Michigan Medicine improves the health of patients, populations and communities through excellence in education, patient care, community service, research and technology development, and through leadership activities in Michigan, nationally and internationally. Our mission is guided by our Strategic Principles and has three critical components; patient care, education and research that together enhance our contribution to society.

The Department of Neurosurgery is seeking a highly motivated part-time, temporary Research Associate 1 to support a clinical research program focused on optimizing neurosurgical treatment for children with cerebral palsy. This project centers on advanced analysis of intraoperative neurophysiologic data collected during rhizotomy procedures and related functional neurosurgical procedures.

This position is designed for an individual with expertise in clinical research, neurophysiology, and statistical analysis who can work independently to organize, analyze, and interpret complex electrophysiologic datasets. The successful candidate will collaborate closely with the Principal Investigator to develop evidence-based recommendations that improve intraoperative decision-making and patient outcomes. Findings from this work will support peer-reviewed publications, national presentations, and future grant-funded research initiatives.

This is a temporary, part-time appointment with flexible scheduling. The anticipated commitment is approximately 10 hours per month (or as determined by project needs), with the possibility of extension contingent upon project progress and future funding.

Data Management and Processing

• Collect, organize, validate, and maintain large clinical and neurophysiology datasets.
• Develop standardized databases integrating intraoperative neuromonitoring recordings with demographic, operative, imaging, and longitudinal clinical outcome data.
• Perform quality assurance and quality control of electrophysiologic recordings and associated clinical variables.
• Design standardized workflows for data extraction, formatting, cleaning, and documentation.
• Maintain research databases in accordance with institutional and regulatory requirements.

Neurophysiologic Data Analysis

• Analyze intraoperative neurophysiologic recordings, including electromyography (EMG), triggered EMG responses, stimulation thresholds, recruitment patterns, nerve root responses, and other electrophysiologic measures obtained during rhizotomy procedures.
• Develop quantitative metrics describing neurophysiologic response characteristics.
• Correlate electrophysiologic findings with operative decision-making and postoperative functional outcomes.
• Identify neurophysiologic biomarkers associated with improved surgical outcomes and complication risk.
• Assist in developing standardized algorithms and evidence-based recommendations for interpretation of intraoperative neurophysiology.

Statistical Analysis

• Design and execute statistical analyses appropriate for observational clinical research.
• Perform descriptive, univariate, multivariable, and longitudinal statistical analyses.
• Utilize regression modeling, mixed-effects models, ROC analyses, clustering methods, and other advanced statistical techniques as appropriate.
• Develop reproducible statistical workflows using R, SAS, SPSS, Python, Stata, or equivalent statistical software.
• Prepare publication-quality tables, figures, data visualizations, and graphical summaries.
• Assist with power analyses and sample size calculations for future studies.

Research and Scientific Contributions

• Independently interpret research findings in collaboration with the Principal Investigator.
• Participate in development of study hypotheses and research methodology.
• Assist with protocol development, IRB submissions, and grant applications.
• Prepare abstracts for presentation at national scientific meetings.
• Draft and edit manuscripts for submission to peer-reviewed journals.
• Conduct literature reviews to support ongoing research efforts.
• Present findings to multidisciplinary collaborators and research teams.

Collaboration

• Work closely with pediatric neurosurgeons, intraoperative neurophysiologists, neurologists, rehabilitation physicians, therapists, and biostatisticians.
• Collaborate with intraoperative neuromonitoring personnel to optimize data acquisition and interpretation.
• Participate in multicenter research collaborations focused on cerebral palsy and functional neurosurgery.

• Bachelor's degree in Neuroscience, Biomedical Engineering, Statistics, Biostatistics, Clinical Neurophysiology, Data Science, Biomedical Sciences, or a related scientific discipline.
• Two or more years of experience in clinical research, neurophysiology, data analysis, or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience with statistical analysis and quantitative research methods.
• Proficiency in statistical software such as R, SAS, SPSS, Python, or Stata.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal scientific communication skills.
• Ability to independently manage research projects and prioritize multiple responsibilities.

• Master's degree in Statistics, Biostatistics, Neuroscience, Biomedical Engineering, Clinical Research, Epidemiology, Data Science, or a related field.
• Experience in intraoperative neurophysiologic monitoring (IONM), electromyography (EMG), or clinical neurophysiology.
• Familiarity with selective dorsal rhizotomy, ventral-dorsal rhizotomy, cerebral palsy, spasticity surgery, or pediatric neurosurgery.
• Experience analyzing physiologic signal data or electrophysiologic recordings.
• Experience with REDCap and clinical research databases.
• Prior authorship on peer-reviewed scientific publications.

Desired Knowledge and Skills

• Knowledge of neuroanatomy, neurophysiology, and motor pathway physiology.
• Understanding of intraoperative neuromonitoring techniques and interpretation.
• Strong foundation in clinical research methodology and biostatistics.
• Ability to independently synthesize complex clinical and neurophysiologic data into meaningful scientific conclusions.
• Experience preparing publication-quality tables, figures, and scientific visualizations.
• Ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary academic research environment.

Michigan Medicine is one of the largest health care complexes in the world and has been the site of many groundbreaking medical and technological advancements since the opening of the U-M Medical School in 1850. Michigan Medicine is comprised of over 30,000 employees and our vision is to attract, inspire, and develop outstanding people in medicine, sciences, and healthcare to become one of the world's most distinguished academic health systems.  In some way, great or small, every person here helps to advance this world-class institution. Work at Michigan Medicine and become a victor for the greater good.

What Benefits can you Look Forward to?

• Excellent medical, dental and vision coverage effective on your very first day
• 2:1 Match on retirement savings

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.

Decision-Making and Independence

This position requires substantial independent judgment in organizing complex datasets, selecting appropriate statistical methodologies, interpreting neurophysiologic findings, troubleshooting data quality issues, and recommending analytical approaches. The Research Analyst will work with general oversight from the Principal Investigator while exercising independent scientific judgment in support of project objectives.

Appointment Information

• Appointment Type: Temporary, Part-Time
• Expected Effort: Approximately 10 hours per month (flexible based on project needs)
• Funding: Grant- or project-supported position
• Duration: Initial appointment for approximately 12 months, with the possibility of extension based on project needs and available funding.

Position Impact

This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to one of the largest investigations of intraoperative neurophysiology in pediatric functional neurosurgery. The successful candidate will play a key role in generating evidence that may influence future surgical practice, improve outcomes for children with cerebral palsy, and shape national recommendations regarding rhizotomy procedures.

Michigan Medicine conducts background screening and pre-employment drug testing on job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent job offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background screenings.  Background screenings are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Report Act. Pre-employment drug testing applies to all selected candidates, including new or additional faculty and staff appointments, as well as transfers from other U-M campuses.

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 any time after the minimum posting period has ended.

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.