Team Science Specialist

The Michigan Institute for Clinical & Health Research (MICHR) is the home of the University of Michigan?s Clinical and Translational Science Award from the National Institutes of Health. MICHR is part of a national, collaborative consortium that is focused on delivering more treatments to all people more quickly by advancing clinical and translational science (CTS). The field of CTS aims to build an evidence base of scientific and operational approaches that improve the efficiency, effectiveness, and impact of translational research across a range of diseases and conditions. MICHR has the unique charge of examining the translational research ecosystem at a systems level to determine where common pitfalls exist; developing novel solutions to these challenges; demonstrating their effectiveness; and disseminating improvements widely. MICHR is a dynamic organization that serves as a hub of innovation and experimentation to advance research in the science of translation and accelerate the realization of interventions that improve human health.

MICHR is seeking a Team Science Specialist to develop, deliver, and evaluate team science interventions, including facilitated experiences, trainings, tools, and resources, that are designed to enhance the productivity of cross-disciplinary research teams. These interventions will complement others within MICHR?s Interdisciplinary Research & Team Science Program portfolio that aim to elevate team functioning and research success. The Team Science Specialist should have significant experience working with research teams, expertise in evaluating the effectiveness of initiatives or interventions, and possess a spirit of curiosity, experimentation, and flexibility. The ideal candidate will thrive in a collaborative environment, engaging effectively with peers in their own program and across MICHR, while demonstrating initiative and taking ownership of projects. MICHR is a dynamic and fast-paced organization, and the Team Science Specialist should be prepared to engage deeply with new content, ideas, and opportunities on a consistent basis.

• Foster the creation and advancement of cross-disciplinary research teams by designing and delivering an array of team science interventions, such as facilitated experiences, workshops, programs and training. Assume responsibility for all administrative and planning aspects of the project.
• Use and support an array of strategies, such as literature reviews, landscape assessments, and qualitative and quantitative needs assessments, to better understand the challenges faced by research teams and to design and test potential solutions.
• Work collaboratively with research teams to understand their vision and goals, stage of formation, and desired outcomes and tailor interventions appropriately. Establish roadmaps for research teams, ensuring that interventions are delivered in an iterative and progressive manner.
• Work with research teams to leverage intervention outcomes, develop long-range plans, and build effective and productive teams.
• Collaborate to develop robust metrics and evaluation plans for interventions and use evaluation data to continually improve interventions.
• Conduct initial and ongoing assessment of intervention outcomes using various assessment techniques.
• Develop and implement assessment approaches to track and compare the effectiveness of diverse interventions within a unified framework.
• Have oversight for the development of data collection instruments and monitor the integrity of data collection and data analysis.
• When appropriate, embed research questions with an appropriate study design to advance the science of team science and the field of translational science.
• Collaborate with the MICHR team of science researchers on long-range plans for projects/programs.
• Foster diverse participation and perspectives on research teams, such as inclusion of community partners, patient advisors/advocates, and those from vastly different disciplines, through collaborative connections.
• Participate in the dissemination of best practices and lessons learned through publications, conference presentations and other reports.

Required Qualifications:

• Master?s degree in social sciences, public health, biomedical research or a related field
• Experience working collaboratively with research teams of varying sizes
• Experience collaborating to deliver services, assessments, and/or research
• Robust facilitation experience
• Understanding of design thinking methods and their utility in advancing team-based efforts
• Experience in evaluating interventions, initiatives, and/or programs
• Excellent communication and presentation skills
• Ability to engage and train teams in both in-person and virtual formats
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
• Willingness to occasionally work unconventional hours to meet deadlines

Desired Qualifications:

• PhD in social sciences, public health, biomedical research or a related field
• Experience with mixed methods research
• Experience using design thinking and/or human-centered design methods in creating team science interventions
• Evidence of contributions to the science of the team science field

Day Shift

This is a 3-year term-limited hybrid position with the possibility of becoming permanent based on need, available funding, and candidate performance. This position requires at least 2 in-person days at our office on the U-M Ann Arbor Central Campus. At the end of the stated term, your appointment will terminate, and 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.