Research Area Specialist 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 are directly related to this position.

Job Summary

 The Social Care in Chronic Disease Collaborative is seeking a skilled and highly motivated Research Associate to provide support for a federally-funded diabetes intervention study. This position will focus on recruitment, data collection, and behind-the-scenes research operations. The Research Associate will work collaboratively with a 6-person research team to ensure rigorous data quality, participant retention, and efficient study workflows. 
 

About Social Care in Chronic Disease Collaborative: Established in 2019, the Social Care in Chronic Disease Collaborative's mission is to advance the science on addressing social context in chronic disease management. The collaborative engages in interdisciplinary research and evaluation, working to translate research and innovations into clinical and public health practice and policy advancement.

About the Department: The position will be based in the Department of Health Behavior and Health Equity.  Driven by a shared passion for affecting lasting change, the faculty, students, and staff of HBHE work in the pursuit of an equitable, healthy future for all. Turning theory and research into actionable practice, we develop interventions and innovations that promote health, prevent disease, and empower people to manage chronic illness and disabilities. Together, our academic community transforms the theoretical into actionable, the science into the social, applying our knowledge to eliminate health disparities and impact lives for the better.
 

Responsibilities*

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:  

  • Participant Recruitment: Support daily recruitment activities, including outreach, eligibility screening, informed consent, and participant enrollment.  
  • Data Collection: Administer phone-based survey assessments at scheduled timepoints throughout the study period.
  • Documentation & Protocol Adherence: Maintain accurate, timely study documentation; enter and update participant records; and ensure all activities align with IRB requirements, study protocols, and confidentiality standards.  
  • Collaboration: Work closely with the research team to coordinate participant scheduling, communicate recruitment and retention updates, and flag issues or deviations promptly to support smooth study operations.
     

Required Qualifications*

  • Bachelor's degree in Public Health, Social Work, Public Policy, or a related field, Master's preferred.  
  • 1-3 years of related experience.
  • Academic and/or professional experience related to social determinants of health, health equity, poverty, and/or social services administration.
  • Strong interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills.
  • Demonstrated ability to work independently while also contributing to a collaborative environment.  
  • High level of professionalism, strong organizational skills, and a consistent work ethic.
     

Desired Qualifications*

  • Demonstrated experience with research or evaluation projects (e.g., recruitment, data collection, analysis).  
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office and REDCap.
  • Individuals with bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish or Arabic are encouraged to apply
     

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

  • 40 hours per week, Monday- Friday days
  • Occasional evening availability is needed to accommodate participant availability
     

Work Locations

  • School of Public Health Building 1, 1415 Washington Heights, Ann Arbor, MI
  • We are currently using a hybrid work model. Staff are required to come into the office two days per week
     

Additional Information

This position is Term Limited: Two years from hire date with opportunity to renew.

Applicants are encouraged to view our website here: https://www.sccdcollaborative.org/

 

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.