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 Comprehensive Mobile Precision Approach for Scalable Solutions in Mental Health Treatment (COMPASS) project is looking for a Research Operations Lead for our new NIMH project. COMPASS is focused on the effects of machine learning, wearable and mobile technology to both reduce mental health symptoms and predict response to clinic-based treatments. The ideal candidate should be passionate about financial management and projection planning, team organization and onboarding, as well as cultivating an inclusive and productive team dynamic. 

Our team is conscious of sharing responsibilities with all team members, expanding professional development, and providing an inclusive, diverse, equitable, and accessible environment for our colleagues as well as the participants that we serve. We are looking for a candidate that aligns with our values and wants to contribute to work to help improve mental health for our communities. 

Please see the responsibilities below for more information on the specific responsibilities that this new hire would be asked to complete. The Research Operations Lead will work closely with the Research Administrator as well as the Program Manager.  

This position will start mainly on the currently described project, with the potential to assist with other projects.

Our office is located at Arbor Lakes. Due to the remote nature of this project, most work is currently being conducted through telework. However, the Research Lead may need to come into the office for brief periods of time, observing the University of Michigan health and safety measures. 

NOTE: A cover letter is required for this application. In your cover letter, please address how you meet the required qualifications and your interest in financial management and grant management. Those who do not meet the minimum requirements nor submit a cover letter will not be considered. 

Financial management and projection planning: Serve as a key liaison for the Office of Sponsored Research Projects (OSRP), relevant grant administration departments and other partners; Lead in the coordination of pre-award and post-award activities relating to grant and contract proposals; Lead in meeting all guidelines and time tables for grant awards; Track and maintain accurate record of expenditures and effort changes across multiple different grant awards, sub accounts, and departments; Oversee the payment and completion of all project related purchases, invoices, and purchase orders; Prepare and present budget reports and advise on financial projections and current expenditures for alignment with established grant deliverables and budgets; Facilitate the execution and maintenance of various contractual agreements related to multiple grant projects to include; data use agreements, subcontracts, and vendor contracts; Work closely with chief clinical directors, program director, grant manager, faculty and trainees on long-range plans for projects; (i.e. sponsorship, future grant budgets/projections, organizational sustainability models)

Organizational Leadership and strategic direction for grant deliverables and reporting: Has oversight for researchers and staff engaged in day-to-day operations; Collaborates with other researchers on long-range plans for project/program, acting as expert in specialized area; Manage grant logistics to include accurate and timely tracking and reporting (weekly, monthly, quarterly, annually); Lead and coordinate with all staff to report on workplan progress and deliverables; Coordinate with PI?s, Director, and appropriate staff to incorporate upcoming grants into existing workflow processes; Maintain, evaluate and improve processes and systems for cross team reporting and communication; Consult with appropriate staff to determine timelines for deliverable reporting and coordinate delivery to key stakeholders; Serve as liaison between COMPASS and internal/external funders and partners; Assist Director with grant applications and amendments and strategize for upcoming grants and grant year transitions; Consult with the Research Manager (and/or appropriate staff) to understand IRB application needs; Develop and complete IRB applications to support new and ongoing projects when appropriate.

Supervisory management: Provide project specific training, guidance, and oversight; Develop work plans, professional development goals, and conduct performance reviews; Provide coaching and feedback; Manage hiring, onboarding, and training; and conduct staff check in meetings. Develop streamlined and efficient process for intake of COMPASS applicant; Conduct intake, screening, interviews, and decisions for applicants; and coordinate with Program Director for position posting, pay rate, and hours of work. Coordinate with HR; Refine onboarding requirements and paperwork. Refine and update training procedures and materials; Oversee training process, delegate trainers for new employees; schedules, time off requests, time sheet coordination; and advocate for space, phones, and resources needed; Weekly Management meeting with Program Director and Research Manager.

Research Area Specialist Lead:

• Masters level in related field
• 7 years of related experience; with at least 5 of those years of grant or financial experience

Research Area Specialist Senior (underfill):

• Bachelors degree in related field
• 5-6 years of related experience; with at least 3 of those years having grant or financial experience

Both titles (Lead and Senior)

• Financial experience within higher education organization
• Pre and Post award experience

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 underfilled at a lower classification depending on the qualifications of the selected candidate.

This position is term-limited for about 2 years (ending April 2027) with the possibility of renewal based on need and available funding. At the end of the stated term, your appointment will terminate, and will not be eligible for Reduction-in-Force (RIF) benefits. This term-limited appointment does not create a contract or guarantee of employment for any period of time as you will remain subject to disciplinary or other performance measures, up to and including termination, at the will of the University in accordance with existing University policy and standards for employee performance and conduct.

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 employment opportunity employer.