Research Area Specialist SeniorThe Demography of Aging, Disability and Care Program at U-M's Institute for Social Research (ISR) seeks a Research Area Specialist Senior to support multiple projects and initiatives across the Institute for Social Research and Michigan Medicine. We are seeking a research scientist and implementation expert to drive a portfolio of global aging-focused research studies spanning sensory health, cognitive assessment, and population-based health. This role will contribute to instrument and protocol design and analysis, oversee vision and eye health assessments across international collaborations, and help coordinate the standardization of sensory health measures across research networks. A strong background in implementation science is essential, with responsibility for translating scientific protocols and research objectives into practical, feasible approaches for implementation across diverse settings and teams. The ideal candidate combines strong scientific leadership, implementation expertise, and project management skills. They will serve as a liaison across institutions, vendors, and collaborating teams around the world, while also contributing directly to the day-to-day coordination and execution of projects. This multi-project role requires the ability to move fluidly between scientific guidance, project oversight, and hands-on operational support to advance projects from planning through implementation. This position is posted at the Research Area Specialist Senior level and may be underfilled at the Research Area Specialist Intermediate level, depending on the selected candidate's qualifications, experience, and education. The position will report to the Principal Investigator. The title, salary, and scope of responsibilities will be determined based on the candidate's qualifications. Candidates at either level are encouraged to apply. We are currently unable to consider candidates who are not authorized to work in the United States. Additionally, we are not offering visa sponsorship for this position. Applicants must have appropriate work authorization at the time of application.
Responsibilities:- 30% Provide scientific guidance on protocol design, fieldwork logistics, and monitoring approaches
- Direct instrument development and study design, including adaptation of standardized assessments (e.g., HCAP) for cognitive, psychosocial, and sensory domains
- Develop and standardize field protocols for sensory assessments (e.g., vision, hearing, olfaction, taste)
- Offer scientific input on emerging collaborations and new project concepts 20% Oversee field data collection and quality assurance
- Monitor and ensure the quality and consistency of collected data on an ongoing basis
- Present quality assurance findings and study updates to collaborating teams on a recurring basis
- Problem solve with the field teams on any implementation related challenges 20% Serve as liaison across institutional and vendor partnerships
- Act as primary point of contact between collaborating organizations and internal study teams
- Maintain relationships with equipment/instrument vendors supporting data collection
- Coordinate with data core teams to align on deliverables and action items 30% Support project management and cross-study collaboration
- Support the day-to-day coordination of project activities, including scheduling, meeting preparation and follow-up, tracking action items and deliverables, and coordinating communication across project teams, as needed
- Provide scientific consultation to external investigators seeking to incorporate sensory health measures into their studies
- Contribute to both high-level program strategy as well as hands-on project coordination, adapting level of involvement as needed to support project priorities, team capacity, and successful execution
- Create and maintain project and operational documentation, including project plans, process workflows, and standard operating procedures, to support effective implementation and ongoing operations across teams
Required Qualifications:
Research Area Specialist SeniorAt least 7 years of professional experience, including demonstrated experience coordinating or managing multi-site, public health, or population health research studies. Demonstrated ability to provide scientific leadership, guide study design and implementation, and oversee complex research activities involving multiple institutions or collaborating teams. Experience managing multiple concurrent projects with varying scopes, timelines, and levels of effort.
Research Area Specialist Intermediate (Underfill):- At least 4 years of professional experience, including demonstrated experience coordinating or managing multi-site, public health, or population health research studies.
- Experience contributing to protocol development, field implementation, data-quality activities, or other complex research operations.
- Ability to manage multiple concurrent projects with appropriate guidance and oversight.
- Required at both levels
- Master's degree in public health, medicine, social sciences, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Familiarity with population-based health survey methodology and implementation.
- Experience supporting or overseeing regulatory approvals, including Institutional Review Board processes, field data collection, and quality assurance.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills, including experience serving as a liaison among academic institutions, industry vendors, and international collaborators.
- Demonstrated organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
- Proficiency with Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, Adobe Acrobat, Zoom, and online collaboration tools.
Desired Qualifications:- Experience with vision, hearing, or other sensory assessments preferred
- Clinical background and experience
- Working on federally sponsored research, including NIH-funded projects
- Experience collaborating with teams and meeting goals across multiple time zones
- Familiarity with U-M administrative or research systems
- 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.
Work Locations:
Work location is expected to be onsite in Ann Arbor, Michigan, with flexibility for hybrid work within our overall Center guidelines.
International and domestic travel may be required.
As needed, must be willing to work a flexible schedule to attend early-morning or evening meetings and events involving colleagues in different time zones.
Underfill Statement:
Openings may be filled at the Research Area Specialist Senior or Research Area Specialist Intermediate level depending on your depth, breadth of experience and qualifications.
Positions at the Research Area Specialist Senior level will be filled at the $78,000 - $92,000 salary range.
Positions at the Research Area Specialist Intermediate level will be filled at the $68,000 - $77,000 range.
Additional Information:
The Institute for Social Research (ISR) at the University of Michigan seeks to create a community of respect and authentic collaboration by recruiting and retaining individuals that represent a variety of voices as a reflection of our commitment to serve the people of Michigan, to maintain the excellence of the university, and to ground our research in varied disciplines, perspectives, and ways of knowing and learning. Benefits at the University of Michigan In addition to a career filled with purpose and opportunity, U-M 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; retirement plan with two-for-one matching contributions after the first year; many choices for comprehensive health insurance; life insurance; long-term disability coverage; and flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses. Learn more about U-M benefits.
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 are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.
Application Deadline:
Institute for Social Research job openings are posted for a minimum of fourteen (14) calendar days. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled any time after the minimum posting period has ended.
U-M EEO Statement:
The University of Michigan is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.
