Research Assistant

Austin Community College; Michigan; On-site; USD 27,552 - 34,440; Full time

Job summary

A public research university in Michigan is seeking a temporary Research Assistant to support a project aimed at improving vehicle controls for people with disabilities. Responsibilities include conducting assessments, assisting in data collection, and maintaining laboratory equipment. The ideal candidate should possess an Associate's degree in health or biological sciences and have experience in research. This role is particularly suited for recent graduates or those looking to gain valuable research experience in a collaborative environment.

Qualifications

• 1–2 years of experience in research or data collection.
• Proficiency with Windows PC and Microsoft Office applications.
• A valid Driver’s License and successful Motor Vehicle Record check.

Responsibilities

• Complete on-site training in research protocols and data collection.
• Assist with scheduling participants for testing at UMTRI.
• Conduct assessments of study participants’ abilities.
• Enter data into spreadsheets and ensure data confidentiality.
• Set up and maintain laboratory testing equipment.
• Maintain communication with team members on study progress.

Skills

Critical-thinking skills

Verbal communication skills

Written communication skills

Attention to detail

Ability to work independently

Teamwork

Education

Associate's degree in biological, health, or medical sciences

Tools

Microsoft Office (Word, Excel)

Job description

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 the position and outline skills and experience that directly relate to this position.

Job Summary

The University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute (UMTRI) Biosciences Group is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented temporary Research Assistant to join our team. You will work with study coordinators, engineers, scientists, students, and other members of the project team on a project to make vehicle controls and displays easier to use by people with disabilities.

This position is an excellent opportunity for individuals currently studying or interested in fields such as biomedical engineering, human factors, rehabilitation sciences, kinesiology, psychology, public health, or disability studies. It is also well-suited for those with career interests in research, healthcare, accessibility design, assistive technology, ergonomics, or automotive safety. Students or early career professionals passionate about improving mobility for people with disabilities or interested in gaining hands‑on research experience in a collaborative and interdisciplinary environment, will find this role especially rewarding.

Who We Are

The Biosciences Group at UMTRI conducts research on the biomechanics of motor vehicle occupants as it relates to occupant injuries, crash protection, and occupant accommodation. Biosciences researchers use state-of-the-art laboratory testing facilities, computer modeling, and data analysis techniques to conduct a wide range of research. The scope of Biosciences work encompasses these main areas:

• Engineering anthropometry and vehicle ergonomics, including extensive testing with volunteers to characterize their posture, motion, and body shape while interacting with vehicles, seats, and other consumer products.
• Computational human body modeling to assess the effects of crashes and other loading scenarios on human response and injury.
• Injury biomechanics, involving lab work with human surrogates to study the response of the human body to dynamic loading.
• Crash data analysis to identify the mechanisms involved in motor-vehicle injury and assess the performance of occupant protection systems.

Michigan Engineering provides scientific and technological leadership to the people of the world. We seek to improve the quality of life by developing intellectually curious and socially conscious minds, creating collaborative solutions to societal problems, and promoting an inclusive and innovative community of service for the common good.

Responsibilities

• Complete a comprehensive on-site training program to gain familiarity with research protocols, data collection procedures, and equipment usage.
• Collaborate with students and staff to carry out data collection for studies involving adult participants with disabilities, ensuring all procedures follow ethical and methodological guidelines.
• Assist with scheduling participants for in-person testing at UMTRI by coordinating the availability of staff and student researchers and preparing paperwork for each participant.
• Conduct functional assessments of study participants to quantify their vision, hearing, cognitive, dexterity, and flexibility.
• Conduct assessments using tools that include video recordings, photos, and Zoom meeting recordings in laboratories, stationary vehicles, and dynamic vehicles. Static testing will take place at UMTRI, while dynamic testing will take place at Mcity.
• Accurately enter collected data into spreadsheets, extract responses from videos and transcripts and securely backup test results, while handling with confidentiality.
• Set up, calibrate, and maintain laboratory and testing equipment to ensure optimal performance, troubleshooting, and resolving any technical issues as they arise.
• Manage participant payments and associated paperwork.
• Maintain clear and effective communications with team members and supervisors at UMTRI, providing regular updates on study progress and any issues encountered.

Required Qualifications

• Associate's degree in the basic biological health or medical sciences (e.g., Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry, Biology), Public Health (e.g., Occupational Health, Environmental Health, Global Health), applied sciences (e.g., Engineering, Information Technology, Environmental Engineering, Materials Science), or social sciences (e.g., Psychology, Anthropology, Sociology, Education, Early Childhood Development), or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 1–2 years of experience in research, data collection or a related area.
• Strong initiative and critical‑thinking skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and attention to detail.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team setting.
• Proficient with Windows PC and Microsoft Office applications, including Word and Excel.
• A valid Driver’s License is required, and a successful Motor Vehicle Record check must be completed when driving a U‑M vehicle.
• U.S. citizenship or permanent residency required.

Desired Qualifications

• Graduation from a college or university with a bachelor’s degree in the basic biological, health or medical sciences (e.g., Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry, Biology), Public Health (e.g., Occupational Health, Environmental Health, Global Health), applied sciences (e.g., Engineering, Information Technology, Environmental Engineering, Materials Science), or social sciences (e.g., Psychology, Anthropology, Sociology, Education, Early Childhood Development), or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Prior experience working with human subjects in a research setting.
• Prior experience working with people with disabilities.

Modes of Work

This position is classified as having an onsite mode 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

This temporary position is expected to last up to 4 months with the possibility of extension based on performance and funding availability.

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 anytime after the minimum posting period has ended.

U-M EEO Statement

The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.