The Michigan Center for Respiratory Virus Research and Response (MCRVRR) is seeking a part-time Research Assistant to support respiratory virus research conducted in outpatient clinical settings.

Working under the direction of the MCRVRR research team, the Research Assistant will primarily support participant enrollment, including identifying and recruiting eligible participants, obtaining informed consent, administering study interviews, collecting research data and specimens, and coordinating study activities with clinic personnel.

The position will be based primarily at a Michigan Medicine outpatient clinic in Southeast Michigan. Depending on study needs, staff may support additional research activities or locations.

• Identify, recruit and consent potentially eligible research participants in accordance with approved study protocols.

• Administer study interviews and collect research specimens and instruct participants on at-home study activities, including surveys and self-collection of nasal swab specimens.

• Maintain timely and accurate study documentation, data entry and proper safe specimen storage for research transport. 

• Collaborate with clinic personnel and the research team to facilitate participant recruitment and response to participant questions with timely study updates. 

• Maintain study supplies and request additional materials as needed.

• Protect participant privacy and confidentiality and follow applicable study protocols, ethical standards, and regulatory requirements.

• Respond to participant questions and provide clear guidance regarding study procedures and follow-up activities.Communicate recruitment progress, operational issues, and other study needs to the research team.

• Assist with other research-related activities as assigned.

• A Bachelor's degree and at least two years of previous experience involving patient-facing healthcare activities, clinical research, public health research, or a related setting.

• Strong interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with participants and clinic personnel from diverse backgrounds.

• Excellent verbal, written, and organizational skills.

• Ability to work independently, prioritize competing responsibilities, and appropriately escalate questions or operational issues.

• Ability to consistently follow research protocols, safety procedures, and confidentiality requirements.

• Basic computer proficiency and comfort working with electronic data collection systems. Experience with REDCap is preferred.

• Dependability, attention to detail, and strong problem-solving skills.

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.

We are seeking a collaborative and adaptable team member who can work effectively within both clinical and research environments and who demonstrates a commitment to a welcoming environment.

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.