How to Apply

Applicants should include a brief cover letter outlining relevant experience, a resume and a list of three references who can comment on the applicant's suitability for this position. The cover letter should be the first page of the resume.

Summary

The Research Area Specialist Associate will support study activities for two five-year NIH-funded studies to promote healthy physical and psychosocial functioning in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic and pain in underserved older adults. Both studies involve behavioral interventions delivered by community health workers. One study involves a partnership with the Henry Ford Health System and the other with the Detroit Health Department. The ultimate goal is to improve health outcomes among older adults impacted by structural inequities. The position is based in Ann Arbor and will require some travel to Detroit. There is the possibility for this position to be partially remote. This position may also support related tasks for related pilot studies and initiatives being led by the study team. The Research Area Specialist Associate will report to the Project Director.

About the Department of Health Behavior and Health Education (HBHE)

The position will be based in the School of Public Health, Department of Health Behavior and Health Education. Driven by a shared passion for affecting lasting change, the faculty, students and staff of HBHE work in the pursuit of an equitable, healthy future for all. Turning theory and research into actionable practice, we develop interventions and innovations that promote health, prevent disease, and empower people to manage chronic illness and disabilities. Together, our academic community transforms the theoretical into actionable, the science into the social, applying our knowledge to eliminate health disparities and impact lives for the better.

Responsibilities*

• Develop intervention and curriculum materials that meet the needs of the priority population, under the supervision of the Project Manager.
• Collaborate in the development of protocols and procedures for study tasks.
• Help develop data collection and recruitment materials, in collaboration with the Data and Recruitment Coordinator and the Project Manager.
• Support data collection efforts, including telephone survey assessments and qualitative interviews.
• Support recruitment efforts, including telephone recruitment and Detroit-based recruitment events.
• Collaborate to supervise research staff, including graduate and undergraduate student research assistants, under the supervision of the Project Manager. This includes regular monitoring and tracking of recruitment calls, participants enrolled, scheduled interviews, completed interviews, and instituting data security verification checks and stringent quality control.
• Attend study-related meetings, including meetings with the internal study team, collaborators, Co-Investigators, and community partners.
• Assist with coordinating, and documenting study-related meetings, including meetings with community partners and the Community Advisory Board.
• Work directly with community partners in all phases of the research studies.
• Conduct and provide oversight for literature reviews.
• Help plan and implement dissemination.
• Additional tasks related to the implementation of an NIH funded research project as needed.

Required Qualifications*

• Bachelor Degree in related field and 1-3 years related experience required. Masters preferred.
• Collaborative and team oriented. Ability to work independently and as a team member.
• At least one year of previous research experience with data collection in the context of behavioral interventions.
• Experience designing health education materials with attention to literacy level.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and Google programs.
• Willingness to work some evenings and weekends observing telephone interviewing needs and scheduled meetings.
• Experience recruiting and enrolling participants from underserved or vulnerable populations.
• Experience with graphic design and data visualization.
• Experience with the Institutional Review Board (IRB) application process.
• Ability to address issues of confidentiality and data security.
• Ability to follow through independently on tasks.
• Experience in customer service positions, with a pleasant and professional telephone manner.

Additional Information

• This is a one-year term limited position with the possibility of extension. Extension will be based on available funding and performance.
• We are seeking an experienced and dynamic staff member with a commitment to contributing to a diverse, equitable and inclusive environment for all members of our community. Those who are familiar with the Detroit metropolitan area, women and representatives from groups currently underrepresented in public health are encouraged to apply

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

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.