Applicants should submit one PDF (500kb size limit) containing the following:
- Cover letter describing relevant experience with survey research, statistical analysis, qualitative coding, and project/timeline management.
- Curriculum Vitae
- A brief writing sample or analysis sample (e.g, excerpt from a dissertation, publication, or report demonstrating mixed-methods analysis)
- Contact information for two references
The review of resumes and supporting materials will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Applicants selected for an interview will be contacted via email. The interview process will consist of an initial 30-45 minute screening interview in person at the Art and Architecture Building and one or two additional interviews for select candidates.
The Taubman College of Architecture and Urban Planning is seeking a part-time, temporary research associate & project manager to work 10 hours per week to complete the final phases of an IRB-approved, funded-research study examining preferences among neurodivergent and disabled faculty and staff for quiet working spaces on campus. This is a short-term appointment designed to conclude survey recruitment, lead data analysis, and manage the project through to completion for a study that is underway.
This position is ideal for a researcher who enjoys working at the intersection of environmental psychology, disability studies, and workplace design, is comfortable moving fluidly between quantitative and qualitative analysis, and can keep a project's moving parts - timeline, deliverables, and communication - on track without close supervision. The employment is expected to conclude in January of 2027 but could end sooner or be extended based on the needs of the department.
Note: The anticipated schedule for this position is 10 hours per week during daytime hours Monday through Friday (exact schedule to be determined with your supervisor). This position is primarily remote and includes weekly check-ins, with occasional in-person meetings as business needs require.
Research
- Complete survey recruitment, coordinating with campus partners and following the study's existing IRB protocol
- Conduct quantitative analysis of survey data, including descriptive statistics and correlational analysis to identify key relationships among variables (e.g., between space preferences, accommodation needs, and workplace outcomes)
- Develop and apply a coding scheme for open-ended survey comments, using qualitative or mixed-methods coding practices (e.g., thematic analysis, content analysis) to identify patterns in respondents' written feedback in line with phase one coding.
- Assist in synthesizing findings into summary tables, figures, and narrative sections suitable for a final report and/or manuscript.
- Maintain compliance with IRB protocols and human subjects research standards throughout.
- Submit reimbursement forms for participants.
Project Management
- Develop and maintain a project timeline/workplan covering remaining recruitment, analysis, and reporting phases, flagging risks to deadlines early.
- Track deliverables and milestones, and keep project documentation (protocols, data files, drafts) organized and current.
- Coordinate logistics with campus partners, collaborators, and any research assistants involved in recruitment or coding.
- Monitor the project budget/scope in coordination with the PI and departmental staff.
- Communicate weekly with the Principal Investigator on progress, timelines, budget, and emerging findings, and prepare brief status updates as needed.
- PhD completed or in progress in a social science field (e.g., Psychology, Environmental Design/Environmental Psychology, Sociology, Public Health, or a closely related discipline).
- Demonstrated experience with survey research methods.
- Experience with both quantitative analysis (e.g., correlation, descriptive statistics) and qualitative coding of open-ended text data.
- Familiarity with IRB processes and human subjects research protections ideally at UM.
- Experience managing project timelines, deliverables, or small research teams.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to work independently, prioritize competing tasks, and meet project deadlines
- Background or research interest in environmental design, environmental psychology, workplace/organizational psychology, disability, neurodiversity, accessibility, and or inclusive design.
- Proficiency with statistical software (e.g., R, SPSS, or similar) and/or qualitative coding software (e.g., NVivo, Dedoose, ATLAS.ti)
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.
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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.
