community and clinical partner sites is required. A Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), DrPH, ScD, or equivalent doctoral degree in public health, community health, health behavior, social/behavioral science, or a related field is

required, or a combination of relevant education and experience; a minimum of five years of relevant research experience is also required.

The annual base 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.

Job ID REQ20178718 Posted Date 08/10/2026