"Research Area Specialist Senior"

Posted: 14-Mar-26

Location: Ann Arbor, Michigan

Categories: Staff/Administrative

Internal Number: 274993

Interested individuals should submit as a single PDF that includes: 1) a cover letter outlining their interest and experience in relation to this posting and 2) resume.

The Department of Health Management and Policy at the University of Michigan School of Public Health is seeking a highly organized, strategic, and exceptional Research Area Specialist Senior to oversee multiple concurrent projects within a growing research team. The Research Area Specialist Senior will operate with executive integrity, strategic awareness, and a high level of professional judgment. This is a leadership position for someone trusted to represent the research team in high-level interactions. The Research Area Specialist Senior will function as an extension of the Principal Investigator, ensuring initiatives move forward with precision while safeguarding the research team's reputation, relationships and strategic priorities. This individual will sit at the center of the team and organization -- influencing outcomes, streamlining execution, and collaborating with the leadership team. This role requires exceptional communication skills, strong program management judgment, and the ability to represent the research team professionally in meetings with government and non-profit stakeholders, faculty, and staff. The ideal candidate thrives in a dynamic environment, anticipates needs before they arise, and confidently protects the team's interests while acting on behalf of the team PIs and leadership.

• Manage multiple projects simultaneously from planning through execution and delivery.
• Serve as a primary point of contact for government, non-profit, and University partners, ensuring a high-touch, professional experience.
• Attend meetings on behalf of the PI, exercising sound judgment and decision-making authority when appropriate.
• Communicate team programs clearly and effectively to a broad range of community and University stakeholders.
• Coordinate cross-functional initiatives including program development, intervention development, and policy evaluation.
• Anticipate risks, develop timelines, track deliverables, and proactively resolve obstacles.
• Protect research team assets and reputation through thoughtful communication and discretion.
• Prepare summaries, status updates, and executive briefings following key meetings.
• Maintain project documentation and workflow processes.

Required Qualifications:

• A Master's Degree in a health science discipline, public health, healthcare administration, management or related field and 5 or more years of relevant experience is required.
• Experience working in a healthcare academic environment
• Strong community-facing presence with excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Proven experience managing multiple complex projects simultaneously.
• Experience working in a team environment with collaborators and professionals and knowledge of how to build relationships with external partners.
• Strong organizational skills including experience prioritizing tasks in a fast-paced environment. This includes being able to multitask between multiple projects and timelines.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Knowledge and demonstrated experience with research study management, management of programs conducted in public health or healthcare administration, and requirements regarding the conduct of human subject research.
• Experience working with government agencies and University centers

This position is term-limited for two years in duration from the start of the appointment, with the possibility of extension contingent on funding and performance.

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 at any time after the minimum posting period has ended.

The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.