How to Apply
A detailed cover letter is required for consideration when applying for this position and should be uploaded via the UM Careers website as the first page(s) of a single, electronic document of application materials that also includes your CV or resume. The cover letter should address your specific interest in the position and outline your skills and experience that directly relate to the duties described below.
Mission Statement
The mission of the University of Michigan is to serve the people of Michigan and the world through preeminence in creating, communicating, preserving and applying knowledge, art, and academic values, and in developing leaders and citizens who will challenge the present and enrich the future.
Job Summary
The Personality Processes and Outcomes Lab in the Department of Psychology at the University of Michigan is seeking a Research Operations Lead to support the lab's research program on personality, psychopathology, and quantitative methods. The lab conducts research on the structure, dynamics, and clinical implications of personality and psychopathology, with a particular emphasis on ecological momentary assessment (EMA), passive sensing, intensive longitudinal methods, using large language models to code and analyze narrative text, and the Hierarchical Taxonomy of Psychopathology (HiTOP) framework.
The Research Operations Lead will be responsible for the day-to-day management of research operations, including coordinating data collection for EMA and longitudinal studies, managing IRB protocols, overseeing participant recruitment and scheduling, supporting data management and quality assurance, and providing functional supervision to undergraduate research assistants. The position also supports the lab's involvement in collaborative, multi-site research projects with investigators from other universities. This is an ideal position for someone with research experience in psychology or related field who is interested in gaining further experience in a highly productive and methodologically innovative research environment. Previous project managers have been very successful in applying to graduate school.
Responsibilities*
Research Project Management
- Coordinate day-to-day research operations across multiple concurrent studies, including EMA, intensive longitudinal, and multi-site projects.
- Develop and maintain project timelines and milestones.
- Prepare and manage IRB protocols, amendments, and continuing reviews.
- Serve as the primary point of contact for collaborators and research partners.
- Support grant-related administrative tasks, including progress reports and budget tracking.
Data Collection and Participant Management
- Oversee participant recruitment, screening, enrollment, and retention for EMA and longitudinal studies.
- Manage and troubleshoot EMA survey platforms and data collection technologies.
- Administer research assessments, including self-report questionnaires, behavioral tasks, and interview-based measures.
- Ensure participant compensation is processed accurately and in a timely manner.
- Monitor compliance with research protocols and data collection procedures.
Data Management and Quality Assurance
- Maintain organized research databases and ensure data integrity across projects.
- Implement and document data management workflows, including data cleaning, scoring, and archiving procedures.
- Assist with preparation of datasets for analysis and data sharing in accordance with open science practices.
Team Coordination and Supervision
- Provide functional supervision, training, and scheduling for approximately 5-10 undergraduate research assistants.
- Coordinate lab meetings and maintain lab documentation, including standard operating procedures and training materials.
Required Qualifications*
- Bachelor's degree in psychology, neuroscience, or a related field.
- 2-3 years of experience coordinating academic or clinical research projects, including human subjects research with demonstrated familiarity with IRB protocols and the ethical conduct of research.
- Demonstrated strong organizational, written, and verbal communication skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and consistently meet deadlines.
- Proficient with office and research software (e.g., Microsoft Office, Qualtrics or similar survey platforms, reference management tools) and familiar with statistical and programming/scripting tools (e.g., R, Python) relevant to data management
Desired Qualifications*
- Proficiency with statistical software (e.g., R,) or programming/scripting skills (e.g., R, python) relevant to data management.
- Experience with ecological momentary assessment (EMA) or other intensive longitudinal data collection methods.
- Background in personality psychology, clinical psychology, or psychopathology research.
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.
Additional Information
The salary range is $38,500 - $48,200. Please note a higher salary may be offered based on equity and the selected candidate's experience. Please note a higher salary may be offered based on equity and the selected candidate's experience.
This is a 12-month term-limited position with the possibility of renewal. The anticipated start date is May 1st, 2026, however, this date can be flexible.
As one of the world's great liberal arts colleges, LSA pushes the boundaries of what is understood about the human experience and the natural world, and we foster the next generation of rigorous and empathetic thinkers, creators, and contributors to the state of Michigan, the nation, and the world.
To learn more about LSA's Mission, Vision and Values, please visit lsa.umich.edu/strategicvision
Background Screening
The University of Michigan conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background checks. Background checks are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.
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 any time after the minimum posting period has ended.
U-M EEO Statement
The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.