How to Apply

A cover letter is required for consideration of this position and should be attached as the first page of your resume describing how your interests and experience meet the job requirements of this posting.

Job Summary

We are seeking a highly-motivated and detail-oriented research area specialist to join our interdisciplinary research team working on a large cohort study, the National Survey of American Life (NSAL). The NSAL is the only nationally-representative survey of mental health of Black Americans (n~6,000) that has ever been conducted, and researchers at the University of Michigan (UM) recently received funding to conduct a 25-year follow-up of this sample to examine risk and protective factors for cognitive aging. The project is being led by Drs. Briana Mezuk and Toni Antonucci at the UM Institute for Social Research, and is being supported by a diverse team of investigators from a variety of disciplines.

This role will serve as technical lead and data management supervisor for the project. This role will include managing large, complex data elements from survey interviews, cognitive assessments, and biological samples. The research area specialist will serve as lead in data quality and assurance, including provision of key expertise in data coding including geo-coding, index preparation, and data file preparation for analysis. This research area specialist will work closely with the broader interdisciplinary project team and external partners (vendors, survey research operations, laboratory cores). They will be directly involved in the analysis of data and its incorporation in scholarly output, including publications, presentations, and project status reports and deliverables. This position will provide functional leadership and oversight to more junior staff and students working within this and related projects.

This is a half-time, term-limited position due to salary funded on a grant.

Responsibilities*

Under the direction of the Principal Investigator, the Research Area Specialist will engage in the following:

Serve as technical lead and data management supervisor for the project.
Manage large, complex data elements from survey interviews, cognitive assessments, and biological samples.
Serve as lead in data quality and assurance, including provision of key expertise in data coding including geo-coding, index preparation, and data file preparation for analysis.
Work closely with the broader interdisciplinary project team and external partners (vendors, survey research operations, laboratory cores).
Be directly involved in the analysis of data and its incorporation in scholarly output, including publications, presentations, and project status reports and deliverables.
Provide functional leadership and oversight to more junior staff and students working within this and related projects.

Required Qualifications*

Considerable experience in large scale, multi-modal data management and analysis in survey research.
Highly-proficient and able to demonstrate skill and experience with data management, variable coding and cleaning, and preparation of data index file preparation.
Ability to work independently as well as in collaborative teams.
Experience in data analysis and translating results in scholarly output, working with a diverse, interdisciplinary research team of faculty, staff, and students.
A master's degree in survey research or a closely related field, including biostatistics or epidemiology.
A minimum of 5 years of experience engaging in interdisciplinary health 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

This is a one-year position with an anticipated start date of March 1, 2025, with a potential for a one-year extension pending funding. The ideal candidate for this position will hold a master's degree in survey research or a closely related field, including biostatistics or epidemiology

The Institute for Social Research (ISR) at the University of Michigan seeks to recruit and retain a diverse workforce as a reflection of our commitment to serve the diverse people of Michigan, to maintain the excellence of the university, and to ground our research in varied disciplines, perspectives, and ways of knowing and learning. This position includes health benefits, and all University of Michigan policies, practices, and procedures applicable to your classification title apply to your employment.

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

ISR job openings are posted for a minimum of fourteen (14) calendar days. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. This posting may be removed at any time after the minimum posting period has ended.

U-M EEO/AA Statement

The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.