Research Area Specialist Intermediate/ Associate

Apply Now

How to Apply

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.

Summary

The University of Michigan Department of Anesthesiology is seeking a Research Area Specialist-Associate for the Chronic Pain and Fatigue Research Centers (CPFRCs) Health Equity Core. The ideal candidate will be detail-oriented and have experience in diversity, equity, & inclusion. Those with past roles related to health services, social work, health education, and/or health equity may be especially qualified. Prior experience working in communities that are predominantly Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) is strongly desired.

The Research Area Specialist-Associate is expected to work independently under the guidance of the program director and supervisor. This person is expected to understand and support the conduct of research within all federal, state and local regulatory requirements. Candidate participates in the facilitation of various research projects and community-related outreach. 

The CPFRC Health Equity Core aims to increase diversity, equity, and inclusion of BIPOC communities within mechanistic research and intervention development for chronic pain and fatigue conditions. CPFRC is a diverse team of internationally renowned investigators and clinicians who study the mechanisms and most effective treatments for conditions that have chronic pain and fatigue as core symptoms. At present, there is no known cure for many of the chronic illnesses we study, and we strongly believe successful treatment requires a tailored approach that considers a range of therapies for each person. Examples of these therapies include acupuncture, cognitive behavioral therapy, physiotherapy, pain medications, and cannabis. Our portfolio of research spans the translational spectrum from neuroimaging to community engagement. You can learn more about our center here  https://medicine.umich.edu/dept/cpfrc/about-us.

Mission Statement

Michigan Medicine improves the health of patients, populations and communities through excellence in education, patient care, community service, research and technology development, and through leadership activities in Michigan, nationally and internationally.  Our mission is guided by our Strategic Principles and has three critical components; patient care, education and research that together enhance our contribution to society.

Why Join Michigan Medicine?

Michigan Medicine is one of the largest health care complexes in the world and has been the site of many groundbreaking medical and technological advancements since the opening of the U-M Medical School in 1850. Michigan Medicine is comprised of over 30,000 employees and our vision is to attract, inspire, and develop outstanding people in medicine, sciences, and healthcare to become one of the world’s most distinguished academic health systems.  In some way, great or small, every person here helps to advance this world-class institution. Work at Michigan Medicine and become a victor for the greater good.

What Benefits can you Look Forward to?

  • Excellent medical, dental and vision coverage effective on your very first day
  • 2:1 Match on retirement savings

Responsibilities*

Community Outreach Coordination 

  • Completing additional training as needed in ethical conduct of research, chronic pain, and health promotion.
  • Organizing and hosting or co-hosting events online/virtually and in-person.
  • Providing health education on topics related to healthy living and chronic pain management.
  • Implementing health promotion programming.
  • Coordinating and sustaining positive, collaborative relationships with community residents, community groups, nonprofit organizations, and businesses.
  • Representing CPFRC at community engagements and in meetings with community partners.
  • Planning and implement strategic engagement activities and interaction with community partners.
  • Assisting with the development of materials for CPFRC community engagement events.
  • Relaying concerns and priorities of community residents to faculty and staff in the CPFRC Health Equity Core.
  • Disseminating materials for CPFRC community engagement events and study recruitment.
  • Corresponding with potential research participants via telephone and email for screening, consent, enrollment, and follow-up.
  • Attending data collection or other study visits with participants.
  • Reviewing informed consent documentation with potential and enrolled study participants.
  • Administering eligibility screeners, surveys, and questionnaires.
  • Maintaining accurate and detailed records regarding study recruitment and community events.
  • Performing additional duties as identified in collaboration with CPFRC Health Equity Core faculty and staff.

Research Study Coordination 

  • Coordinate research studies including participant visit management, data collection, timely follow up and communication, data entry and query resolution
  • Facilitate study patient advisory board(s) or community advisory boards
  • Conduct literature search, retrieval, and summary for awarded or potential projects
  • Support database development, quality control, and cleaning
  • Scientific manuscript, abstract, poster and presentation writing/editing
  • Generate and maintain the Institutional Review Board applications for research study approvals, amendments and continuations.

Required Qualifications*

Intermediate: 

  • Bachelors degree 
  • 4-5 years of experience in related filed 

Associate: 

  • Bachelors degree 
  • At least 1 year of relevant work experience. 

Both: 

  • Willing to complete additional training on a regular basis as needed.Excellent verbal/written communication skills.
  • Personable with excellent relationship management and community building skills.
  • Able to travel for work as required.
  • Able to work evenings and weekends on a regular basis.
  • Strong presentation skills.
  • Ability to understand and comply with confidentiality requirements.
  • Demonstrated ability to work independently and cooperatively, prioritize and complete tasks in a timely manner.
  • Demonstrated ability to do exceptional tracking and follow up with attention to detail.
  • Demonstrated ability to multitask in an environment of shifting priorities with a high degree of accuracy.
  • Intermediate computer proficiency including general office applications (e.g., Microsoft Office Suite and Google Docs). 

Desired Qualifications*

  • A current resident of Detroit.
  • Experience developing community-based programs or initiatives.
  • Strong public engagement and consensus-building experience, especially involving partners with diverse interests and opinions.
  • Experience recruiting within historically under-resourced communities and/or working on issues concerning racial equity.
  • Advanced computer proficiency including general office applications (e.g., Microsoft Office suite and Google Docs). 

Work Schedule

  • 40 hours per week.
  • Able to work evenings and weekends on a regular basis.
  • This is a hybrid in-person and virtual position.
  • Up to 2-3 days per week are expected to be on-site at CPFRC in the Ann Arbor Dominos Farms Office Park.

Work Locations

Domino Farms, Lobby M

Underfill Statement

This position may be underfilled at a lower classification depending on the qualifications of the selected candidate.

Background Screening

Michigan Medicine conducts background screening and pre-employment drug testing on job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent job offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background screenings.  Background screenings are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Report Act. Pre-employment drug testing applies to all selected candidates, including new or additional faculty and staff appointments, as well as transfers from other U-M campuses.

Application Deadline

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 anytime after the minimum posting period has ended.

U-M EEO/AA Statement

The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.