Research Associate (Temp)

University of Michigan; Ann Arbor (MI); Hybrid; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Michigan is seeking a project manager to lead a research collaboration with Google on how LGBTQ+ survivors of intimate partner violence seek help online. The role combines digital ethnography and participatory design to understand needs and ideate solutions that improve digital safety.

You will translate research plans into timelines, manage materials, and coordinate a diverse team to publish actionable guidelines and materials.

Qualifications

• Experience leading digital ethnography from design to publication.
• Qualitative research experience; participatory design and/or interviewing preferred.
• Experience working with marginalized groups, ideally LGBTQ+ populations.
• Knowledge of research and practice on supporting survivors of intimate partner violence or similar topics.
• Self-starter with ability to work independently with limited guidance.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Exceptional attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Familiarity with IRB processes and materials.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute a study combining digital ethnography and participatory design.
• Turn high-level research plans into detailed project timelines, milestones, and tasks.
• Provide regular status reports demonstrating timely completion of tasks and project progress.
• Identify risks and barriers and work with the study team to find solutions.
• Manage research materials such as protocols, qualitative data, and manuscript drafts.
• Manage relationships with collaborators through timely and professional communication.
• Coordinate meetings and generate agendas to seek input and facilitate decision-making.
• Manage project scope to move the work toward tangible outcomes and publication.

Skills

Digital ethnography

Qualitative research

Participatory design

LGBTQ+ populations

IRB processes

Written and oral communication

Attention to detail

Independent work

Job description

Job Summary

This position will report to Principal Investigator Dr. Gabriela Marcu, focusing on a research collaboration with Google, in which we are investigating how LGBTQ+ survivors of intimate partner violence seek help online. The role will involve using two methods to study the LGBTQ+ population: (1) a digital ethnography to understand help-seeking practices and needs, and (2) participatory design to ideate potential solutions that both prevent technology-facilitated abuse and support help-seeking when it happens. The goals of this research are to improve our understanding of the unique needs of LGBTQ+ populations, and produce actionable guidelines and materials that turn this knowledge into concrete ways that we can design for and promote digital safety.

Responsibilities*

• Design and execute a study combining digital ethnography and participatory design.
• Turn high-level research plans into detailed project timelines, milestones, and tasks.
• Provide regular status reports demonstrating timely completion of tasks, alignment with plans, and effective project progress.
• Identify potential risks and barriers to project progress, and work with the study team to find solutions.
• Manage research materials such as protocols, qualitative data analysis, and manuscript drafts.
• Manage relationships with collaborators through timely and professional communication.
• Coordinate meetings and generate agendas to seek input, promote discussion, and facilitate decision‑making among the study team.
• Manage project scope and efficiently move the time‑limited work toward tangible outcomes and publication.

Required Qualifications*

• Experience with leading digital ethnography from research design to publication
• Experience with qualitative research, ideally participatory design and/or interviewing
• Experience working with marginalized groups, ideally LGBTQ+ populations
• Knowledge of research and practice on supporting survivors of intimate partner violence, or similar topics
• A self‑starter with the ability to work independently, with limited guidance, and under uncertainty
• Strong written and oral communication skills
• Exceptional attention to detail and organizational skills
• Familiarity with IRB processes and materials

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

You must be eligible to work in the United States, as visa sponsorship is not available for this position. In addition, while remote work is allowable for this position, all work must be performed within the United States and its territories.

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.

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.