Research Area Specialist Intermediate

How to Apply

A cover letter is required for consideration for this position and should be attached as the first page of your resume. The cover letter should address your specific interest in this role and outline your skills and experience that relate to this position.

Job Summary

The Prevention Research Collaborative, based in the Department of Health Behavior & Health Equity (HBHE) at the University of Michigan School of Public Health, is looking for a knowledgeable and experienced candidate to provide project management support to funded research projects focused on school safety, mental health, and positive youth development. Working in close communication with the UM team, local staff, and community partners, the selected candidate will support data collection activities at our research study site in the Bronx borough of New York, NY. The selected candidate will assist with data collection, communications, translation, and dissemination activities. They will also assist with other school-based projects within the Collaborative.

The Prevention Research Collaborative (PRC) brings together research teams from the CDC-funded Prevention Research Center, Michigan Youth Violence Prevention Center, Healthy Minds Network, Housing and Health Equity Solutions, and several affiliated federally funded research initiatives focusing on school and community-based approaches to promote safe, healthy, and equitable communities

Who We Are

This position will be based in the Department of Health Behavior & Health Equity (HBHE) at the University of Michigan School of Public Health. Driven by a shared passion for affecting lasting change, the faculty, students, and staff of HBHE work in the pursuit of an equitable, healthy future for all. Turning theory and research into actionable practice, we develop interventions and innovations that promote health, prevent disease, empower people to manage chronic illness and disabilities, and facilitate collective action for social change. Together, our academic community transforms the theoretical into actionable, the science into the social, applying our knowledge to eliminate health disparities and impact lives for the better.

Responsibilities*

The successful candidate will work closely with the research team on key tasks:

• Participate in school-based data collection, including consenting, recruitment, survey administration, focus groups, and interviews, incentive tracking, and distribution
• Coordinate & participate in meetings with school administration and participants, and engage community members in research activities
• Assist with survey and measure development
• Assist with the analysis and interpretation of survey data
• Develop reports and dissemination products including reports, conference presentations, and manuscripts
• Provide support to implement school safety initiatives in communities across the U.S. and support evaluation of these activities
• Assist with annual progress reports and other required deliverables
• Assist with Institutional Review Board (IRB) applications and oversee compliance with regulatory protocols
• Contribute to scientific manuscripts and research proposals
  
  
  

Required Qualifications*

• Master's degree in Education, Public Health, Social Work, Social Sciences, or related field
• 4-5 years of related professional experience
• Excellent writing skills, including demonstrated success translating complex ideas into clear and compelling content for academic and practitioner audiences
• 1-2 years experience working in New York school districts
• Demonstrated success in building rapport with school and community partners and youth leaders
• Experience with violence prevention research
• Familiarity with qualitative and quantitative research methods
• Ability to work independently while maintaining clear and consistent communication with the research team and community partners
• Demonstrated ability to take initiative to perform needed tasks within the identified scope of work
• Demonstrated reliability and professionalism
• Experienced with Microsoft Office programs (e.g., Word, Excel), Google Suite (e.g., Google Drive, Google Calendar), survey management software (e.g., Qualtrics) and comfortable learning new technologies
  
  
  

Work Locations

This hybrid position (50% in-person, 50% online) will be based in New York, NY. The selected candidate must reside in the New York City area, as onsite work in the Bronx will be required. The selected candidate must be able to travel for activities requiring program documentation and evaluation, community outreach, and youth engagement in the Bronx borough.

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

We are seeking an experienced and dynamic staff member with a commitment to contributing to a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment for all members of our community.

This position is Term-Limited through September 30, 2026, with possible extension of employment contingent on performance and availability of funds.

The salary range for this position includes a 20% geographic differential for on-site work in NYC.

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 anytime after the minimum posting period has ended.

U-M EEO/AA Statement

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