Job Information
University of Michigan RESEARCH FELLOW - Rackham Institutional Research in Ann Arbor, Michigan
RESEARCH FELLOW - Rackham Institutional Research
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How to Apply
A cover letter is required for consideration for this position and must be attached as the first page of your resume. The letter should address your specific interest in and outline skills and experience that directly relate to this position. Applicants who do not meet these requirements will not be considered.
Job Summary
The Rackham Graduate School seeks a Postdoctoral Research Fellow to work within the Institutional Research team driving Rackham's research agenda. The postdoctoral fellow will manage an innovative longitudinal study of the doctoral student experience. Currently in its 7th year, the Michigan Doctoral Experience Study (MDES) explores how doctoral experiences and contexts shape doctoral student identities and well-being. The study involves the development and deployment of survey instruments that highlight mechanisms shaping doctoral student experiences. The goals of MDES are to advance our knowledge about the doctoral student experience, contribute to the scholarly literature on doctoral study, and assist the graduate school in making better choices about the programming and interventions it supports to enhance the experience of graduate students.
The postdoctoral research fellow will engage in both collaborative and self-directed research aimed at understanding the doctoral student experience. The research fellow is expected to manage all operational aspects of the project and will have a great degree of autonomy to pursue different avenues of interest. Strong candidates for the Postdoctoral Fellow position will be knowledgeable about graduate education, academic identity development, socialization in organizations, and/or psychosocial constructs (i.e. motivation, self-efficacy, goal orientation), versed in the development of survey instruments and use of survey data, and detail oriented with strong organizational skills. Perhaps most importantly, the project requires a strong conceptual thinker with an interest in the development and testing of theoretical frameworks.
The research fellow will report to the Director of Institutional Research, who will provide input about the vision and strategic direction of the project, and assist with decisions and problems as they arise. The fellow will have the support and resources of the IR team (data manager, programmer, administrative support) and dedicated graduate students working on the project. Support for professional development and conference travel will be provided.
PLEASE NOTE: This is a one year appointment with the potential for extension based on performance and available funding.
Because we are committed to diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility we aspire to develop and nurture the individual and collective skills to recognize, celebrate, and deploy difference as a path to engagement, innovation, and the generation of new ideas and knowledge.
PLEASE NOTE: Rackham is currently offering hybrid work schedules to staff, requiring 2-3 days per week on-site with the remaining time being remote.
To learn more about the Rackham Graduate School visit https://rackham.umich.edu/
Why Work at Michigan?
Being part of something greater, of serving a larger mission of discovery and care- that's the heart of what drives people to work at Michigan. In some way, great or small, every person here helps to advance this world-class institution. It's adding a purpose to your profession. Work at Michigan and become a victor for the greater good.
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*
Job responsibilities include but are not limited to:
General Project Management
Lead research meetings
Manage project tasks and deadline
Manage survey implementation including communication and participant relations
Oversee management and archiving of research data
Assist with budget management and budget requests
Advancing Research
Plan, run, and summarize yearly analyses of survey data
Lead continuous improvement of instruments and study design based on feedback from pilots, focus groups, and previous years' data
Propose and prepare grants and other avenues to secure external funding for the project
Collaborate with other researchers to launch spin-off and replication studies
Communicating Results
Serve as lead author/co-author on manuscripts
Lead creation of reports, dashboards, and other products that communicate study results
Present at internal events and external academic conferences to help disseminate results
Mentoring and Supervision
Mentoring doctoral and master's students
Delegating work to both professional staff and graduate students
Coordinating and collaborating with external researchers working on related projects
Required Qualifications*
PhD in higher education, psychology, sociology or related field
Experience with survey scale development, validation, and/or analyses
Experience working with complex data merged from multiple sources
Advanced statistical and analytical skills
Knowledge of basic statistical analyses software (e.g., Stata, SAS, R, MPlus)
Strong communication and leadership skills
Desired Qualifications*
Previous experience managing a longitudinal research project
Knowledge of psychometric testing and instrument validation
Data management capabilities using programmatic/automated approaches (e.g., Python, SQL)
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) .
Application Deadline
Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. This job may be removed from posting boards and filled any time after the minimum posting period has ended.
U-M EEO/AA Statement
The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.
Job Detail
Job Opening ID
254133
Working Title
RESEARCH FELLOW - Rackham Institutional Research
Job Title
RESEARCH FELLOW
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
Rackham Grad School
Department
Rackham Institutional Research
Posting Begin/End Date
9/05/2024 - 9/19/2024
Salary
$65,000.00 - $70,000.00
Career Interest
Research Fellows
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