Postdoctoral Research Associate – Clinical Research Coordinator

Respiratory Technologies Laboratory

Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT), Rochester, NY

The Respiratory Technologies Laboratory at Rochester Institute of Technology is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Associate to support an FDA-sponsored clinical research program focused on tobacco regulatory science. This position will serve as the primary study coordinator (project manager) for a three-year clinical trial investigating tobacco product use and its impact on human health and behavior.

Our multidisciplinary research program examines tobacco product use from multiple perspectives, including puffing and inhalation topography, user behavior, subjective effects, aerosol emissions, toxicity, biomarker assessment, and exposure modeling. The ultimate goal of this work is to generate scientific evidence that informs tobacco product regulation and improves public health.

Position Summary

The Postdoctoral Research Associate will play a central role in managing and executing a federally funded clinical trial involving human participants. The successful candidate will coordinate day-to-day study operations, oversee participant recruitment and retention, conduct laboratory visits, coordinate with clinical research nurses and nurse practitioners, and contribute to scientific publications and regulatory documentation.

This position provides an excellent opportunity for a recent PhD graduate interested in clinical research, tobacco regulatory science, public health, biomedical engineering, behavioral science, toxicology, epidemiology, or related fields.

Primary Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary study coordinator (project manager) for a three-year FDA-sponsored clinical trial.
• Conduct all aspects of the study including engagement marketing, participant recruitment, screening, scheduling, enrollment, compliance and retention activities.
• Conduct participant laboratory visits and collect study data according to protocol requirements.
• Monitor participant compliance with study procedures and follow-up activities.
• Coordinate engagement of study medical providers and clinical nursing staff.
• Maintain accurate study records, regulatory documentation, and data management systems.
• Contribute to scientific writing, manuscript preparation, conference abstracts, and journal publications.
• Assist with Institutional Review Board (IRB) submissions, modifications, continuing reviews, and study amendments.
• Mentor undergraduate and graduate students involved in research activities.
• Develop and maintain study-related website and social media content to support participant recruitment and public engagement.
• Participate in research meetings, data analysis, dissemination activities, and other laboratory projects as needed.

Required Qualifications

• PhD in biomedical engineering, public health, psychology, behavioral science, toxicology, epidemiology, engineering, health sciences, or a related discipline.
• Experience with human subjects research.
• Strong organizational and project management skills.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Demonstrated scientific writing ability.
• Basic proficiency with standard computer applications, spreadsheets, and data management tools.
• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively to a multidisciplinary research team.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience coordinating or managing human subjects clinical trials.
• Experience with pharmacokinetic (PK) studies and biological sample collection, such as exhaled breath, urine, saliva, and blood.
• Strong record of peer-reviewed scientific publications.
• Experience conducting research involving tobacco products, nicotine delivery systems, or inhalation exposures.
• Current or previous CITI Human Subjects Research Training.
• Working knowledge of tobacco regulatory science and FDA tobacco product regulation.
• Experience with REDCap.

Application Materials

Applicants should submit:

• Curriculum vitae (CV)
• Cover letter describing research interests and relevant experience
• Contact information for three professional references
• Representative writing sample or selected publications (optional but encouraged)

Rochester Institute of Technology is committed to fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment and encourages applications from candidates with diverse backgrounds and experiences.

Position Type: Full-Time Postdoctoral Research Associate

Location: Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, NY

Funding: FDA-Sponsored Research Project (3-Year Position)

Start Date: Open until filled; review of applications will begin immediately.

Contact Information

Risa Robinson, PhD
Director of the Respiratory Technologies Lab
Gleason Professor of Mechanical Engineering
Rochester Institute of Technology
rjreme@rit.edu

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Independently conducts research including, but not limited to, constructing hypotheses, design and planning of research studies, data management, model development, conducting experiments or assessments, analysis and interpretation of results, and evaluation of research techniques
• Collaborates with internal and external stakeholders
• Ensure compliance with institutional, sponsor, and regulatory requirements
• Disseminates and publishes research results in peer-reviewed journals, reports, meetings, workshops, and conferences
• Assists in the writing of grant proposals
• May assist in teaching classes
• May mentor and assist undergraduate and/or graduate students
• May assist in managing research laboratories
• Other duties as assigned

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Demonstrated ability to plan and execute research
• Knowledge of applicable research methods and analytical procedures
• Knowledge of research compliance and ethics
• Knowledge of publishing/reporting requirements
• Excellent teamwork and communication skills
• Demonstrated potential for original or collaborative scholarship
• Scientific writing skills demonstrated through peer-reviewed publications
• Ability to acquire accurate, reproducible data
• Critical eye towards consistency, reproducibility, and the scientific method in general
• Excellent project and time management skills
• Strong interpersonal and mentoring skills
• Advocate for safety and ethics in the workplace
• Ability to communicate findings and effectively work with sponsors and stakeholders

Minimum Education & Experience

• Ph.D. or equivalent terminal degree in a related field

Job Level Overview

N/A

FLSA Category

Work Location

Compensation

Application Materials

When you are ready to complete an application for this position please be prepared to submit the below requested information.  This will be required to ensure your application is processed in a timely manner.

Candidates must be eligible to work in the United States.

Additional Details

In compliance with NYS's Pay Transparency Act, the salary range for this position is listed above. Rochester Institute of Technology considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, as well as, market and organizational considerations when extending an offer. The hiring process for this position may require a criminal background check and/or motor vehicle records check. Any verbal or written offer made is contingent on satisfactory results, as determined by Human Resources. RIT provides equal opportunity to all qualified individuals and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, age, marital status, sex, gender, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, veteran status or disability in its hiring, admissions, educational programs and activities. RIT provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities under the Rehabilitation Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the New York Human Rights Law, or similar applicable law.

If you need reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please contact the Human Resources office at 585-475-2424 or email your request to careers@rit.edu. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.