Research Associate

The Talent Acquisition department hires qualified candidates to fill positions which contribute to the overall strategic success of Howard University. Hiring staff for fit makes significant contributions to Howard Universitys overall mission.

At Howard University, we prioritize well-being and professional growth.

Here is what we offer:

• Health & Wellness: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, plus mental health support
• Work-Life Balance: PTO, paid holidays, flexible work arrangements
• Financial Wellness: Competitive salary, 403(b) with company match
• Professional Development: Ongoing training, tuition reimbursement, and career advancement paths
• Additional Perks: Wellness programs, commuter benefits, and a vibrant company culture

Join Howard University and thrive with us!

JOB PURPOSE:

The Research Associate provides comprehensive administrative and operational support for grant-funded projects and research activities. This role requires strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple priorities while collaborating across departments. This role is essential for ensuring the smooth operation and compliance of research projects, including direct involvement in clinical trial unit (CRU) operations and communication with internal and external stakeholders.

SUPERVISORY AUTHORITY:

None.

NATURE AND SCOPE:

Internal contacts may include senior administrators, faculty, students and staff. External contacts may include vendors, consultants and the general public.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES:

Maintain inventory and track orders for clinical trials supplies and equipment; handle filing, labeling, and basic office support tasks.

Process staff reimbursements and related financial entries (e.g., spend authorizations and expense reports) in Workday.

Coordinate staff travel arrangements for conferences and research-related events, including booking flights, hotels, ground transportation, and handling related documentation.

Manage calendars, schedule meetings, prepare reports and presentations, take meeting minutes, and support ongoing grant monitoring.

Assist with grant and purchase order management using Workday.

Contribute to manuscript preparation and support writing efforts for publications.

Coordinate and schedule meetings with funders, including setting up Microsoft Teams/Zoom links and sending reminders.

Prepare a monthly newsletter for faculty highlighting clinical trials updates and related events.

Follow up with the Clinical Trials Coordinator on clinical trial status updates and documents submitted for legal review.

Track and reconcile budget items and deliverables to ensure compliance with grant requirements.

Navigate university research procedures, including liaison with Research Administrative Services (RAS), the finance office, and other departments.

Serve as a point of contact for internal communications with faculty, staff, students, and administrators, as well as external communication with sponsors, vendors, government agencies, and other stakeholders.

Can be deployed to work in the clinical research unit (CRU) to provide administrative support and be part of the clinical trials including: consenting participants for the clinical trials and other study activities that can include: taking vital signs (blood pressure, heart rate, pulse oximetry and weight), medication reconciliation, health history taking and Quality Assurance to verify data in the Howard source document (Redcap) matches the data in the sponsor CRFs (e.g. Emmes, EDC, etc.).

Perform additional duties as assigned.

CORE COMPETENCIES:

Advanced knowledge of office and administrative practices and principles.

Skill in the operation of computers, related software applications (MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint). Ability to problem solve and make decisions.

Masterful multi-tasker comfortable juggling multiple projects at once.

Collaborative personality; able to take constructive criticism with ease and grace.

Equally comfortable working independently or as part of a team.

Ability to exercise discretion and ensure a high-level of confidentiality.

Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing with a diverse population.

The ability to establish and maintain effective harmonious work relations with faculty, staff, students and the general public.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

BA/BS with 2 years of required work experience Computer experience and demonstrated competence with MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams and the Internet.

Compliance Salary Range Disclosure

$40,000-$50,000