Research Scientist

The Opportunity:

The University of Florida’s STEM Translational Communication Center (STCC) invites applications for the position of Program Director/Health Communication Research Scientist. This is a 12-month, non-tenure track position. The Program Director will oversee a vibrant portfolio of funded research in health communication. In this role, the successful candidate will set operational objectives, create workflows that further project goals, and establish benchmarks for success. The Program Director will work closely with the Dr. Janice Krieger, STCC Director and PI, to determine the operational structure for each project, including budgeting, staffing, reporting, and stakeholder relations. The Program Director will work with administrative staff, research coordinators, postdoctoral research associates, as well as predoctoral trainees. The Program Director will report directly to Dr. Krieger.

Responsibilities:

• Provide administrative leadership within the STCC, including developing strategic plans, improving organizational workflow, and establishing benchmarks.
• Supervise project staff
• Develop and implement initiatives and strategic plans to promote and improve recruitment and retention of diverse populations to ongoing research studies.
• Lead and conduct educational workshops, lectures, and seminars on clinical recruitment communication.
• Optimize the participation of diverse populations in research studies.
• Collaborate with key stakeholders within the university (e.g., IRB, collaborators), at other institutions, and community (e.g., community advisory board).
• Provide communication expertise and regulatory support in the development and implementation of research protocols.
• Consult with UF faculty on high priority studies and sponsored projects. 
• Conceptualize, design, implement, and direct research projects in the areas of health communication and recruitment science
• Mentor and support staff and trainees in the development of research protocols, collection and analysis of data, and preparation of abstracts, presentations and manuscripts related to translational communication
• Develop, write, and submit grant proposals of original research as principal investigator or Co-investigator to extramural funding agencies
• Write manuscripts, articles, abstracts, and research reports for publication in peer-reviewed journals.
• Attend and present research findings at regional, national, and international scientific conferences.

About the University of Florida 

UF is the state’s sole member of the Association of American Universities. It is in the midst of a multi-year, pre-eminence initiative that has created more than 600 new faculty positions and generated a $70 million partnership with NVIDIA to create the nation’s top research lab in artificial intelligence. In 2021, UF’s research spending totaled more than $1 billion.

UF offers a competitive salary commensurate with similar positions and includes a full benefits package. To view the university’s total reward benefit package, visit https://benefits.hr.ufl.edu/ .

About the University of Florida College of Journalism and Communications

Accredited by the Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communications, the College has earned its reputation for excellence over the last half century and on the strength of its programs, faculty, students and alumni; the stories they tell; and the difference they make around the world. Our dozens of full-time faculty members and part-time instructors serve in four academic departments: Advertising, Journalism, Public Relations and Media Production, Management and Technology. We enroll both in-person and online undergraduates earning bachelor’s degrees and graduate students earning master’s and doctoral degrees. Visit www.jou.ufl.edu for more information about our Department of Journalism.

About Gainesville, Florida

As home to Florida’s largest and oldest university, Gainesville (http://cityofgainesville.org ) is one of the state's centers of education, medicine, cultural events and athletics. Gainesville and the surrounding area are home to about 250,000 people, a robust arts community, several museums, a world-class health care system anchored at UF, a downtown core known for its restaurants and brew pubs, excellent public and private schools, and abundant nature exemplified by clear, natural springs. Additionally, within two hours are attractions such as Disney World, University Studios, Busch Gardens and historic St. Augustine. Explore Gainesville in 60 Seconds.

Our Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

The University of Florida fosters an inclusive environment and seeks applications from a broad spectrum of individuals including women, members of diverse ethnic groups, and persons with disabilities. The University of Florida is an equal opportunity institution. The recruitment/selection process will be conducted in accordance with Florida's "Government in the Sunshine" and public records laws.

Commensurate with experience

Ph.D. in communication or related field

• Experience with grant writing, management and reporting.
• Record of original research in health communication.
• Ability to successfully interact with diverse stakeholders including participants, clinicians, basic scientists, and translational researchers.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Demonstrated leadership skills
• Strategic mindset
• Ability to multitask 
• Problem-solving skills
• Written and verbal communication skills
• Interpersonal skills

Applicants should submit a cover letter, CV, and contact information for academic references (minimum of 3).

Review of applications will begin on February 15, 2023 and will continue until the position is filled.

Final candidate will be required to provide official transcript to the hiring department upon hire.  A transcript will not be considered “official” if a designation of “Issued to Student” is visible.  Degrees earned from an education institution outside of the United States are required to be evaluated by a professional credentialing service provider approved by National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES), which can be found at http://www.naces.org/ .

The University of Florida is an equal opportunity institution dedicated to building a broadly diverse and inclusive faculty and staff.

The University of Florida is An Equal Employment Opportunity Institution. If an accommodation due to a disability is needed to apply for this position, please call 352/392-2477 or the Florida Relay System at 800/955-8771 (TDD). Hiring is contingent upon eligibility to work in the US. Searches are conducted in accordance with Florida's Sunshine Law.