• Research Area Specialist

    University of Michigan (Ann Arbor, MI)


    Research Area Specialist

    How to Apply

    A cover letter and resume are important submissions for the hiring team to get a sense of your experience. In the cover letter, please let us know how this role aligns with your career aspirations and skills. Submit both a cover letter and resume as one file (because of system limitations).

     

    For questions about this role or accommodation requests, contact [email protected] .

    Job Summary

    The Office of the Vice Provost for Undergraduate Education, together with the Office of Budget & Planning Institutional Research group, is seeking a Research Area Specialist to support student success initiatives and research projects at the university. Student success topics addressed may include questions of equity and student success in admissions, recruitment, financial aid, student support, degree structures, transfer articulation, time to graduation, curricular and non-curricular experiences, graduate and professional education, and career/life outcomes. This work is guided and informed by a steering committee, which is chaired by the Provost and which includes senior leadership from the Provost Office, Academic Affairs, and Student Life. This is a two-year term-limited appointment with the possibility of renewal contingent on continued funding, your satisfactory performance and conduct, and the availability of work. You will report to the Associate Director of Institutional Research, while working closely with the Vice Provost for Undergraduate Education.

     

    This is a hybrid position based at our Ann Arbor campus, with a combination of on-site and remote work.

     

    Why Work at Michigan?

     

    In addition to a career filled with purpose and opportunity, The University of Michigan offers a comprehensive benefits package to help you stay well, protect yourself and your family and plan for a secure future. Benefits include:

     

    + Generous time off

    + A retirement plan that provides two-for-one matching contributions with immediate vesting

    + Many choices for comprehensive health insurance

    + Life insurance

    + Long-term disability coverage

    + Flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses

    Responsibilities*

    + **Research Administration**

    + Identify relevant student success research projects.

    + Establish research questions, identify required data, and determine analytical approach.

    + Complete IRB research applications, maintain data agreements and security.

    + **Data Collection and Analysis**

    + Collect, manage, and report data.

    + Perform both basic and complex social science statistical analysis.

    + Document and archive data processing steps and other work products.

    + Provide recommendations for future programs.

    + **Presentations and Communications**

    + Draft and manage project reports, memos, and presentations.

    + Present findings to a variety of audiences.

    + Liaison with research partners across the University.

    + **Additional Responsibilities**

    + Collaborate with multiple units and represent the Provost's Office.

    + Consult on data-related projects.

    Required Qualifications*

    + Master's degree in public policy, education, political science, economics, or a relevant social science discipline.

    + Demonstrated knowledge of and interest in educational structures, equity, and policy.

    + Three years of professional experience with advanced data analysis and visualization tools, including psychometric methods, multivariate models, and handling large datasets in several formats (such as Tableau, Excel, Google Sheets, and Airtable)

    + Proficient knowledge of and experience with analytical approaches such as IRT, CFA/EFA, SEM, multivariate regression, causal inference methods (e.g., matching, DiD), and grounded theory or thematic analysis

    + Advanced computer skills and knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite programs, i.e. Word, Excel, and PowerPoint and analysis software (R or Stata, Mplus, Maxqda or Nvivo or Dedoose) and survey tools (e.g., Qualtrics).

    + Experience with SQL and constructing SQL queries in institutional databases.

    + Demonstrated understanding of program evaluation concepts and practices.

     

    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 thework modes (https://hr.umich.edu/working-u-m/my-employment/ways-we-work-resource-center/ways-we-work-implementation-group/modes-work) .

     

    U-M EEO Statement

     

    The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.

     

    Job Detail

     

    Job Opening ID

     

    268435

     

    Working Title

     

    Research Area Specialist

     

    Job Title

     

    Research Area Specialist Inter

     

    Work Location

     

    Ann Arbor Campus

     

    Ann Arbor, MI

     

    Modes of Work

     

    Hybrid

     

    Full/Part Time

     

    Full-Time

     

    Regular/Temporary

     

    Regular

     

    FLSA Status

     

    Exempt

     

    Organizational Group

     

    Acad & Bdgt Affairs

     

    Department

     

    Office of Budget & Planning

     

    Posting Begin/End Date

     

    9/09/2025 - 9/23/2025

     

    Career Interest

     

    Research