What are the responsibilities and job description for the Research Area Specialist Inter (Term-Limited) position at Michigan Medicine?
Job Summary
The Department of Neurosurgery at the University of Michigan is seeking a highly motivated and independent professional to support the expanding clinical and translational research portfolio within the Spine Section. This position will assist in developing, conducting, and coordinating multiple spine research projects under direction of the PI and will operate with considerable latitude for independent judgment and decision-making.
The incumbent will serve as a key member of the spine research team, managing day-to-day research operations, maintaining data integrity, and participating in research under the direction of the PI. The role requires initiative, analytical thinking, and the ability to function autonomously within a collaborative academic environment.
Responsibilities*
Full-time, 40 hours per week. Flexibility in schedule may be required to meet research timelines and project needs.
Work Locations
Primary work location will be on the University of Michigan Medical Campus in Ann Arbor.
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 work modes.
Additional Information
This is a full-time position with a limited-term appointment through June 30, with potential for renewal of the position based on performance and program needs. At the end of the stated term, your appointment will terminate, and you will not be eligible for Reduction-in-Force (RIF) benefits. This term-limited appointment does not create a contract or guarantee of employment for any period of time as you will remain subject to disciplinary or other performance measures, up to and including termination, at the will of the University in accordance with existing University policy and standards for employee performance and conduct.
Background Screening
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.
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 Statement
The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.
The Department of Neurosurgery at the University of Michigan is seeking a highly motivated and independent professional to support the expanding clinical and translational research portfolio within the Spine Section. This position will assist in developing, conducting, and coordinating multiple spine research projects under direction of the PI and will operate with considerable latitude for independent judgment and decision-making.
The incumbent will serve as a key member of the spine research team, managing day-to-day research operations, maintaining data integrity, and participating in research under the direction of the PI. The role requires initiative, analytical thinking, and the ability to function autonomously within a collaborative academic environment.
Responsibilities*
- Assist with the development, design, and conduct of one or more small to moderately complex research projects within Neurosurgery Spine according to approved plans under the direction of the PI supervisor.
- Operate with substantial independence in performing research-related activities, including formulation of research methods, identification of potential problems, and implementation of effective solutions.
- Serve as a liaison between the Spine Section and other departments, divisions, and collaborating organizations.
- Develop protocols and criteria; determine and approve data collection and interview procedures; and assist in designing and refining intervention protocols.
- Gather, supervise, and verify data collection; oversee literature reviews; and maintain comprehensive research databases of all active and completed projects.
- Perform statistical and qualitative data analyses and interpret results.
- Co-author manuscripts and abstracts and may co-present findings at professional meetings and conferences.
- Provide support and coordination for medical students, residents, and other trainees participating in spine research.
- Ensure compliance with IRB, regulatory, and institutional research policies.
- Contribute to fostering an inclusive, collaborative, and high-quality research environment consistent with the mission and values of Michigan Medicine.
- Bachelor?s degree in a recognized field of science or learning directly related to the duties of the position (e.g., biological sciences, biomedical engineering, health sciences etc) and 4 years of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Demonstrated ability to independently analyze, compare, and evaluate various courses of action and make decisions on matters of significance within the scope of research responsibilities.
- Experience with research coordination, data management, and compliance documentation.
- Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) and familiarity with basic data analysis tools.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced academic environment.
- Familiarity with REDCap or similar electronic data capture systems.
- Experience with statistical software (e.g., SPSS, R, or Stata).
- Experience supporting research or support personnel.
Full-time, 40 hours per week. Flexibility in schedule may be required to meet research timelines and project needs.
Work Locations
Primary work location will be on the University of Michigan Medical Campus in Ann Arbor.
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 work modes.
Additional Information
This is a full-time position with a limited-term appointment through June 30, with potential for renewal of the position based on performance and program needs. At the end of the stated term, your appointment will terminate, and you will not be eligible for Reduction-in-Force (RIF) benefits. This term-limited appointment does not create a contract or guarantee of employment for any period of time as you will remain subject to disciplinary or other performance measures, up to and including termination, at the will of the University in accordance with existing University policy and standards for employee performance and conduct.
Background Screening
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.
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 Statement
The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.
