Research Area Specialist Associate

How to Apply

A cover letter is required for consideration for this position and should be attached as the first page of your resume/CV. The cover letter should address your specific interest in the position and outline skills and experience that directly relate to this position.

Job Summary

The Department of Epidemiology at the University of Michigan, School of Public Health is seeking a candidate to serve as a project manager for two multi-location projects within the Climate Sensitive Infections Research Group (CSI Michigan), led by Dr. Jennifer Head. The research group is focused on understanding the transmission of infectious diseases within a changing environment. The first project seeks to understand transmission of highly pathogenic avian influenza A (H5N1) among peridomestic wild mammals in southern Michigan via collection and analysis of serum and nasopharyngeal samples from wild mammals (e.g., raccoons, skunks, foxes, opposums). The second project focuses on estimating population immunity to coccidioidomycosis in the Southwestern US via a combination of skin test and serologic surveys.

Responsibilities*

• Project and regulatory management: coordinate and lead team meetings with project collaborators; submit regulatory approvals, such as IBC, IACUC, single IRB, and other permits, and ensure compliance; manage procurement of supply and file claims for reimbursement
• Management of data collection: develop and document recruitment/sampling plans and coordinate logistics for sampling events; design data collection and management tools (e.g., REDcap); design protocols for the collection, storage, and transportation of biospecimens; support data collection as needed, including through possible travel to domestic field locations (Southwest Michigan, California, Arizona, dependent on candidate's ability).
• Report generation: Prepare annual and quarterly reports for project sponsors; Prepare datasets for analysis, conduct data analysis, and prepare reports including data tables and visualizations; may contribute to the writing of scientific manuscripts as a co-author.
• Support an interdisciplinary research team: Participate in research group meetings, including providing feedback to colleagues on their analytic plans, interim findings, data visualizations, and dissemination materials.

Required Qualifications*

MS or MPH in Epidemiology, Environmental Health Sciences, Ecology, or a related field. At least 1-3 years of experience in managing research projects involving multiple partners; experience submitting and managing approvals needed for research (e.g., single IRB, IACUC); understanding of how to collect, store, and transport human and animal samples (e.g., serum, plasma, nasopharyngeal swabs); experience in survey design; excellent skills in data management, time management, and written communication; experience using Microsoft Office Suite.

Desired Qualifications*

Proficiency in using R or other statistical software (R preferred) to develop generalized linear models, create maps, and analyze clustered survey data; experience designing and implementing serosurveys or surveys involving collection of human or animal samples; experience leading or co-authoring peer-reviewed publications in epidemiology; has some field-specific knowledge of zoonotic disease transmission; has some knowledge of computational genomics; has some field-specific knowledge of Valley fever or other endemic fungal diseases willingness to travel and perform field work as needed.

Modes of Work

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.

Work Locations

This position allows for a hybrid work schedule.

Additional Information

This is a term-limited appointment that will end one year from the start date of the appointment, with the potential for an extension depending upon available funding and performance.

Michigan Public Health is seeking a dynamic staff member with a commitment to contributing to a welcoming environment for all members of our community.

Background Screening

The University of Michigan conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background checks. Background checks are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

Application Deadline

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.

U-M EEO Statement

The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.

278958

Research Area Specialist Associate

Research Area Specialist Assoc

Ann Arbor Campus

Hybrid

Full-Time

Regular

Exempt

School Pub Health

Epidemiology Department

6/15/2026 - 6/22/2026

$46,796.00 - $57,225.00

Research