Research Team Leader, Intermediate/Senior

Research Team Leader

We are looking for Research Team Leaders at the Intermediate and Senior levels to join the Data Collection Operations unit at the Institute for Social Research (ISR), Survey Research Center (SRC), and Survey Research Operations (SRO).

The Data Collection Operations unit is responsible for the recruiting, hiring, training, supervising and supporting approximately 650 SRC data collection staff (centralized and decentralized) who serve as interviewers. This position is part of the Production Management Team. Research Team Leaders on the Production Management Team support a remote, national data collection staff responsible for meeting project production and cost goals on complex surveys, requiring the use of computer-assisted data collection technologies by a variety of methods. Research Team Leaders manage complicated and/or large sample assignments and oversee the distribution of sample, and collaborate with our centralized production staff located in Ann Arbor. More information about our organization can be found here: src.isr.umich.edu/services/survey-research-operations/.

This is a full-time, fixed term (12 month) position with the possibility of renewal based upon availability of work, funding, and performance. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

Responsibilities*

• Provide front-line coaching, interviewer support, and team building on data collection projects. Coach interviewers on the completion of data collection activities, including providing tailored and generalized feedback as needed, coaching on techniques for addressing respondent concerns, and monitoring production. Provide various administrative support tasks, including assisting with the review of time and expenses for interviewers. Conduct and lead team calls with field staff on a regular basis.
• Assist project and/or production manager with all phases of survey project preparation and implementation, including pre-production, production management, project deliverables, and documentation; assist with preparing project work plans and schedules in consultation with project manager, research staff, and project team members.
• Assist in questionnaire development, including scripting survey instruments, testing survey instruments, and summarizing testing protocols and results; conduct pretest and pilot interviews; assist in preparation of specifications for development of technical systems.
• Assist in the implementation of data collection services, including case level reviews and specialized tracking. Implement interviewer sample assignment for large and/or complex studies under general direction from a Production Manager. Ensure protocols are consistently followed by staff through review and monitoring of work products; implement quality control procedures; participate in problem identification and resolution during data collection and processing period.
• Provide performance related feedback to field staff members.
• Assist in the development of training materials; assist with training sessions.
• Prepare survey questionnaires and other instruments for processing, including editing and coding of survey responses.
• Complete production interviews with respondents by a variety of methods using standardized interviewing techniques; May include administering standardized physical measurements and/or cognitive assessments.
• Travel overnight for up to 10 days, or as required to meet project needs. Transport up to 25 pounds when conducting interviews with respondents in homes, educational establishments, medical centers or other designated locations.
• At the Research Team Leader Senior level, responsibilities also include: Coordinate the activities of 5-10 Research Team Leader Intermediates, including providing guidance, coaching, and mentoring; Collaborate with a Production Manager to establish and monitor the overall data collection approach; Provide performance related feedback to Research Team Leader Intermediates; Document performance related issues for field staff members; Provide corrective feedback and training, and monitor adherence to performance plans.

Required Qualifications*

• Experience with computer-assisted interviewing (CAI) software.
• Bachelor's degree in social sciences or related field with experience in survey research (and/or equivalent combination of education and experience).
• Maintain a flexible schedule that will allow attendance at trainings and a production work schedule that includes work during the day, evenings and weekends. Time of work can vary from early morning to evening.
• Two or more years of progressively responsible experience in survey research or related areas, including experience working as a Team Leader, Team Leader Coordinator, and/or Production Coordinator.
• Demonstrated competence in MS Office software and experience with Google Workspace tools.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills; ability to compose basic instructions, memos and revise documents and manuals using word processing software.

Desired Qualifications*

• Preferential consideration for experience working on the Health and Retirement Study (HRS) .
• Demonstrated coaching, guiding and monitoring of field staff members.
• Completion of Survey Research Operation Foundations of Leadership.
• Advanced skills with document formatting.
• Demonstrated knowledge using critical thinking skills in problem solving.
• Experience with testing of technical systems.
• Experience in manipulation of small data sets for simple file creation and presentation in tables.
• Experience using statistical techniques and/or software (e.g., SAS, SPSS, STATA, R, Excel, etc.).

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

Shifts can include days, evenings, and/or nights, and including weekends. May require overnight travel to meet project needs.

Work Locations

As the primary duty of this position is direct supervision and monitoring of remote data collection staff and may require in-person interviewing throughout the U.S., this is a remote assignment for candidates who have demonstrated ability to work effectively in a remote environment.

Additional Information

The Institute for Social Research (ISR) at the University of Michigan seeks to create a community of respect and authentic collaboration by recruiting and retaining individuals that represent a variety of voices as a reflection of our commitment to serve the 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.

Why Work at Michigan?

In addition to a career filled with purpose and opportunity, the University of Michigan offers a comprehensive benefits package to help you stay well, protect yourself and any eligible family members and plan for a secure future. Benefits include:

• Generous time off
• A retirement plan that provides two-for-one matching contributions with immediate vesting upon meeting eligibility requirements
• Many choices for comprehensive health insurance
• Life insurance
• Long-term disability coverage
• Flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses

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

Institute for Social Research job openings are posted for a minimum of fourteen (14) calendar days. 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.