Research Associate

To apply for this job, please upload (combined into ONE PDF) a CV/resume, cover letter, and the names/contact information for 3 professional references. The cover letter should address your specific interest in the position and outline the skills and experience that directly relate to this position. All inquiries about the position should be emailed to UM-MVDLab@umich.edu with the subject line "Research Associate Position Inquiry".

The Motor & Visual Development Lab (MVD Lab; PI: Haylie L. Miller, Ph.D.) in the School of Kinesiology seeks a full-time Research Associate to support research on neurotypical and neurodivergent motor and visual development. This position is ideally suited for someone who enjoys working collaboratively within an interdisciplinary team, engaging in community outreach, and managing research data with a high level of attention to detail.

Essential Functions (EF) of the position (estimated % time) are:

• Identifying and cultivating community partnerships (20%) EF;
• Participating in lab community activities and facilitating recruitment and enrollment of participants (20%) EF;
• Administering questionnaires and conducting interviews (20%) EF;
• Collecting, managing, post-processing, and analyzing data (10%) EF;
• Assisting with preparation of conference abstracts, manuscripts, and grant proposals (10%) EF;
• Performing administrative duties including scheduling lab meetings, supporting student tasks, and ordering supplies (10%) EF;
• Setting up and operating laboratory equipment (5%) EF;
• Searching and evaluating scientific literature (5%) EF

The ideal candidate will have flexible availability, including multiple weekends and evenings per month, to accommodate research participant scheduling needs.

The MVD Lab has a culture of acceptance and respect for many different perspectives and lived experiences. This team member will be expected to engage with others (including but not limited to research participants, staff, students, collaborators, and community partners) in a manner that aligns with this culture.

Required Qualifications

• Graduation from a college or university or an equivalent combination of education and experience;
• Ability to communicate verbally (e.g., on the phone, via video call, or in person) and in writing (e.g., via email or secure text messaging) with participants who have varied communication styles and cognitive support needs in order to schedule visits, administer assessments, and perform other similar tasks;
• Ability to assist with application of sensors and other instrumentation on participants (e.g., ability to kneel, squat, sit on the floor, raise arms overhead, perform fine motor tasks, etc.);
• Ability to act as a model and spotter for participants during movement assessments and activities (e.g., balancing on one foot, walking on a line, leaning independently, hopping);
• Ability to move laboratory equipment up to 50 lbs without assistance;
• Proficiency using Microsoft Office, Adobe, and Google applications to create and modify documents, spreadsheets, forms, and calendar events.
• Ability to work collaboratively and contribute to a positive workplace culture aligned with the school's core values.

Preferred Qualifications

• Proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing Spanish.
• Prior experience in the area of clinical or community research, or other experiences relevant to the neurodivergent community.

The position is available immediately and is term-limited, funded for 12 months; the initial appointment may be extended depending on performance and availability of research funds. The general salary range for this position is $38,000 - $45,000. An offer may be extended outside of this range based on equity, experience, knowledge and skills for the position. You are encouraged to discuss salary questions to honor understanding and transparency throughout the recruiting process. Benefits are included with this position.

Based on lab needs and the nature of the role, this is a full-time onsite position at the School of Kinesiology Building.