Research Tech Intermediate

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 areas of interest, experience, and qualifications within the range of opportunities described.

Who We Are

The Landscapes of Population Health program is a nascent program in the Survey Research Center at the Institute for Social Research. Composed of an interdisciplinary research team of social-behavioral scientists, we specialize in merging expertise in the study of American society, population health, and cutting-edge data science. Through our collaborations, we aim to clarify the social drivers and biological mechanisms that underlie variation in population health.

The Data Collection Coordinator is responsible for the day-to-day management and coordination of the WorkLife study data collection. This role ensures compliance with study protocols, ethical guidelines and adherence to the University of Michigan Institutional Review Board standards, while facilitating effective communication between the study team, principal investigator, and study participants. Further details on the WorkLife study can be found here: https://work-life.isr.umich.edu/.

In addition to data collection coordination, this person will be responsible for substantive scientific work related to study topics, including literature reviews and manuscript support about workplace context, residential context, and social connections.

** Please note - while this position is full time, there is a need to work variable hours depending on the short notice scheduling of the study participants. Nights and weekends are required but will fall within the standard 40 hours/week position. We anticipate at least 50% of the position effort to be outside standard working hours.

*** This is a one (1) year term limited position with possibility of renewal based on availability of work, availability of funding and overall satisfactory performance.

What You'll Do

Data collection operations (30%).  You will work with the study coordinator to carry out the daily operations of the data collection. These tasks include:

• Work with the Study Coordinator and the study team to address any issues with recruitment, implementing any tasks needed

• Recruit, screen, and enroll study participants while obtaining informed consent

• Conduct in-person lab visits and welcome calls and oversee blood draw appointments for participants

• Assist Data Manager with routine quality checks of collected data and establishing data protocols for study devices

• Maintain Study Management Software to ensure it is accurately representing and collecting participant data 

Study Team Management (30%). You will assist the Study Coordinator to supervise the data collection team of student research assistants.

• Supervise team of student research assistants, ensuring that all study deliverables are met within the predetermined timeline

• Train study team members on how to conduct lab visits, how to use biomonitors and troubleshooting, interact with participants and manage communications with study participants within the scope of study ethics and IRB regulations

• Manage the daily operations of the study team, ensuring that all research assistants are completing assigned tasks and providing mentorship

• Train and support research staff on study-related procedures and requirements

• Assist Study Coordinator with recruiting, interviewing and onboarding study team members 

Other Tasks (40%). You will collaborate with the Landscapes team providing substantive scientific support:

• Assist with scientific literature reviews and measure scans, including overseeing students working together on these reviews

• Prepare figures and tables needed for reports, proposals, and other documents

• Co-author manuscripts and guidance documents on the social environment

• Bachelor's Degree and 1-2 years of related experience to the position

• 1 year minimum of active data collection experience

• Experience in managing participant interactions and scheduling.

• Excellent oral and written communication skills

• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills, with a proven ability to establish and maintain partnerships

• Familiarity with Google Workspace, Microsoft Office applications, and Zoom for efficient communication and collaboration

• Documented experience with literature reviews, from search to review preparation

• Bachelor's Degree in a relevant field of research such as epidemiology, psychology, or sociology

• Collaborative team player who can work effectively with cross-functional teams.

• Familiarity with research methodologies and survey administration.

• Experience with WordPress for website management and updates

• Experience with manuscript and report preparation as part of a team

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.

Why Work with Us 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 any eligible family members and plan for a secure future. Benefits include:

• Generous time off

• A retirement plan that provides two-for-one matching contributions with immediate vesting upon meeting eligibility requirements

• Many choices for comprehensive health insurance

• Life insurance

• Long-term disability coverage

• Flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses

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.

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. 

The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.