Title of the Position: Postgraduate Research Associate (LIVEBETTER Trial – HeartWise Lab/Yale Program on Aging)
Department and School: Cardiovascular Medicine (Cardiology), Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine
Anticipated Appointment Dates: On or before July 1, 2026
Email: mary.geda@yale.edu, michael.nanna@yale.edu
Position Overview
Under the supervision of the study PI, Dr. Michael Nanna, and Associate Director for the Program on Aging, Mary Geda, the postgraduate research associate will support recruitment and participant engagement activities for the PCORI-funded LIVEBETTER clinical trial and collaborate with the HeartWise Lab.
The LIVEBETTER trial is a clinical research study comparing the effectiveness of beta blockers and calcium channel blockers in the treatment of cardiovascular disease among older adults. The goal of the study is to improve treatment strategies and quality of life for this population. This position will provide hands-on experience in clinical trial recruitment, participant engagement, data management, and research coordination.
Because the study engages diverse communities, including Spanish-speaking participants, the candidate must be fluent in Spanish and English. The role requires travel to multiple recruitment locations, so applicants must have a valid driver’s license and reliable transportation
The associate will also collaborate with investigators in the HeartWise Lab, a multidisciplinary research group dedicated to advancing cardiovascular health among older adults through innovative, evidence-based research. The HeartWise Lab focuses on understanding how cardiovascular disease affects aging populations and developing patient-centered approaches that improve clinical outcomes, preserve independence, and support healthy aging. The lab’s work emphasizes translating scientific findings into practical solutions for patients and clinicians while addressing disparities and the unique challenges faced by older adults with cardiovascular disease.
This is a full-time, in-person, paid position for one year.
Training
The postgraduate associate will receive training in several aspects of clinical research. The postgraduate associate will receive training in a variety of translational research skills, including recruitment, enrollment, and retention of eligible participants in hospital and outpatient settings; conducting structured patient interviews and administering questionnaires; identifying participants using the electronic medical record (EPIC); and collecting and managing research data using REDCap databases. The successful candidate will receive training in the ethical conduct of human subjects research and regulatory compliance. In addition, the candidate will build knowledge in cardiovascular disease and aging research through participation in study meetings and collaborative discussions with investigators and research staff. This is a great opportunity for recent college graduates who would like to gain more clinical and research experience with older adults before applying to graduate, medical, or nursing school.
The associate will attend the HeartWise Lab’s weekly lab meetings and collaborate closely with investigators and research staff. They will attend collaborative, multi-disciplinary team meetings on study operations, data analysis, and manuscript development. The candidate will have an opportunity to gain experience communicating research findings through written and oral presentations and participating in the preparation of research abstracts and manuscripts. In addition, the candidate will build knowledge in cardiovascular disease and aging research through participation in study meetings and collaborative discussions with investigators and research staff.
Mentorship
The postgraduate associate will receive mentorship from Dr. Michael Nanna and senior members of the LIVEBETTER research team, with a focus on developing clinical research skills and preparing for careers in medicine, public health, or academic research. Secondary mentorship will be provided by Ms. Mary Geda, Associate Director of the Yale Program on Aging. There will be opportunity to network with expert faculty in cardiology, geriatrics, and biostatistics.
- Location: The postgraduate position is based at the Yale School of Medicine Program on Aging in New Haven. Field work takes place at various Yale New Haven Health hospital campuses and participant home visits across Connecticut.
- This is a paid, full-time position with benefits, with a 12-month fixed duration, with an annual salary of $44,400 plus benefits.
Education
Postgraduate positions are open to candidates who have received a bachelor’s and/or master’s degree in a related field. This position is ideal for enthusiastic, motivated individuals interested in pursuing careers in medicine, public health, aging research, or clinical research.
Qualifications
The minimum qualification for a postgraduate position at Yale is a bachelor’s degree.
Additional qualifications include:
- Bachelor’s degree in public health, health sciences, biology, statistics, psychology, epidemiology, or a related field
- Fluency in Spanish and English (required)
- Valid driver’s license and reliable access to transportation to travel to multiple recruitment sites
- Knowledge of statistical methods and ability to conduct statistical analyses using software such as R, SAS, Stata, SPSS, or similar tools preferred
- Candidates must have the ability to work in a variety of settings, including the hospital and clinics.
- Infrequent evening work may be required to accommodate participant availability.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills and ability to communicate with healthcare professionals, older adults, and research investigators
Application Process
If interested, please send your curriculum vitae, cover letter, and 2 professional references (name, contact information and the nature of the professional relationship you maintained) to mary.geda@yale.edu. Please include in the subject line, “Your full name, LIVEBETTER post-grad position”
Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled.
Yale University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer. Yale values diversity among its students, staff, and faculty and strongly welcomes applications from women, persons with disabilities, protected veterans, and underrepresented minorities.