Research Assistant (Temp)

Supporting Transition And Employment Pathways (Step) Lab Research Assistant

The Supporting Transition and Employment Pathways (STEP) Lab is dedicated to advancing disability inclusion so individuals with disabilities can fully participate in all aspects of life. Housed within the University of Michigan School of Social Work, STEP Lab conducts community-based research focused on youth employment readiness, school-based interventions, and workforce development.

We are seeking a part-time Research Assistant to support a range of research, program, and operational activities across STEP Lab initiatives. This role is ideal for someone who can balance multiple types of work, including research support, workshop facilitation, communication with partners, curriculum and content development, and project coordination. They will work closely with the project team to help move work forward across several active initiatives. This position requires strong organization, communication, and the ability to take initiative in a fast-paced, evolving environment.

Responsibilities*

• Support implementation of research and program activities, including participant recruitment, data collection, focus groups, interviews, and assessments.
• Assist with classroom-based program delivery by supporting curriculum facilitation, student engagement, attendance tracking, and session logistics.
• Conduct outreach and maintain communication with schools, community service providers, employers, participants, and other project partners.
• Manage project data, including data entry, organization, quality assurance, and documentation to support reporting and evaluation activities.
• Assist with data analysis and preparation of reports, presentations, and project summaries.
• Coordinate project activities, timelines, meetings, and documentation across multiple research and program initiatives.
• Develop and update curriculum materials, training resources, outreach materials, and other project content.
• Support community engagement activities, including school visits, partner meetings, recruitment events, and stakeholder outreach.
• Perform additional research, programmatic, and administrative tasks as needed to support project goals.

Required Qualifications*

• Ability to commit approximately 20-25 hours per week
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and follow through on tasks independently
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Comfort working across different types of tasks (research, communication, coordination)
• Ability to problem-solve and adapt in a fast-paced, evolving project environment
• Proficiency with Google Workspace and/or Microsoft Office
• Some travel required

Desired Qualifications*

• Experience with research tools (e.g., REDCap, Qualtrics, NVivo, SPSS)
• Experience supporting research, program coordination, or community-based projects
• Familiarity with qualitative research methods (coding, transcription, focus groups)
• Experience with curriculum development or training materials
• Experience with LMS platforms or digital content management
• Background or interest in Social Work, Education, Public Health, Psychology, or related fields

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

Candidates must be currently eligible to work in the United States, as we are currently unable to sponsor visas for this job opening.

Application Deadline

In order to receive full consideration for your application, please submit your bid within the first seven calendar days of this posting. UM job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days and the SSW may start the review/selection process as early as the eighth day after posting. This job 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.