Research Analyst

$58,000 - $65,000/Yr

University Of Michigan - Ann Arbor, MI

Full-time - Entry Level

Remote - Ann Arbor, MI

1,001-5,000 employees

Educational Services

About the position

The University of Michigan is seeking a Research Analyst to support a one-year term-limited appointment within the Science, Technology, and Public Policy (STPP) Program at the Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy. This role is integral to a larger research project that focuses on the University-Based Equity-Centered (UBEC) approach to innovation, which aims to advance responsible AI by centering the knowledge and needs of marginalized communities throughout the innovation lifecycle. The Research Analyst will assist in developing collaborative design elements of the project and will be involved in analyzing the UBEC approach. Reporting to the STPP Managing Director and working closely with the STPP Director, the Research Analyst will participate in project meetings, liaise with community partners, and design qualitative methods for evaluating the UBEC approach. This position also involves collecting and analyzing qualitative data, including interviews and ethnographic observations. The STPP Program, established in 2006, serves as a research center that encompasses research, educational initiatives, and community engagement activities. A key component of this engagement is the Community Partnerships Initiative (CPI), which collaborates with advocacy organizations and local governments to address science and technology issues. The Research Analyst will play a crucial role in expanding the CPI's work to include the design and development of technology that serves marginalized communities. Responsibilities will include project management tasks such as creating agendas, running meetings, and tracking project milestones, as well as conducting qualitative research, developing interview protocols, and writing reports documenting project findings. This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to meaningful research that promotes equity and justice in technology development.

Responsibilities

• Assist in developing collaborative design elements of the UBEC project.
• Participate in all project meetings and serve as a liaison with community partners.
• Work with the Director to design qualitative methods for evaluating the UBEC approach.
• Develop interview protocols for the investigative team and other participants.
• Conduct baseline and follow-up interviews with participants.
• Keep ethnographic field notes and train research team members on note-taking.
• Code and analyze qualitative data using a grounded theory approach.
• Write briefs documenting findings at each stage of the project.
• Prepare an end-of-year report summarizing project progress and findings.

Requirements

• Graduate-level degree in public policy, science and technology studies, information science, sociology, or a relevant social science, STEM, or engineering discipline, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• At least two years of qualitative research experience, particularly interview-based research, including project design experience.
• Qualitative research skills, including participant observation, interview design, and grounded theory data analysis.
• Demonstrated editing, proofreading, and writing experience.

Benefits

• Disability insurance
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid parental leave
• Retirement plan with two-for-one matching contributions and immediate vesting
• Generous time off