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 are directly relevant. Applicants should also be prepared to provide 2-3 professional references if selected for an interview. Please apply online to this posting.

The Division of General Medicine is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Research Associate to join our team full-time. This position is ideal for someone taking time off before graduate school and is looking for valuable research experience and mentorship. The role offers a unique opportunity to work closely with seasoned researchers, gain hands-on experience, and contribute to meaningful projects focused on patients with pain, addiction, and/or opioid misuse. Strong mentorship will be provided, along with opportunities to co-author and publish academic papers. The RA will work in close collaboration with the principal investigator (PI), who works on projects at both the University of Michigan and the Ann Arbor VA, and project manager.  In addition, they will interact regularly with other research investigators with diverse expertise in fields including epidemiology, sociology, and community-engaged research methods. We are a welcoming research team, with strong track record of supporting job advancement both within the field of research and supporting individuals to pursue competitive graduate programs both within and outside of health sciences. 

Our research team fosters a friendly and supportive environment, helping individuals advance in research while developing valuable skills. Our work focuses on addiction, pain management, public health, and health equity, undertaking diverse projects that range from exploring medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) to reducing stigma, educating future healthcare providers, and supporting people who use drugs (PWUD) through the involvement of concerned significant others (CSOs).  Our research team continually seeks innovative methods for caring for those individuals with opioid use disorder (OUD) and developing effective interventions. We are looking for a candidate who is passionate about improving care and eager to contribute to groundbreaking research for these special populations.  

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.

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

The candidate will coordinate carrying out research, including the following tasks:

• Completing background research and literature reviews.
• Entering research data and managing databases.
• Maintaining accurate and detailed study records.
• Writing, proofreading, and otherwise helping to prepare research-related documents
  • Specifically, the coordination and participation of manuscript preparation and submission activities.
• Aiding in the development of interventions, data collection tools, including surveys, interview guides, and medical chart abstraction guides.
• Coordinating research activities with project partners, both within and outside the University.
• Participate in team meetings and contribute to discussions on research progress.

Throughout the project lifecycle, this individual will be expected to act in accordance with all relevant human subject regulations, identify potential problems and, in collaboration with the project manager and study PI, help resolve those problems. 

• A bachelors degree with 1-3 years of related experience.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, comfortable with both English verbal and non-verbal forms of communication with investigators and team members.
• Ability to handle complex projects while managing competing deadlines.
• Complete multiple tasks with close attention to detail.
• Maintain confidentiality and protect the privacy of others.
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively with multiple team members (principal investigator, co-investigators on projects, project manager, other research assistants).
• Excellent skills in Microsoft Office (including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint) are expected.

Salary will commensurate with experience and education. 

• Research skills such as survey development, conducting focus groups, compiling literature reviews.
• Prior experience or interest in developing health technology interventions.
• Academic interest in substance use and pain related research.
• Experience with the IRB processes.

 This position offers a flexible work schedule and the ability to work a hybrid schedule with occasional on-site in-person meetings.

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.

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 anytime after the minimum posting period has ended.

The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.