"Research Area Specialist Assoc"

The Center for Clinical Outcomes Development and Application (CODA) in the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation is seeking a part-time Research Area Specialist (20-24 hours/week) to support two large, NIH-funded studies which will develop new surveys that capture 1) the most important aspects of the caregiving experience in non-spousal, non-child carers of people living with dementia; and 2) the multi-faceted aspects of financial hardship experienced by families of people living with dementia. This position will also support the CODA Director and faculty with interpreting and disseminating research results (e.g., writing manuscripts, presentations, study reports, policy documents, website posts, etc.). This position will be hybrid and will include in-person work at the North Campus Research Complex (NCRC) in Ann Arbor, as well as in the broader community. This position will require travel to multiple community events and locations.

The successful candidate will be a positive, self-motivated, organized person with a passion for engaging and working with diverse communities and caregiver populations. High initiative and independence is essential as this position will require identifying and engaging community members outside of the typical Michigan Medicine catchment area, in addition to developing techniques to reach underserved populations. The individual filling this position should be able to perform tasks and make decisions independently, consistently, and accurately, and should produce high-quality work based on a moderate level of expertise in the required skills for this position. The characteristic duties and responsibilities of this position may evolve over time to match changing needs and priorities and may include work on other research studies and behavioral trials across diverse clinical populations (e.g., Huntington disease, spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury, PDA, etc.), and/or assisting faculty members with other writing/publication work as required.

Duties:

• Assisting with developing and implementing a recruitment plan to meet the specific needs of the caregiver/family member measurement development projects, working closely with CODA research staff to ensure that recruitment goals and timelines are met and the study is conducted per protocol
• Preparing presentations to potential community partners
• Planning, attending and presenting at caregiver outreach and recruitment events and conferences
• Interfacing with University partners while identifying and engaging new community partners (e.g., churches, recreational centers, healthcare and senior service organizations, caregiver support groups, etc.)
• Cleaning and qualitative coding of semi-structured interview transcripts
• Creating, writing and editing publications that disseminate information and results for our center's research studies including posters, presentations, peer-reviewed manuscripts, funder reports, policy documents, press releases, and website, etc.
• Creating, writing and editing documents/materials used in our center's research studies including protocols, informed consents, recruitment/retention materials, study instructions/manuals, training materials, etc. in accordance with the IRB and other regulatory requirements
• Performing other duties as assigned

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in psychology, social work, public health, science, or related field
• 1-3 years of research experience
• Passion for building and fostering relationships with community organizations and caregivers of individuals living with dementia and their families
• Scientific writing experience including conducting literature searches, writing manuscripts and other research materials
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including public speaking
• Ability to work independently, take initiative and adapt to changing priorities
• Outstanding problem-solving skills and resourcefulness
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, responsible, and responsive, with strict adherence to deadlines
• Eagerness to learn new skills and take on new responsibilities
• Ability to work occasional alternate schedules, including evenings and weekends, as the position requires
• Driver's license and reliable transportation

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree in psychology, social work, public health, science, or related field
• Experience engaging with and developing relationships with community organizations
• Experience working with caregivers and/or a dementia population
• Experience working with diverse, multicultural populations
• Experience with scientific writing and communication in an academic context
• Training in qualitative and quantitative research methods

This position is part-time (20-24 hours/week), and will be hybrid with work scheduled Monday - Friday, with variability depending on the needs of the study. This position will require evening and weekend hours, as well as travel to multiple community events and locations.

This is a term-limited position with funding available through August 31, 2027, with an extension possible if additional funding is secured. 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.

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 specific interest in the position and outline skills and experience that directly relate to this position. (Please label your job application file as follows: last name, first name.)