Exercise Research Specialist

University of Michigan; Ann Arbor (MI); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work option

Onsite at Domino's Farms

Job summary

University of Michigan in Ann Arbor is seeking a full-time Research Specialist to join the LETS MOVE initiative, a structured exercise program for individuals with cancer. The role focuses on conducting protocol-driven activities, coordinating with a multidisciplinary team, and ensuring adherence to IRB-approved procedures.

The position involves data collection, functional assessments, and participant coordination, with hybrid work potential after onboarding.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Kinesiology, Exercise Science, Public Health, or a closely related field.
• 4+ years of experience facilitating physical activity programs, behavioral health protocols, or participant-facing data collections in a research or community setting.
• Strong organizational skills and experience with research data collection or trial protocols, and the capacity to manage and coordinate several study-related tasks concurrently.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills and ability to work with others in a dynamic, collaborative environment. This position involves close interaction with faculty, staff, graduate/undergraduate students, and community-based participants
• Ability to work collaboratively and contribute to a positive workplace culture aligned with the school's core values

Responsibilities

• Administer study-defined, protocol-driven programming to participants following trial guidelines.
• Monitor participant progress, session attendance, and adherence to the study protocol.
• Provide feedback and adapt programming in alignment with the approved IRB research protocol.
• Intermediate candidates are expected to perform these tasks independently; Associate candidates will receive initial oversight.

Skills

Master's degree

4+ years exp

Organizational skills

Interpersonal skills

Collaboration

Education

Master's degree in Kinesiology

Bachelor's degree in related field

Tools

REDCap

Job description

Job Summary

The School of Kinesiology, in partnership with the Rogel Cancer Center, is launching LETS MOVE, a structured exercise program for individuals with cancer. Within this initiative, participants are enrolled in a six-month structured exercise research study. Led by Principal Investigators David Lipps, Erin Giles, Angela Fong, and Elizabeth Salerno, we are seeking a full-time Research Specialist to join our team.

Responsibilities

Essential Functions are noted with an "EF".

Research Program Facilitation & Delivery (45%)

• Administer study-defined, protocol-driven programming to participants following trial guidelines. EF
• Monitor participant progress, session attendance, and adherence to the study protocol. EF
• Provide feedback and adapt programming in alignment with the approved IRB research protocol. EF
• Intermediate candidates are expected to perform these tasks independently; Associate candidates will receive initial oversight.

Study Assessment & Data Management (35%)

• Conduct standardized functional and physical assessments (e.g., submaximal endurance) per research protocols. Intermediate candidates are expected to perform this task independently; Associate candidates will receive initial oversight. EF
• Collect, clean, and manage trial data within electronic databases (e.g., REDCap). EF
• Assist in tracking participant retention, compliance, and adverse event reporting. EF
• Associate level candidates will assist with outcome data aggregation to support principal investigators with progress reports and manuscript preparations. EF
• Intermediate level candidates will take a primary role in outcome data aggregation for progress reports and manuscript preparation EF

Participant Coordination & Administration (20%)

• Lead participant onboarding, scheduling, and regular progress check-ins. EF
• Coordinate study activities across the multidisciplinary research team. EF
• Maintain research equipment and testing spaces at Domino's Farms.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

Intermediate Level

• Master's degree in Kinesiology, Exercise Science, Public Health, or a closely related field
• 4+ years of experience facilitating physical activity programs, behavioral health protocols, or participant-facing data collections in a research or community setting
• Strong organizational skills and experience with research data collection or trial protocols, and the capacity to manage and coordinate several study-related tasks concurrently
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills and ability to work with others in a dynamic, collaborative environment. This position involves close interaction with faculty, staff, graduate/undergraduate students, and community-based participants
• Ability to work collaboratively and contribute to a positive workplace culture aligned with the school's core values

Associate Level

• Bachelor's degree in Kinesiology, Exercise Science, Public Health, or a closely related field
• 1-3 years of experience facilitating physical activity programs, behavioral health protocols, or participant-facing data collections in a research or community setting
• Strong organizational skills and experience with research data collection or trial protocols, and the capacity to manage and coordinate several study-related tasks concurrently
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills and ability to work with others in a dynamic, collaborative environment. This position involves close interaction with faculty, staff, graduate/undergraduate students, and community-based participants
• Ability to work collaboratively and contribute to a positive workplace culture aligned with the school's core values

Desired Qualifications

• Experience working with oncology populations or individuals with chronic health conditions in a research or community context
• ACSM Certified Personal Trainer (CPT), Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES), or relevant research/fitness credentials
• Current CPR/AED certification (or ability to obtain within 30 days of hire)

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to remain in a stationary position during an entire shift. The person in this position will need to frequently move around the research space, throughout the building, and routinely move heavy objects

Why Work at Michigan?

Benefits

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 your family and plan for a secure future. Benefits include:

• Generous time off
• A retirement plan that provides two-for-one matching contributions with immediate vesting
• Many choices for comprehensive health insurance
• Life insurance
• Long-term disability coverage
• Flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses
• Maternity and parental leave
• University commitment to providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities

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.

Underfill Statement

This position may be underfilled at a lower classification depending on the qualifications of the selected candidate.

Additional Information

The position is available immediately and is term-limited, funded for 18 months; the initial appointment may be extended depending on performance and availability of research funds. The salary ranges are $60,000 - $70,000 for the Intermediate-level role, and $50,000 - $60,000 for Associate-level role, commensurate with education and experience, with eligibility to participate in the school's 2027 merit program. You are encouraged to discuss salary questions to honor understanding and transparency throughout the recruiting process.

This is an onsite position, located at the School of Kinesiology offices at Domino's Farms (24 Frank Lloyd Wright Drive Ann Arbor, Mi 48106), with the potential to transition to hybrid work after initial familiarization with lab procedures, space, and equipment. Candidates interested in hybrid work should indicate this to the hiring manager during the recruiting process.

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

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.