How to Apply
For consideration of this position, applicants must submit the following materials as one document:
(1) Cover letter describing your interest in working on a community-engaged research project that supports grassroots movements for public banking.
(2) Your experience and training in quantitative methods and analysis.
(3) Current resume/CV.
(4) The names and contact information for three referees.
Candidates must be currently eligible to work in the United States, as we are currently unable to sponsor visas for this job opening.
Job Summary
**This is a one-year, part-time (~77.35% effort) term-limited appointment with the possibility of extension based on funding and performance**
A research team at the University of Michigan School of Social Work seeks a part-time Research Area Specialist Associate to support a funded project Money for the People, which supports grassroots movements that are advocating for public control over banking and finance.
The Research Area Specialist Associate will work closely with the Principal Investigator, community partners, and other members of the research team. This individual will support day-to-day project activities by assisting with data collection; maintaining data and study documentation; leading quantitative data analysis; writing up findings and aiding in drafting reports for public dissemination; and providing routine research support.
This is a hybrid position based in Ann Arbor, Michigan; residence within commuting distance of Ann Arbor, Michigan as of the start date is recommended. Shared work and meeting space at the University of Michigan School of Social Work is available as needed. Occasional on-site meetings and other in-person work will be required.
The start date is flexible, with a preference for January or February 2027.
Responsibilities*
Data Collection and Documentation
- Assist with identifying and accessing data, such as publicly available data sources like the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) summary of deposits, Community Development.
- Financial Institutions (CDFI) public release data, and other creative data possibilities.
- Manages the organization, documentation, merging, cleaning, and storage of complex population datasets, and creates the final analytic datasets.
- Maintain codebooks and clear documentation about where and how data were retrieved, and how variables were measured and constructed.
- Assist with communication with community partners to ensure data collection reflects their interests in public control over banking and finance.
Quantitative Analysis
- Assist with and lead the development of methodological approaches for analyzing and interpreting data.
Lead quantitative analysis of data, such as simulating potential outcomes of establishing a new public bank in a given city (e.g., financing available for affordable housing, infrastructure like
public transportation, climate resiliency, etc.).
- Maintain accurate and complete records of methods and analysis.
- Assist in writing proposals and acquiring extramural research funding as needed, including the technical or analytic portions of grant proposals.
- Carry out assigned research activities and provide other project implementation support to the Principal Investigator.
Public Dissemination
- Lead the writing up of quantitative methods and findings, with proper academic citation and attribution.
- Assist the Principal Investigator and other members of the research team with writing and publishing reports.
- Assist in holding discussions and communicating findings with community partners.
- Assist with writing or participating in public-facing materials such as opinion editorials, news interviews, and conference presentations, among others.
Routine Research Support
- Assist the research team with submissions to the Institutional Review Board (IRB), continuing reviews, amendments, and other regulatory requirements.
- Maintain documentation related to survey development or other data collection procedures as needed.
- Assist the research team to develop processes, tools, and training to support project implementation.
Required Qualifications*
- Master's degree (An equivalent combination of education and experience may be accepted, including relevant graduate student work experience and quantitative analytic training).
- Minimum 2 years of experience with using advanced quantitative methods.
- Command of statistical software such as R and Stata.
- Strong analytic and methodological training, including expertise in secondary data analysis and quasi-experimental or econometric approaches.
- Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills, including the ability to communicate effectively with community partners.
- Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Ability to follow established research team procedures and maintain accurate research documentation.
- Ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
- Ability to work effectively both independently and collaboratively as part of a research team.
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.
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.