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University of Michigan Water Center Associate Collaborative Research Specialist
Who We Are
The Graham Sustainability Institute at the University of Michigan mobilizes the expertise and passion of faculty, students, partners, and decision-makers to work together and bring world-class research to real-world sustainability challenges. Our initiatives lead to positive outcomes that safeguard the planet's life support systems and enhance well-being for present and future generations. Aligned with U-M's commitment to research, education, and service, the Graham Sustainability Institute drives real-world impact in partnership with the university and external stakeholders by enhancing collaborative research, developing sustainability leaders, and informing policy and practice.
The University of Michigan Water Center addresses critical and emerging water resource challenges by fostering collaborative, user-driven research that informs policy and management decisions affecting our waters. We catalyze water-based research and engagement on campus, facilitate key water-based programs and processes across the state and country, and serve as the premier water think tank in the region.
The Graham Sustainability Institute seeks a Collaborative Research Specialist (Research Area Specialist Associate) to join the growing, dynamic team at the U-M Water Center. In this role, you will primarily support our Great Lakes Horizons Initiative, an exciting new multi-faceted endeavor with the potential to positively shape the future of our region. You will also work on reducing harmful algal blooms in the Western Lake Erie Basin.
What you will do:
- Help support project teams and multiple advisory groups, including meeting planning and facilitation, development of meeting summaries and resources, and ensuring follow-up by all parties
- Develop relationships with, and foster connections among, campus and external partners, including many leaders in Southeast Michigan and the Great Lakes region
- Assist with the design of webinars, workshops, events, and other activities to support projects and programs under the Great Lakes Horizons Initiative and other U-M Water Center initiatives including the Western Lake Erie Basin program.
- Communicate program activities and impacts by generating written content for email updates, websites, progress reports, newsletters, and other materials
- Assist colleagues in the Water Center with externally funded research projects as needed, which may include data collection and analysis, and summarizing findings from peer reviewed literature
- Assist in evaluating project and program implementation and impact
- Oversee student staff as needed
Required Qualifications:
- Shared commitment to Graham's values of being collaborative, purpose-driven, inclusive, science-based, and impactful
- Passion for learning and writing
- Strong attention to detail both in written communications and quantitative tasks
- Strong writing and synthesis skills
- Demonstrated interest in water policy and programs, particularly in the Great Lakes region
- Ability to handle multiple projects at once and an interest in making connections among them
- Ability to work both independently and on small teams
- Demonstrated ability to conduct independent research and analysis
- A Bachelor's degree and at least 2 years of directly relevant work experience
Preferred qualifications:
- Experience working with culturally and politically diverse stakeholders
- Familiarity with the water sectors in the Great Lakes region
- A Master's degree in a directly relevant field
Benefits at the University of Michigan
In addition to a career filled with purpose and opportunity, The University of Michigan offers exceptional benefits (learn more at https://careers.umich.edu/benefits).
Additional Information
- 12-month term appointment through January 2027, with opportunities to extend contingent upon funding and performance.
- You will work on-site at the Graham Sustainability Institute offices in Ann Arbor, with flexible scheduling and remote opportunities made available within Graham Institute policies.
How to Apply:
You must submit a cover letter and resume (including a list of references) as a single document to be considered for this position. The cover letter should address your specific interest in the position and outline your skills and related experience. Application review will begin in early 2026.