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.

The Prevention Research Collaborative at the University of Michigan School of Public Health seeks motivated Research Assistants to join our team of data collectors in Flint, Michigan. The Prevention Research Collaborative is a large research team that includes the CDC-funded Prevention Research Center, CDC-funded Michigan Youth Violence Prevention Center, and other affiliated projects. Research Assistants (RAs) will be assisting in data collection for a CDC-funded research study titled Preventing Illegal Dumping to Address Community Violence. The data collection includes conducting two types of parcel assessments on properties surrounding known illegal dumping sites in Flint, MI. One type of parcel assessments are conducted using the Property Maintenance Observation Tool (PMOT). The PMOT is a survey that rates maintenance and upkeep of landscaping and structures (i.e. homes, garages, commercial buildings, etc.) on each property. The second type of property assessment is focused on identifying and measuring illegally dumped waste on properties. This is a great position for members of the Flint community as well as students who would like to gain research experience.

• Preparing data collection materials
• Entering and managing data
• Conduct exterior property and vacant land assessments
• Use handheld computers/tablets
• Other duties as required

About the Prevention Research Collaborative

The mission of the PRC is to promote safe and healthy futures through prevention research, training, and outreach. Alongside community partners, we work to reduce inequities and empower communities for better health. We have developed strong and committed partnerships among community-based organizations, health departments, health advocacy groups, health service providers, and academic institutions. PRC projects are often conducted with state and local partner organizations to improve health and safety.

About the Department of Health Behavior and Health Equity

This position will be based in the Department of Health Behavior and 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, the science into the social, applying our knowledge to eliminate health disparities and impact lives for the better.

• High School education or equivalent (e.g., GED completion).
• Good communication skills, reliability, and ability to work independently.
• Strong organizational skills
• Ability to work well in pairs/teams.
• Must be comfortable working in community settings with minimal supervision.
• Must have a reliable vehicle for the entire shift. You will work with a partner. There will be reimbursement for mileage.
• Candidates working outdoors must be able to traverse streets, sidewalks, broken sidewalks, and steps to residential entrances up to eight miles per day.

• Familiarity with the Flint Community
• Comfortable in different environments 
• Previous work or volunteering in community advocacy 
• Familiarity with community driven projects
• Ability to read and understand fractions and percentages

All positions are temporary and require a commitment starting on April 16, 2026 through completion on September 30, 2026. There may be an option to continue working this position several months after September 30th, 2026.

Work hours will likely be in 8 hour shifts and occur between 7am through 8pm, depending on the needs of the project. Most work days will be Monday through Friday. Some work shifts will occur on Saturdays and Sundays upon request. Most work hours will occur outdoors and shifts may be canceled in poor weather (rain, extreme heat or cold).

This position is located in Flint, Michigan and will be part of the University of Michigan's study evaluating the Preventing Illegal Dumping to Address Community Violence research project.

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.

The salary will be $15 - $20 per hour depending on experience.

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.

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.

The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.