Research Area Specialist Senior

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How to Apply

A cover letter, attached as the first page of your resume, describing how your experience meets the job requirements of this posting, is required for consideration of this position.

Please visihttp://www.nursing.umich.edu/ for more information about the School of Nursing.

Job Summary

The Research Area Specialist Senior will be responsible for ensuring that all research project activities adhere to scheduled timelines, comply fully with regulatory standards, maintain high standards of academic rigor and integrity, and keep within the allocated budget limit.  This role will be supporting a program of research focused on the health effects of disasters and the design of systems of resilient health care systems. The research spans a variety of methods including use of large datasets, qualitative research and implementation science. The incumbent will be expected to work well both independently and collaboratively and must have excellent organizational, time management, and communication skills. The Research Area Specialist Senior will oversee day-to-day administrative and support activities throughout the course of the project, including but not limited to obtaining and maintaining IRB approval and data preparation and scheduling team meetings.

This is a full time, term-limited position due to salary funded on a grant. Salary is commensurate based on the qualifications and experience of the selected candidate up to a maximum of $75,000.

Responsibilities*

Leadership & Team Management - 25% 

  • Ensure tasks are completed accurately and on time by team members and partner organizations.
  • Foster a collaborative and productive work environment.
  • Act as an important liaison between faculty, staff, and community partners to facilitate clear channels of communication 
  • Coordinate, communicate, and troubleshoot events, logistics, and execution. 
  • Closely develop, document, and monitor detailed project schedules, timeline, budgets, and resource requirements.

Grant & Research Activities - 25% 

  • Oversee day-to-day research operations, ensuring smooth progress and adherence to project timelines.
  • Involvement in all stages of research on projects, including study design, planning, data collection and analysis, and dissemination of results. 
  • Develop and implement policies and standard operating procedures (SOPs) and ensure adherence to research protocols.
  • Manage all necessary documentation for research activities, including IRB applications, recruitment, consent forms, and data management (e.g., building and auditing REDCap databases for accuracy).
  • Lead and participate in project start up and close out functions.
  • Oversee resources and order supplies as needed.
  • Lead and supervise rigorous team-based qualitative/mixed methods data collection and analysis efforts, including training staff in various methodologies (e.g., survey development, interviewing, ethnography, focus groups).

Strategic Planning & Development - 20% 

  • Implementation of the research team's administrative, operational, and strategic priorities
  • Collaborate with other departments and stakeholders to support research and development initiatives.
  • Work with PI to develop and manage the program budget, including cost control and resource allocation.
  • Identify and implement new processes and methodologies to improve team efficiency.
  • Assist the PI in developing and maintaining educational and/or training programs. 
  • Support and identify professional development activities for investigators and staff

Regulation & Compliance - 15% 

  • Oversee development and submission of regulatory materials and maintain regulatory binders in case of audits.
  • Ensure ongoing compliance with all regulatory requirements, including NIH, VA, IRB, University of Michigan and other relevant standards.
  • Participate in resolving regulatory issues and reporting adverse events.
  • Educate and train team affiliates and staff on matters of federal and university research compliance. 

Communication & Reporting - 15%

  • Engage with academic departments, healthcare organizations, and community partners to maintain and enhance relationships and strengthen the academic profile of the School of Nursing.
  • Liaise with a variety of stakeholders including, but not limited to, school/project sponsors, regulatory agents, and clinic/hospital staff.
  • Work with the PI to develop and communicate goals and outcomes with a variety of stakeholders, such as quality metrics (e.g., grants and awards obtained, publications) and financial performance.
  • Communicate effectively with healthcare providers, institutional representatives, patients, research participants, and other stakeholders regarding School/research activities and services.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work to be performed and are not an exhaustive list of all associated responsibilities.

Required Qualifications*

  • A Masters degree in social/behavioral sciences, public health, or a directly related field from an accredited institution.
  • Five (5) years of qualitative and/or mixed methods research experience. 
  • Five (5) years of research experience providing program and/or project management duties in a healthcare research setting.
  • Ability to communicate effectively, both in writing and orally. 
  • Demonstrated proficiency with Microsoft Office products (including MS Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint).
  • Excellent communication skills, with the ability to receive and convey information clearly and concisely for various mediums. 
  • Must be reliable, committed to high quality service, and able to meet deadlines in a fast-pace environment.
  • Prior experience working in higher education and/or with VA research. 
  • Experience working with human subjects.
  • Experience in research budget preparation and planning.
  • Ability to evaluate, analyze, and interpret data, recommend solutions, and implement a preferred course of action.
  • A high degree of initiative and resourcefulness.
  • Strong project management skills and experience within a complex and diverse environment working in a diplomatic, collaborative and effective manner.
  • Ability to handle multiple assignments and deadlines and display excellent judgment while operating in a flexible and professional manner; strong ability to multitask while operating in a fast-paced research environment is essential.
  • Ability to promote the School of Nursing's Declaration of Values to Empower each other to interrupt or disrupt disrespect; Practice communication that is beneficial, kind and true; Inspire and be inspired by our members' worth, significance and integrity; Cultivate respect for ourselves and others routinely, publicly and privately.

Attributes: 

  • A high degree of initiative and resourcefulness.
  • Strong project management skills and experience within a complex and diverse environment working in a diplomatic, collaborative and effective manner.
  • Ability to handle multiple assignments and deadlines and display excellent judgment while operating in a flexible and professional manner; strong ability to multitask while operating in a fast-paced research environment is essential.
  • Ability to promote the School of Nursing's Declaration of Values to Empower each other to interrupt or disrupt disrespect; Practice communication that is beneficial, kind and true; Inspire and be inspired by our members' worth, significance and integrity; Cultivate respect for ourselves and others routinely, publicly and privately.

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.

Work Schedule

8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday; may include some occasional weekend and/or evening hours.

Additional Information

Authorization to work in the U.S. is a precondition of employment. Applicants will not be sponsored for work visas.

Application Deadline

Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. This job 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.