Title of the Position: Postgraduate Associate — Yale Emergency Medicine (Safdar Lab)
Department and School: Yale School of Medicine, Emergency Medicine
Anticipated Appointment Dates: May 2025
Email/Website: safdar.lab@yale.edu
Introduction of School/Department:
The Department of Emergency Medicine at Yale School of Medicine is dedicated to the highest standards of clinical care, education, and research. The mission of the department is to provide compassionate, high-quality emergency care to all patients, foster excellence in clinical training, and conduct innovative research that enhances the understanding and treatment of acute illnesses and injuries. Our vision is to be a national leader in emergency medicine by advancing knowledge, improving clinical skills, and addressing health disparities through rigorous research and educational initiatives.
Overview of the Position:
Post Graduate Research Associate
This is a paid, full-time position with great benefits, having a 1-year fixed duration with a maximum possible 12-month extension. This role will offer the unique opportunity to develop clinical research skills, while gaining direct patient experience in the healthcare setting. This position will involve an annual salary of $43,920 plus benefits.
This is an ideal position for an enthusiastic, motivated, and reliable candidate with an interest in a career in clinical research or medicine, with exposure to a wide spectrum of diseases and an opportunity for bedside patient interactions.
Education: For visiting students at the School of Medicine, the training the postgraduate will receive is designed to complement and enhance their degree program. Postgraduates will gain hands-on experience in clinical research methodologies, which is invaluable for careers in medicine, clinical research, or related fields.
Training: The research candidate will train to be a member of Dr. Safdar’s translational science team. They will participate in the start-up, implementation, patient enrollment, data collection, and data management for several multifaceted clinical trials under the overall direction of Dr. Basmah Safdar, in topics related to endothelial function, cardiovascular medicine, COVID-19, with a focus on sex and gender differences and health equity. Specific training includes:
- Patient interviews, data collection, quality management, and biospecimen processing.
- Conduct of clinical trials and informed consent procedures (when applicable).
- Training in regulatory management (IRB compliance).
- Use of electronic health records (e.g., EPIC) and data management platforms.
- Handling and shipment procedures of biospecimens.
Mentoring: The successful candidate will receive mentorship and training in clinical research methodologies, including good clinical practices (GCP) and NIH/FDA guidelines. Under the supervision of Dr. Basmah Safdar, they will:
- Attend weekly laboratory meetings to present their research progress.
- Have regular mentorship meetings to develop and review individual development plans.
- Be given opportunities to participate or develop manuscripts within the research portfolio, with the goal of producing peer-reviewed publications.
Location: Training will take place at the Yale School of Medicine, specifically within the Department of Emergency Medicine and Yale New Haven clinical and patient care spaces.
Postgraduate appointments are one-year positions with the possibility of a one-year renewal based on performance and funding availability.
Qualifications: The minimum qualification for a postgraduate position at Yale is a bachelor’s degree. Preferred candidates will possess a bachelor’s and/or master’s degree in biological sciences or a related field (GPA 3.5/4.0 or higher). While prior experience in clinical research or a patient care setting is preferred. Ideal candidates should demonstrate:
- Strong motivation, reliability, and enthusiasm for a career in clinical research or medicine.
- Competence in performing blood draws and handling blood specimens accurately according to study protocols.
Additionally, candidates should exhibit the following skills and abilities:
Strong Communication and Interpersonal Skills:
- Effectively communicate with patients, explain study protocols, and obtain informed consent.
- Interact with diverse patient populations with empathy and respect, ensuring clear and compassionate communication.
Teamwork and Collaboration:
- Work well within multidisciplinary research teams, contribute to collaborative efforts, and support colleagues.
- Communicate effectively within the team to ensure clear exchange of information and coordination of study-related tasks.
Data Analysis and Management Skills:
Analyze and evaluate clinical data accurately, maintain meticulous record-keeping, and ensure data integrity.
Strong Ethics and Professionalism:
- Uphold the highest ethical standards in all aspects of research, including patient interactions, data handling, and regulatory compliance.
- Maintain professional conduct in managing confidential information, sustaining participant trust, and ensuring research integrity.
Process to Apply:
Interested candidates should send their curriculum vitae and cover letter with the subject line “Postgrad EM Research” to safdar.lab@yale.edu. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. For selected candidates, 2–3 professional references (name, contact information, and the nature of the professional relationship) will be requested.
Anticipated start date is May 2025. In accordance with university requirements for a safe return to in-person university operations, all faculty, staff, and postdoctoral and postgraduate trainees will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. For additional information, please visit Yale Workplace Guidance FAQs.