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 Social Care in Chronic Disease Collaborative is seeking a Research Area Specialist Senior to serve in a high-level project management and operational leadership role across a diverse portfolio of research and evaluation projects. This position provides strategic oversight across multiple concurrent initiatives -- ranging from pilot studies to large, multi-partner funded projects -- and supervises project management and research staff.

The Research Area Specialist Senior will ensure operational excellence across projects by maintaining rigorous timeline accountability, overseeing regulatory and compliance processes, strengthening internal systems, and coordinating multi-level stakeholders. This individual will play a critical role in ensuring research integrity, data quality, fiscal awareness, and team performance across the collaborative's portfolio.

The successful candidate will report to the Principal Investigator and serve as a central operational leader within the team.

About the Social Care in Chronic Disease Collaborative

Established in 2019, the Social Care in Chronic Disease Collaborative advances the science of addressing social context in chronic disease management. The collaborative engages in interdisciplinary research and evaluation, translating evidence and innovation into clinical, public health, and policy practice.

About the Department

This position is housed in the Department of Health Behavior and Health Equity at the University of Michigan School of Public Health. Faculty, students, and staff are committed to advancing health equity through rigorous research, community engagement, and policy impact.

Portfolio-Level Project Leadership

• Provide senior-level coordination and oversight across multiple research projects simultaneously
• Establish and monitor portfolio-wide project management systems
• Anticipate operational risks and proactively implement mitigation strategies
• Ensure all projects meet deliverables, timelines, and reporting requirements without exception

Staff Supervision & Performance Management

• Directly supervise research staff and project coordinators     
• Establish clear performance expectations and accountability structures
• Provide coaching, mentorship, and professional development guidance
• Monitor workload distribution across projects to optimize team performance

Strategic Operations & Systems Development

• Strengthen internal infrastructure for project tracking, documentation, and communication
• Develop standardized operating procedures across projects
• Improve workflow efficiencies using technology and AI tools where appropriate
• Oversee cross-project coordination to prevent silos and duplication

Regulatory & Compliance Oversight

• Oversee IRB submissions, amendments, renewals, and compliance monitoring
• Ensure adherence to data security and confidentiality standards
• Coordinate university contracts and external partnership agreements
• Maintain documentation for audits and sponsor reporting

Data Oversight & Research Integrity

• Oversee data lifecycle processes from collection through archiving
• Implement quality assurance systems across quantitative and qualitative projects
• Monitor protocol adherence across sites and team members

Stakeholder & External Partner Coordination

• Serve as liaison between research team, funders, and partner organizations
• Coordinate communication across investigators, staff, and external collaborators
• Represent operational aspects of projects in internal and external meetings

Study Development & Proposal Support

• Contribute to the development of protocols, procedures, and implementation plans
• Assist with grant submissions by developing management plans and timelines
• Support budget coordination in collaboration with administrative staff

• Master's degree in Public Health, Health Services Research, Social Sciences, or related field. Doctorate Preferred.
• 5-6 years ( Senior Level) or 4-5  years(Intermediate Level) of progressively responsible research experience, including management of complex, multi-project portfolios
• Demonstrated experience supervising research staff, including workload management and performance evaluation
• Experience coordinating federally funded and/or multi-site research initiatives
• Knowledge and experience employing quantitative and/or qualitative research methods through the full research lifecycle
• Demonstrated experience overseeing regulatory compliance (IRB submissions, renewals, amendments, data security, contracts)
• Experience in monitoring project budgets and coordinating with grants management personnel
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office (advanced Excel skills required)
• Demonstrated ability to independently identify operational challenges and implement systems-level solutions

• Experience with REDCap, Qualtrics, or similar data platforms
• Formal project management training or certification (e.g., PMP)
• Experience strengthening research operations and workflow systems
• Experience serving as liaison with funders or executive-level partners
• Familiarity with chronic disease, health equity, or healthcare delivery research

• 40 hours per week, Monday - Friday

• School of Public Health Building 1, 1415 Washington Heights, Ann Arbor, MI
• Hybrid work model; in-office presence expected during the week

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.

This position may be filled at a lower level, depending on qualifications.  

The Senior salary range: $71,497-$88,298

 Intermediate salary range: $56,652 - $69,982

This position is Term Limited: 4 years from hire date with opportunity to renew.

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.