"Research Associate, Level 2 (Dr. Haeok Lee), Spring 2026"

Project Title: Asian Cohort for Alzheimer’s Disease (ACAD)

Project Details and Goal

The overall goal of the ACAD study is to recruit 5,081 Asian older adults across the United States and Canada. The study will collect DNA and plasma biomarkers, genotypes, social determinants, and clinical diagnostic information.

At the NYU site, the study will recruit approximately 800 Korean American older adults aged 60 years and older, including both cognitively healthy individuals and those with cognitive impairment, from community settings in the Northeast United States.

Position Summary

The Research Associate Level 2 will be responsible for the standardized implementation of study protocols, including cognitive assessment batteries, blood sampling, biospecimen shipment, and data entry. The position requires handling all data collected in Korean and active participation in manuscript preparation. This role supports recruitment and data collection among approximately 800 Korean American participants aged 60 years and older, utilizing validated and translated instruments, clinical/diagnostic protocols, DNA and plasma biomarker collection, and SNP genotyping.

Duties and Responsibilities

1. Demonstrate extensive experience working with Korean older adults in community settings, ensuring culturally appropriate engagement and high-quality data collection.
2. Apply language, clinical, and cultural expertise essential for blood sampling and cognitive assessments at New Jersey and New York data collection sites.
3. Develop and maintain a surveillance registry of potential participants; schedule and coordinate data collection; monitor enrollment and retention.
4. Organize community outreach activities and assist the PI in developing educational manuals in Korean and English.
5. Demonstrate excellence in professionalism, work performance, and adherence to research ethics and confidentiality standards.

Position Details

Approximate Start and End Dates: This is a full-time, fixed-term, grant-funded position expected to run from end of May 2026 through June 20, 2027, subject to continuation and possible extension based on the availability of continued grant funding.

Appointment Type: Full-time, fixed-term, grant-funded position.

Expected Work Hours: 35 hours per week; The role follows a Monday–Friday, 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. schedule with some flexibility.

Location: Hybrid. The position requires at least three days of in-person work per week, including field-based research activities and College-designated common in-person days.

In compliance with NYC’s Pay Transparency Act, the annual base salary for this position is $83,000. New York University considers factors such as (but not limited to) the specific grant funding and the terms of the research grant when extending an offer.

Required Skills and Qualifications

1. Education: BSN and MSN (earned in Korea or the United States)
2. Licensure: Active RN licenses in New Jersey and New York
3. Language: Bilingual in Korean and English; ability to work with Korean-language dementia health surveys
4. Clinical Experience: Minimum of three years of blood sampling experience and shows confidence performing blood draws in community settings
5. Experience interacting with high-level executives and diverse stakeholders
6. Ability to work with confidential and sensitive information
7. Experience with data collection, evaluation/reporting, and tracking project deliverables and timelines

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with Korean or Korean American older adults in community-based settings
• Strong communication skills and ability to engage effectively with Korean American older adults
• Formal nursing education completed in both Korea and the United States
• Experience working with individuals with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia and/or their family members
• Strong problem-solving skills, ability to follow through on tasks, and excellent organizational skills