Research Specialist

To apply for this job please upload (combined into ONE PDF) a CV/resume, cover letter, and the names/contact information for 3 professional references. The cover letter should address your specific interest in the position and outline the skills and experience that directly relate to this position. All inquiries about the position can be sent to Dr. Twardzik ( ).

Job Summary

Dr. Erica Twardzik in the University of Michigan is seeking a full-time Research Specialist to join her team. Her lab integrates multiple data sources to study how environments affect mobility among people with disabilities to inform policies that increase participation and inclusion within society. The Research Specialist will play an important role in research development and implementation, data collection and organization, and data analysis, particularly in the context of causal inference in epidemiological research. The position is ideally suited for someone who has experience with data collection, organization, and analysis, and is interested in deepening these skills.

Why Work at Michigan?

Benefits at the University of Michigan

In addition to a career filled with purpose and opportunity, The University of Michigan offers a comprehensive benefits package to help you stay well, protect yourself and your family and plan for a secure future. Benefits include:

• Generous time off
• A retirement plan that provides two-for-one matching contributions with immediate vesting
• Many choices for comprehensive health insurance
• Life insurance
• Long-term disability coverage
• Flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses
• Maternity and parental leave
• University commitment to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities

Responsibilities*

NOTE: given this lab will be ramping up over 2024-25, the % of effort spent across responsibilities will evolve as the lab continues to grow.
Essential Functions are noted with an EF

Initial responsibilities will include:

• Develop project schedules and determine resources needed to meet deadlines (10%)
• Organize, prioritize, and communicate status of work and projects (10%)
• Facilitate team meetings (create meeting agendas, organize meeting minutes) and track progression of project specific timelines (10%) EF
• Utilize software tools and programming languages (e.g., R, STATA) for data analysis tasks. (20%) EF

Other responsibilities will include:

• Assist with IRB regulatory management and maintain research protocols and data consistent with IRB standards (5%)
• Supervise and assist student research team members by monitoring their progress on assigned tasks (10%) EF
• Prepare data sets and documentation to distribute to researchers (10%) EF
• Conduct data analysis, including statistical analyses relevant to causal inference in epidemiologic research. (15%)
• Contribute to the development of project reports and presentations (5%)
• Oversee adherence to data use agreements (5%)
• Other duties as assigned

Required Qualifications*

• Master’s degree in social sciences, biological sciences, or related fields
• Two or more years of related project management experience in a research / lab setting
• Must be proficient in Microsoft Office suite (Word, PowerPoint, and Excel)
• Demonstrated organizational and time management skills
• Must possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Demonstrated capacity to take initiative and work collaboratively
• Demonstrated ability to facilitate research team meetings
• Proven success with contributing to a positive workplace culture, and ability to consistently demonstrate our school’s .

Desired Qualifications*

• Five or more years of related project management experience in a research / lab setting
• Supervisory experience
• At least one-year experience with IRB application submissions and amendments
• Experience with technical writing
• Experience managing multiple large databases
• Knowledge of causal inference methodologies in epidemiologic research.
• Proficiency in statistical software (e.g., R, Python, or STATA) for data analysis.

Modes of Work

Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the .

Additional Information

This is a term-limited appointment, funded for 1 year; the initial appointment may be extended depending on the availability of research funds and successful performance. The general salary range for this position is $45,000 – $55,000. An offer may be extended outside of this range based on equity, experience, knowledge and skills for the position. You are encouraged to discuss salary questions to honor understanding and transparency throughout the recruiting process. This position will be primarily on-site with potential for hybrid work arrangements upon discussion.

The University of Michigan School of Kinesiology and Dr. Twardzik are committed to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion at every level. We firmly believe that these principles form the critical foundation for the establishment of an open, productive, creative, and collaborative scientific environment.

Background Screening

The University of Michigan conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer and may use a third-party administrator to conduct background checks. Background checks will be performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

Application Deadline

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.

U-M EEO/AA Statement

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

Source ⇲