Research Investigator-Research Assistant Professor

University Of Michigan; Ann Arbor (MI); On-site; USD 100,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Michigan is seeking a Research Investigator-Research Assistant Professor to advance prevention research with a focus on health equity. The role emphasizes grant-writing, scholarly output, and leadership of research initiatives within the Prevention Research Collaborative.

Based in Ann Arbor, MI, the position offers hybrid work with 1–2 days on campus and monthly in-person meetings, aligning with department needs and ongoing collaborations across federally funded projects.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in a social or behavioral science field.
• Two or more years of postdoctoral experience.
• Strong methodological skills in quantitative or qualitative methods.
• Proficiency in scientific writing, data analysis, and evaluation.
• Experience with program planning and evaluation methods.
• Experience managing research projects and IRB processes.
• Excellent oral and written communication.

Responsibilities

• Participate in 2–3 grant proposal submissions per year.
• Explore collaboration opportunities with SPH and University researchers.
• Mentor postdocs and students within the department.
• Collaborate with the research team to translate and disseminate findings.
• Participate in DEIJ initiatives within the Collaborative.

Skills

Strong methodological skills

Scientific writing

Data analysis

Communication skills

Mentor postdocs & students

Education

Ph.D. in social/behavioral science

Job description

Research Investigator-Research Assistant Professor

• The names and contact information of three references
• Academic transcripts from graduate school (if a recent graduate)

Who We Are

Abou t 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.

Job Summary

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.

Research Assistant Professor

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

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.

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

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.
• 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.

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.

*This position is located in Ann Arbor, Michigan with some hybrid opportunities. 1-2 days per week of campus work and attendance at monthly in-person meetings are required.

Underfill Statement

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

Additional Information

We are seeking an experienced and dynamic staff member with a commitment to contributing to a diverse, equitable and inclusive environment for all members of our community.

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 checksare 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.

Working Title

Research Investigator-Research Assistant Professor