Research Area Specialist, Senior (Term Position)

Michigan Medicine; Ann Arbor (MI); Hybrid; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work options

Job summary

Michigan Medicine is seeking a highly motivated professional to independently manage study initiation, IRB protocols, participant recruitment infrastructure, and federal/industry data compliance workflows. This is a four-year term position within a collaborative environment bridging athletics science and clinical research.

The role requires strong regulatory expertise, experience with IRB platforms, and the ability to lead teams including students and junior staff while maintaining high quality

Qualifications

• Master's degree or Bachelor's with extensive trial/human subject research coordination experience.
• Minimum 5+ years managing clinical trials or human subject research portfolios.
• Ability to work independently and handle multiple study timelines.

Responsibilities

• Regulatory Oversight & IRB management for complex protocols across industry/NIH projects.
• Recruitment pipelines design and coordination including consent and retention logs.
• Build and manage secure data infrastructure; write Data Management Plans and QA checks.
• Supervise and train student researchers and lab staff on SOPs and compliance.

Skills

IRB management

Regulatory compliance

Study coordination

Data management

Communication skills

Education

Master's or Bachelor's with experience

Tools

REDCap

Qualtrics

Dropbox

Google Workspace

Job description

Mission Statement

Michigan Medicine improves the health of patients, populations and communities through excellence in education, patient care, community service, research and technology development, and through leadership activities in Michigan, nationally and internationally. Our mission is guided by our Strategic Principles and has three critical components; patient care, education and research that together enhance our contribution to society.

Job Summary

The ASICS x Michigan Sport Innovation Center (AMSI) is a groundbreaking partnership dedicated to redefining the boundaries of athletic performance and sport science. By uniting ASICS? global leadership in footwear and apparel with the University of Michigan?s world-class research ecosystem, AMSI creates a unique environment for discovery?where art, science, and engineering converge to spark transformative breakthroughs.

We are seeking a highly motivated professional to independently manage study initiation, IRB protocols, participant recruitment infrastructure, and federal/industry data compliance workflows.

This is a four-year term position.

Responsibilities

• Regulatory Oversight & IRB Management: Independently author, submit, amend, and maintain complex IRB protocols spanning both industry-sponsored and NIH-funded projects. Ensure strict regulatory adherence to local, university, and federal human subject protection guidelines. Manage annual renewals, adverse event tracking, and protocol deviations.
• Participant Recruitment Lifecycle: Design and deploy comprehensive recruitment pipelines for multiple studies focused on exercise and running. Coordinate scheduling, execute informed consent workflows, determine eligibility criteria, and manage participant compensation/retention logs. Monitor project milestones to ensure participant recruitment aligns with study timelines.
• Data Management Infrastructure: Build, clean, and manage secure data infrastructure (e.g., REDCap databases). Author official Data Management Plans (DMPs). Conduct regular quality-assurance checks, audit data logging, resolve discrepancies across the research team, and provide regular study-enrolment metrics to the PIs.
• Laboratory Operations Support: Supervise, train, and orient student research assistants and junior lab staff on standard operating procedures (SOPs) and clinical compliance. Assist with basic laboratory operations or exercise testing technical support during peak collection blocks when needed.

Required Qualifications

• Education: Master?s degree in Kinesiology, Clinical Research, Public Health, Healthcare Administration, or a related discipline, or a Bachelor?s degree combined with a demonstrated track record of extensive, progressive experience in clinical trial/human subject research coordination.
• Experience: Minimum of 5+ years of progressive, hands-on experience managing clinical trials or human subject research portfolios, with clear demonstrated experience with IRB platform systems, participant compensation systems, and other relevant tools.
• Autonomy: Proven ability to operate with a high degree of independence, manage multiple study timelines concurrently, and navigate administrative logistics with confidence.
• Professional Skills: Detail and task oriented. Strong interpersonal and communication skills and ability to work with others in a dynamic, collaborative environment involving elite athletes, participants, and academic investigators.
• Computer Skills: High proficiency with data management software (such as REDCap, Qualtrics) cloud storage systems (Dropbox, Google Workspace) and standard office tools.
• Passion for Sport & Performance Innovation: A deep, intrinsic passion for sports, athletic culture, and human performance science. The ideal candidate must be highly driven by real-world athletic outcomes, showing a genuine motivation to help athletes achieve their highest competitive potential.

Desired Qualifications

• Clinical Certifications: Certified Clinical Research Coordinator (CCRC) or Research Professional (CCRP) designation
• Phlebotomy Experience: Active certification or clear demonstrated experience with venipuncture/phlebotomy.
• Athletic Experience: Experience working with collegiate, elite, or high performance sport populations
• Scientific Communication: Experience participating in abstract and manuscript preparation.
• Industry Experience: Prior experience in working with industry partners, with preferred experience in athletic apparel, footwear, or related sport industry. Experience handling intellectual property (IP) considerations, non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) or fast-turnaround milestones typical of corporate partners.

Why Join Michigan Medicine?

Michigan Medicine is one of the largest health care complexes in the world and has been the site of many groundbreaking medical and technological advancements since the opening of the U-M Medical School in 1850. Michigan Medicine is comprised of over 30,000 employees and our vision is to attract, inspire, and develop outstanding people in medicine, sciences, and healthcare to become one of the world?s most distinguished academic health systems. In some way, great or small, every person here helps to advance this world-class institution. Work at Michigan Medicine and become a victor for the greater good.

What Benefits can you Look Forward to?

• Excellent medical, dental and vision coverage effective on your very first day
• 2:1 Match on retirement savings

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

Please note: This will be a 4 year, term-limited appointment. At the end of the stated term, your appointment will terminate, and will not be eligible for Reduction-in-Force (RIF) benefits. This term-limited appointment does not create a contract or guarantee of employment for any period of time as you will remain subject to disciplinary or other performance measures, up to and including termination, at the will of the University in accordance with existing University policy and standards for employee performance and conduct.

Contact Information

Questions About The Position Should Be Directed To

Ken Kozloff, PhD

Steven A. Goldstein Collegiate Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery

Co-Director, ASICS x Michigan Sport Innovation Center

Co-Director, University of Michigan Human Performance & Sport Science Center

[email protected]

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.