Research Area Specialist Intermediate/Associate

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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.

Job Summary

We are seeking a highly organized, detail-oriented individual for a complex, multi-site study focused on accelerating the science of bipolar disorder. This position will support the implementation and coordination of the longitudinal study. The Research Area Specialist role will manage and assist with recruitment and enrollment for the study, oversee the implementation of the protocol, become proficient in blood processing and neurocognitive testing, assist with the MRI imaging protocol and ensure accurate and timely data entry. The Research Specialist may participate in the training of new staff and the functional supervision of undergraduate students. Opportunities to participate in literature reviews, data management, analysis presentation and poster development and publication are available based on experience and interest

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*

  • Manage the enrollment of individuals with lived experience with bipolar disorder into a longitudinal cohort study over a period of five years. 
  • Oversee all aspects of the study process including consenting, scheduling appointments, administration of clinical assessments (under guidance/supervision of advanced clinicians), biospecimen processing, neurocognitive testing, MRI imaging, data entry, and other procedures.
  • Address routine requests from the central coordinating center regarding staff certifications, IRB updates, data queries, and other regulatory requirements.
  • Lead/participate in weekly meetings to report on study productivity and challenges.
  • Effectively communicate with the primary investigator and manager to collaborate on innovative solutions to achieve target goals.

Required Qualifications*

      To be considered for this position, all applicants must have:

  • A bachelor's degree in a related field.
  • Ability to manage responsibilities and take initiative to perform needed responsibilities within the identified scope of work while collaborating and maintaining clear and consistent communication with team and leadership.
    Comfort and willingness to work both proactively and independently, as well as in teams.
  •  Demonstrated skills of being detail-oriented, organized, and strong planning skills.
  • Excellent written and oral communication.
  • Working knowledge of basic computer skills: Google Mail and Google Drive; Microsoft Office Software (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) i.e., creating documents and presentations, maintaining records and lists of contacts, etc.
  • Ability to work respectfully across race, class, gender, religious and other differences.
     

Intermediate level: A minimum of 5 years of experience coordinating research studies.

Associate level: A minimum of one year of previous research experience.

Desired Qualifications*

      Other qualities that will help you succeed in this role:

  • Attention to detail
  • Problem-solving skills
  • Experience working with individuals with bipolar disorder or other mental health disorders
  • Previous background in clinical trial coordination for psychiatric research studies.

Work Schedule

M-F; 9-5pm
Occasional flexibility to work evenings and weekends needed to meet participant's schedules.
This position requires being onsite in the lab most days and transportation to move between two building locations when assisting with the fMRI.

Work Locations

Ann Arbor: Rachel Upjohn Building, North Campus fMRI facility. 

Modes of Work

Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.

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.

In addition to the screenings indicated above under Michigan law, a criminal history check including fingerprinting is required as a condition of transfer or employment for this position.

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.