Maritime Research Lead - Projects & Strategy (Hybrid)

University of Michigan; Ann Arbor (MI); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Michigan's U-M Maritime Institute seeks a Research Area Specialist Lead to guide interdisciplinary maritime research within the Department of Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering in Ann Arbor. You will collaborate with directors, faculty, students, staff, and external partners to define questions, plan work, manage budgets, and publish reports and policy briefs.

This five-year internal funded position emphasizes leadership, analytical rigor, and broad engagement with

Qualifications

• Master's degree in naval architecture, marine engineering, maritime technology, systems engineering, or related field.
• Experience conducting applied research, technical and systems analysis, industry studies.
• Ability to develop research plans and translate findings into clear written products and presentations.
• Excellent written, verbal, interpersonal, organizational, and project management skills.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and meet deadlines.
• Experience coordinating projects involving academia, industry, government, or multidisciplinary teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support interdisciplinary maritime research projects and related studies.
• Define research questions, scopes, methodologies, schedules, deliverables, and quality assurance processes.
• Prepare progress reports, publications, briefs, and sponsor deliverables.
• Develop and manage project work plans, budgets, staffing, risk registers, and reporting.
• Coordinate with industry, government, academic partners to align research with priorities.

Skills

Applied research

Research planning

Written & verbal comms

Project management

Collaboration

Multidisciplinary coordination

Education

Master's degree in naval architecture or related field

Doctoral degree (desired)

Job description

The University of Michigan's U-M Maritime Institute seeks a Research Area Specialist Lead to guide interdisciplinary maritime research within the Department of Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering in Ann Arbor. You will collaborate with directors, faculty, students, staff, and external partners to define questions, plan work, manage budgets, and publish reports and policy briefs.

This five-year internal funded position emphasizes leadership, analytical rigor, and broad engagement with