Career Center

A cover letter is required for consideration for this position and should be attached as the first page of your resume. The cover letter should address your specific interest in the position and outline skills and experience that directly relate to this position.

The Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine seeks a skilled and highly self-motivated individuals to support a faculty investigator in grant funded research projects. Sample projects may include, but are not limited to (prior knowledge or experience in these topic areas is not required):

• surveys and an ethnographic study of rural intensive care nationally
• surveys and interviews to understand and reduce disparities in intensive care
• interviews and surveys of clinicians and Veterans to improve rural VA care

Michigan Medicine values a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion. We are committed to the development of a positive and inclusive environment.

The Research Specialist will coordinate with the principal investigator and research teams in planning, implementing, organizing, and reporting project activities. Using both qualitative and quantitative research methods, the Research Specialist will conduct and supervise data collection and verification; perform data analysis; and interpret results. This position may entail working on multiple projects with multiple investigators. Responsibilities include:

Day-to-day project management:

• Develop standard operating procedures for specific projects
• Track project aims and progress, comparing it against project timelines and benchmarks to maintain project standards
• Manage meeting schedules and project timelines for diverse research project teams
• May supervise research and support personnel, including training, assignment of tasks, and ensuring adherence to project timelines and standards
• Prepare documents for human subjects approval, including informed consent forms, institutional review board (IRB) applications, amendments and continuing reviews, in a timely manner and in accordance with all regulations
• Assist with various administrative tasks
• Plan and coordinate site visits to national hospitals for team of 2-3 researchers

Data collection:

• Develop and pilot-test quantitative survey instruments
• Develop and pilot-test qualitative interview, focus group, and group deliberation guides
• Develop working protocols, data collection forms, and tracking databases in Qualtrics, REDCap, and Excel
• Coordinate and conduct data collection and evaluation activities, including recruitment and enrollment of research participants and administration of surveys in person, online, by mail, or phone
• Conduct semi-structured interviews, focus groups, and group deliberations

Data management:

• Track research participants and maintain accurate and detailed study records
• Oversee and conduct data management tasks such as entering and cleaning data

Data analysis:

• Assist with qualitative coding and analysis of interviews, focus groups, and group deliberations
• Assist with quantitative survey data analysis and interpretation of results

Financial management:

• Perform financial management activities including monitoring of project expenditures to ensure adherence to project budget
• Research, recommend, and purchase equipment and supplies
• Coordinate the payment of research participants

Dissemination:

• Design and develop scientific figures to broadly disseminate results to stakeholders
• Assist with the dissemination of results and outreach to the community, partnering organizations, and policy makers
• Draft, proofread, and edit documents, including manuscripts sections, presentations, and reports
• Conduct literature searches and summarize the medical literature on specific topics, as relevant to existing grants and development of new ones

Preparing grant proposals:

• May assist with grant writing and coordinating activities necessary for timely submission of grant proposals with various departments
• May prepare internal documents required for submission of research grants including preparing grant budgets and budget justifications

Schedule/Travel:

• This position may involve some work in the evenings or weekends
• This position may involve travel throughout the state of Michigan and nationally

The ideal candidates will show personal initiative in managing work assignments by organizing, independently prioritizing work, and completing tasks while meeting deadlines. The ability to work independently as well as part of a team and regularly exercise sound judgment in the execution of research protocols is a must. We are seeking candidates who fully understand the issues of confidentiality and privacy in the conduct of research. Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail are required.

• Bachelor’s Degree in a field of social science (e.g. anthropology, psychology, sociology, social work, public health)
• 1+ years of human subjects research experience
• Previous experience or training in social science data collection methods and survey research
• Previous experience and proficiency in collecting, managing, and conducting analysis of quantitative and qualitative research data
• Flexibility in scheduling, as some evening or weekend hours may be required
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to recruit and interact regularly with research participants

• Master’s Degree in a field of social science (e.g. anthropology, psychology, sociology, social work, public health, health services)
• Previous experience managing the day-to-day operations of one or more moderately complex research projects
• Previous experience and proficiency in collecting, managing, and conducting analysis of quantitative and qualitative research data
• Previous experience designing scientific figures and/or websites
• Previous financial management experience with sponsored (e.g. grant funded) awards
• Previous supervisory experience, e.g. as a project coordinator or manager
• Previous experience developing, preparing, and submitting grant proposals for consideration by state/federal agencies or private foundations, including developing grant budget proposals
• Previous experience co-authoring manuscripts for peer-reviewed publication

This is a one-year term limited position with the possibility of extension. Extension will be based on available funding and performance.

Michigan Medicine conducts background screening and pre-employment drug testing on job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent job offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background screenings.  Background screenings are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Report Act. Pre-employment drug testing applies to all selected candidates, including new or additional faculty and staff appointments, as well as transfers from other U-M campuses.

Michigan Medicine improves the health of patients, populations and communities through excellence in education, patient care, community service, research and technology development, and through leadership activities in Michigan, nationally and internationally.  Our mission is guided by our Strategic Principles and has three critical components; patient care, education and research that together enhance our contribution to society.

Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days.  The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled anytime after the minimum posting period has ended.

The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.

U-M COVID-19 Vaccination Policy

COVID-19 vaccinations, including boosters when eligible, are required for all University of Michigan students, faculty and staff across all campuses, including Michigan Medicine.  This includes those working remotely.   More information on this new policy is available on the Campus Blueprint website or the UM-Dearborn and UM-Flint websites.