Research Area Specialist Sr (TERM LIMITED)

Michigan Medicine; Ann Arbor (MI); Hybrid; USD 95,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Michigan Medicine seeks a Research Area Specialist to lead complex studies in obstetrics and gynecology, emphasizing qualitative and mixed methods. You will design protocols, oversee data collection, and translate findings for academic, clinical, and community audiences.

The role involves authoring manuscripts, supporting grant proposals, and collaborating across departments to advance women’s health, fibroids, and health equity. Hybrid work with on-site requirements in Ann Arbor, MI.

Qualifications

• PhD in a relevant field or related discipline.
• Minimum 6 years post-degree leading complex research; 10+ years preferred.
• Proven expertise in qualitative research and mixed-methods integration.
• Strong record of peer-reviewed publications and scientific writing.
• Ability to work independently with significant latitude.
• Experience supervising staff and managing budgets.
• Excellent communication and collaboration with diverse partners.
• Proficiency with qualitative analysis software (NVivo/ATLAS.ti/Dedoose).

Responsibilities

• Lead major components of large, complex studies from design to dissemination.
• Develop research questions, analytic plans, and mixed-methods designs.
• Identify risks and implement corrective actions with minimal supervision.
• Design qualitative protocols and oversee interviews/focus groups.
• Publish manuscripts and dissemination products for diverse audiences.
• Engage stakeholders across academia, clinical teams, and communities.
• Assist in grant writing and reporting to sponsors.
• Supervise staff and manage project budgets.

Skills

Qualitative research

Mixed-methods

Academic writing

Leadership

Communication

Education

PhD in relevant field

Tools

NVivo

ATLAS.ti

Dedoose

Qualtrics/REDCap

STATA/R

Job description

Job Summary

The onWHARD team in the Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology is seeking a Research Area Specialist to serve as a Senior-level contributor and day-to-day driver of complex, high-impact research activities and dissemination. Reporting to the Research Area Specialist, Lead, this role operates with considerable latitude and independent decision-making authority within a recognized research unit. The Research Area Spl. Senior Specialist will develop, design, and conduct large and complex research projects, with particular emphasis on qualitative and mixed methods approaches. The role will also author and co-author peer-reviewed manuscripts and high-visibility dissemination products (e.g., reports, briefs, toolkits, presentations), translate research for academic, clinical, community, and public audiences, and support acquisition of research funding through proposals and project narratives. This position will frequently serve as a liaison across departments, collaborators, and community partners, ensuring rigorous methods, ethical compliance, and high-quality deliverables aligned with onWHARD priorities in women's health, fibroids/heavy menstrual bleeding, health equity, and reproductive disparities.

Responsibilities

Research Leadership & Project Execution

• Independently lead major components of one or more large, complex studies from design through dissemination, in partnership with the Lead and faculty PIs.
• Formulate and refine research questions, analytic plans, and mixed methods designs; propose options to improve study quality and feasibility.
• Identify risks (recruitment barriers, data quality issues, timeline threats), recommend solutions, and implement corrective actions with minimal supervision.
• Develop research protocols and criteria; determine interview and/or focus group procedures and approve qualitative protocols; may design intervention protocols as appropriate to project aims.

Qualitative Methods (Core)

• Design and execute qualitative workstreams: develop interview guides, conduct and/or moderate interviews & focus groups, oversee transcription/de-identification, and manage secure qualitative datasets.
• Independently lead development of codebooks; conduct thematic/grounded analysis; produce analytic memos and synthesis that connect findings to theory, context, and implications.
• Supervise and verify qualitative data collection and coding quality; ensure methodological rigor and reproducibility using established qualitative standards.

Quantitative & Mixed-Methods Integration

• Contribute to survey development and administration (e.g., Qualtrics/REDCap) and support descriptive/inferential analyses (e.g., STATA/R) as needed.
• Integrate qualitative and quantitative findings into cohesive study narratives, ensuring alignment with research aims and translational goals.

Grant Writing, Dissemination, Scientific Writing, & Research Translation

• Serve as primary author and/or co-author on manuscripts; draft substantial sections (methods, results, discussion) and ensure coherent storytelling supported by data.
• Produce dissemination products tailored to audience and purpose, including policy- and community-facing briefs, toolkits, reports, webinars, slide decks, and conference materials.
• Co-present with faculty investigators at internal/external meetings and conferences; support public-facing research translation as appropriate to project needs.
• Stakeholder & Community Engagement
  • Build and sustain relationships with collaborators across academia, clinical teams, community organizations, and external stakeholders.
  • Facilitate research partnerships, including incorporating community input into study design, interpretation, and dissemination plans.
• Funding Development & Reporting
  • Assist in acquiring research funding by drafting components of grant proposals, progress reports, and sponsor-facing narratives (including qualitative/mixed-methods approach sections).
  • Support development of high-impact dissemination plans that align with project goals and stakeholder needs.
• Supervision, Operations & Financial Management
  • May supervise exempt and non-exempt research and support personnel (e.g., research assistants, transcription/coding staff), including training on protocols and quality standards.
  • Monitor study budgets relevant to assigned projects; research, recommend, and purchase supplies/equipment/software as needed within unit guidelines.
  • Maintain oversight of literature reviews and reference management for assigned projects.

Ethics, Compliance, and Research Integrity

• Ensure adherence to ethical research principles, IRB requirements, data security practices, and applicable University policies.
• Maintain accurate documentation of protocols, analytic decisions, and data handling procedures.

Required Qualifications

• PhD required in a relevant field (e.g., anthropology, sociology, public health, health services research, related social/behavioral sciences) or a discipline directly related to the duties of the position.
• Minimum 6 years of related experience post-degree leading or substantially directing complex research projects; 10+ years strongly preferred.

Demonstrated advanced expertise in qualitative research (interviews/focus groups, protocol development, coding, thematic/grounded analysis) and experience integrating findings into mixed-methods or applied health research.

Strong record of peer-reviewed publications and evidence of high-quality scientific writing across formats (manuscripts, reports, briefs, grant content).

Demonstrated ability to operate independently with considerable latitude, making decisions on matters of significance within scope of responsibilities.

Proven supervisory and financial management experience (e.g., supervising staff/teams; managing project budgets, supporting purchasing or vendor coordination).

Excellent interpersonal communication skills and demonstrated success working with diverse collaborators and community partners.

Proficiency with qualitative analysis software (NVivo/ATLAS.ti/Dedoose), reference management systems, and common research/project management tools.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience conducting research in women's health, maternal and child health, reproductive health, fibroids/heavy menstrual bleeding, reproductive justice, health equity, and/or disparities research.
• Experience translating research to policy, media, and public audiences; comfort supporting dissemination strategies that extend beyond academic publication.
• Familiarity with University of Michigan research processes (IRB, procurement, sponsored projects) or ability to learn quickly.
• Experience mentoring trainees and interdisciplinary teams in applied research methods and evidence-based storytelling.

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.

Work Locations

University Hospital South (UHS), Ann Arbor, MI. This position is hybrid with 3 days onsite required and occasional travel across Michigan for community-engaged activities and dissemination events.

Additional Information

This position is term limited with an initial one year term. There is the possibility of extension beyond one year based on continued funding.

Background Screening

Michigan Medicine conducts background screening and pre-employment drug testing on job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent job offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background screenings. Background screenings are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Report Act. Pre-employment drug testing applies to all selected candidates, including new or additional faculty and staff appointments, as well as transfers from other U-M campuses.

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.