Research Area Specialist Assoc

Research Area Specialist Associate

Level Up: Employment Skills Simulation Lab (leveluplab.org) at the University of Michigan School of Social Work is accepting applications for the Research Area Specialist Associate position. We are seeking candidates to provide research and administrative support to project teams in coordinating multiple federal-grant funded, multi-site, multi-year research studies. The selected candidate will assist the team in coordinating National Institute of Mental Health funded projects, specifically working with the autism population. This position requires travel to and from study sites, with the option of staying at a hotel for sites that are farther away. The selected candidate will also assist with the development and testing of artificial intelligence (AI) agents aimed to assist employment service providers.

This position, which includes benefits, is not eligible for sponsorship of employment visa status by the University of Michigan School of Social Work.

Level Up: Employment Skills Simulation Lab's mission is to help bridge the equity gap in employment opportunities for underserved groups. We are pursuing this mission within the context of the Grand Challenges of Social Work by seeking to Harness Technology for Social Good, Ensure Healthy Development for All Youth, Promote Social Isolation, and Eradicate Social Isolation.

Our lab utilizes community-based participatory approaches and technological innovations to achieve these aims. Our funded program builds on the interdisciplinary strength of the resource-rich, research-focused environment at the University of Michigan.

Required Qualifications*

• Coordinating project recruitment
• Conducting data collection visits both remotely and on-site with participants
• Coordinating and conducting follow-up data collection
• Carrying out research visits with community partners
• Conducting implementation interviews and focus groups with community partners
• Coordinating community-based trainings and supervisions
• Developing data collection protocols and engaging in valid data collection
• Managing and monitoring both quantitative and qualitative data
• Conducting literature reviews and identifying valid clinical assessments
• Communicating regularly with participants, community partners, and Principal Investigators
• Monitoring project timelines, report deadlines, and progress towards project goals
• Assisting in IRB reporting, amendments, and applications
• Assisting with reports to project sponsors and community partners
• Creating outreach materials both in print and digital format
• Assisting the team in social media management
• Coordinating purchases for the lab
• Attending and facilitating project meetings
• Mentoring research assistants

Required Qualifications*

• At least a bachelor's degree in Social Work, Psychology, Education, Disability Studies, Social Science, and/or a related field
• At least 1 year of experience working in a research lab
• Ability to travel to study sites

Desired Qualifications*

• Master's degree in Social Work, Psychology, Education, Disability Studies, Social Science, and/or a related field
• Experience in Microsoft Office Suite, REDCap, SPSS, Dedoose/NVivo, and graphic design websites such as Canva and Venngage
• Previous community-based research experience
• Experience with clinical assessments

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 Locations

Although the work location will be in the School of Social Work building (SSWB) at 1080 S. University, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1106, a hybrid of remote and in person work is available.

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.