Research Investigator - Research Assistant Professor

University of Michigan; Ann Arbor (MI); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Michigan—Ann Arbor, School of Public Health, Prevention Research Collaborative is seeking a Research Investigator to contribute to leading grant proposals, publish, and advance health equity through community and school-based research. The role emphasizes independent research leadership within a collaborative, interdisciplinary setting.

Based in HBHE, the candidate will drive translation of findings, work with federal funders, and supervise students and staff while aligning

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in a social/behavioral science field (public health, urban planning, social work, etc.).
• Postdoctoral experience or equivalent early-career faculty background required.
• Strong writing, data analysis, data management, and evaluation planning.
• Experience with grant proposals and program evaluation methods.

Responsibilities

• Lead 2–3 grant proposal submissions per year to expand the Collaborative's work.
• Collaborate with SPH and University partners to lead research initiatives.
• Mentor postdocs and students within the department.
• Translate and disseminate research findings to diverse audiences.
• Participate in DEIJ initiatives within the Collaborative.

Skills

Quantitative methods

Qualitative methods

Scientific writing

Data analysis

Data management

Evaluation planning

Grant writing

Mentoring

Communication skills

Collaboration

Education

Ph.D. in social/behavioral science

Postdoctoral experience

Tools

IRB processes

Job description

Research Investigator - Research Assistant Professor
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor: School of Public Health
Location
Ann Arbor, MI

Description
Job Summary – Description (General Information)
The Prevention Research Collaborative at the University of Michigan, School of Public Health is seeking a highly motivated researcher to support and expand the work of the Collaborative in the areas of youth development, mental health, violence prevention, and structural approaches to promoting health equity within school and community environments. The Prevention Research Collaborative brings together research teams from the CDC-funded Prevention Research Center, Michigan Youth Violence Prevention Center, Partners Engaged in Equity Research Hub, Healthy Minds Network, Housing Solutions for Health Equity, and several affiliated federally-funded research initiatives focusing on school and community-based approaches to promoting safe, healthy, and equitable communities.

The ideal candidate will have experience in federal grant writing and submissions and a strong publication record in a related field. This individual is a creative and productive researcher seeking a full-time career in prevention research. Given the nature of responsibilities they would assume if joining the Collaborative, they should be able to lead their own research program while exploring collaborative, interdisciplinary approaches to addressing complex public health issues with a focus on health disparities, structural determinants of health, and health equity. The candidate will thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced environment and demonstrate potential for scholarly development, including a history of peer-reviewed publications and external funding.

This position will initially be supported through currently funded projects and Centers with opportunities for collaboration with faculty engaged in the areas of housing, firearm injury prevention, youth development, health equity, and structural determinants of health. The successful candidate will be expected to contribute to the development of the PRC Collaborative research program by leading grant proposal submissions, manuscript development, and research translation and dissemination activities. Candidates should demonstrate a strong commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice principles.

Candidates should know that classroom teaching is not part of the job responsibilities as this is not a tenure-track position. The candidate should be able to carry out research tasks independently yet collaborate effectively with other research investigators.

About the Department of Health Behavior & Health Equity

The position will be based in the Department of Health Behavior & Health Equity (HBHE) at the University of Michigan School of Public Health. Driven by a shared passion for affecting lasting change, the faculty, students, and staff of HBHE work in the pursuit of an equitable, healthy future for all. Turning theory and research into actionable practice, we develop interventions and innovations that promote health, prevent disease, empower people to manage chronic illness and disabilities, and facilitate collective action for social change. Together, our academic community transforms the theoretical into actionable, and the science into the social, applying our knowledge to eliminate health disparities and impact lives for the better.

Responsibilities

• Participate in 2-3 grant proposal submissions per year to further support their work and expand the scope of research at the Collaborative
• Explore opportunities for collaboration with researchers in SPH and across the University to expand and lead research initiatives to support the Collaborative
• Mentor postdocs and students within the department
• Collaborate with research team to translate and disseminate research findings
• Participate in DEIJ initiatives within the Collaborative

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

Research Assistant Professor

Completion of two or more years of postdoctoral experience, either as a fellow or in an early-career faculty position.

Research Investigator

A Ph.D. with graduate-level training in a social or behavioral science, such as public health, urban planning, social work, community psychology, education, or a related field.

Strong methodological skills. While candidates may emphasize either quantitative or qualitative methods, the successful candidate is expected to demonstrate proficiency in both approaches.
Demonstrated proficiency in scientific writing, data analysis, data management, and evaluation planning, with a publication record in related fields.
Experience with social science program planning and evaluation methods, including needs assessments, survey design, and focus groups.
Experience managing and implementing research projects, including Institutional Review Board (IRB) processes, reporting to funders, and supervising staff and students.
Experience and interest in collaborating with community partners to implement applied research projects.
Excellent oral and written communication skills.

Underfill Option

This position may be underfilled at the Research Investigator position, depending on qualifications.