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.
Job Summary
The Research Area Specialist Lead provides strategic leadership and advanced research expertise in support of the Neuropsychology and Concussion Laboratory. Working closely with the Principal Investigator (PI), this position oversees daily laboratory operations, coordinates complex research activities, and serves as a technical expert in neuropsychological and concussion-related research. The individual plays a key role in advancing the laboratory's research mission through data analysis, grant and proposal development, manuscript preparation, and dissemination of scientific findings. Additionally, the Research Area Specialist Lead supervises and mentors research staff, ensures efficient project execution, and contributes to the design, implementation, and management of research initiatives that support the laboratory's scientific and clinical objectives.
Responsibilities*
Research Area Specialist Lead
Research Program Leadership
- Manage and coordinate all phases of complex research projects and initiatives.
- Collaborate with Principal Investigators (PIs) and research leadership to establish research goals, project plans, and operational priorities.
- Lead implementation of research protocols, procedures, and project activities.
- Monitor project timelines, milestones, and deliverables to ensure successful completion.
Research Design and Scientific Contribution
- Participate in the development of research objectives, study designs, and methodologies.
- Provide expertise in the planning, execution, and evaluation of research activities.
- Function as a technical specialist or subject matter expert in one or more areas of research.
- Support development and application of analytical, statistical, computational, or experimental methods to address research questions.
Data Analysis and Reporting
- Coordinate the collection, analysis, interpretation, and reporting of research findings.
- Prepare reports, summaries, and presentations for investigators, sponsors, and stakeholders.
- Ensure data integrity, accuracy, and compliance with applicable regulations and institutional standards.
- Communicate outcomes and project progress to research teams and sponsor organizations.
Scholarly Activities
- Contribute to the development and preparation of grant applications and research proposals.
- Author or co-author manuscripts, reports, abstracts, and other scholarly products.
- Present research findings at institutional, regional, national, and international conferences.
- Maintain awareness of advances and emerging trends within areas of research specialization.
Collaboration and External Relations
- Serve as a liaison between research teams, institutional departments, collaborators, sponsors, and external agencies.
- Facilitate the exchange of research information and foster collaborative partnerships.
- Represent research leadership in meetings, communications, and project-related activities as appropriate.
Technical and Operational Oversight
- Provide advanced technical support and guidance regarding research equipment, systems, and methodologies.
- Oversee the design, modification, maintenance, and utilization of specialized equipment and resources.
- Evaluate laboratory or project operations and recommend improvements to enhance efficiency, quality, and productivity.
- Ensure compliance with safety regulations, institutional policies, and research standards.
Staff Leadership and Supervision
- Provide functional and administrative supervision to research personnel, students, trainees, and support staff.
- Coordinate staff assignments, training, mentoring, and performance expectations.
- Promote a collaborative and productive research environment.
- Assist with workforce planning and resource allocation to support program objectives.
Research Area Specialist Senior
Research Program Leadership
- Manage and coordinate all phases of complex research projects and initiatives.
- Collaborate with Principal Investigators (PIs) and research leadership to establish research goals, project plans, and operational priorities.
- Lead implementation of research protocols, procedures, and project activities.
- Monitor project timelines, milestones, and deliverables to ensure successful completion.
Research Design and Scientific Contribution
- Participate in the development of research objectives, study designs, and methodologies.
- Provide expertise in the planning, execution, and evaluation of research activities.
- Function as a technical specialist or subject matter expert in one or more areas of research.
- Support development and application of analytical, statistical, computational, or experimental methods to address research questions.
Data Analysis and Reporting
- Coordinate the collection, analysis, interpretation, and reporting of research findings.
- Prepare reports, summaries, and presentations for investigators, sponsors, and stakeholders.
- Ensure data integrity, accuracy, and compliance with applicable regulations and institutional standards.
- Communicate outcomes and project progress to research teams and sponsor organizations.
Scholarly Activities
- Contribute to the development and preparation of grant applications and research proposals.
- Author or co-author manuscripts, reports, abstracts, and other scholarly products.
- Present research findings at institutional, regional, national, and international conferences.
- Maintain awareness of advances and emerging trends within areas of research specialization.
Collaboration and External Relations
- Serve as a liaison between research teams, institutional departments, collaborators, sponsors, and external agencies.
- Facilitate the exchange of research information and foster collaborative partnerships.
- Represent research leadership in meetings, communications, and project-related activities as appropriate.
Technical and Operational Oversight
- Provide advanced technical support and guidance regarding research equipment, systems, and methodologies.
- Oversee the design, modification, maintenance, and utilization of specialized equipment and resources.
- Evaluate laboratory or project operations and recommend improvements to enhance efficiency, quality, and productivity.
- Ensure compliance with safety regulations, institutional policies, and research standards.
Staff Leadership and Supervision
- Provide functional and administrative supervision to research personnel, students, trainees, and support staff.
- Coordinate staff assignments, training, mentoring, and performance expectations.
- Promote a collaborative and productive research environment.
- Assist with workforce planning and resource allocation to support program objectives.
Required Qualifications*
Research Area Specialist Lead:
- Doctoral Degree in Public health, Epidemiology, Genetic Epidemiology
- 6+ years of related experience i.e. published in a field of specialty and academic knowledge in a field of discipline
- 2-3 years of post-doctoral experience in applying genetic epidemiology methods
- Demonstrated expertise in research methodologies and data analysis
- Experience managing complex projects and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams
Research Area Specialist Senior
- Bachelor's degree in relevant scientific, health-related, technical, or research discipline
- 5-6 years of related experience i.e. published in a field of specialty and academic knowledge in a field of discipline
- Experience coordinating research projects and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams
- Demonstrate knowledge of research methodologies and data collection/analysis.
- Equivalent combination of education and related experience may be considered.
Desired Qualifications*
Research Area Specialist Lead and Senior
- Doctoral degree in a relevant field.
- Experience in concussion research, experience in data analysis, manuscript preparation, and scientific presentations.
- Experience preparing grant applications, research proposals, and scholarly publications.
- Prior supervisory or team leadership experience.
- Record of presenting research findings and contributing to funded research programs.
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
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.
Additional Information
Please note: This will be a 2 year, term-limited appointment that runs through 11/18/2028. At the end of the stated term, your appointment will terminate and will not be eligible for Reduction-in-Force (RIF) benefits. This term-limited appointment does not create a contract or guarantee of employment for any period of time as you will remain subject to disciplinary or other performance measures, up to and including termination, at the will of the University in accordance with existing University policy and standards for employee performance and conduct.
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.
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 Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.