University Of Michigan - Ann Arbor, MI

posted 5 months ago

Full-time - Entry Level
Ann Arbor, MI
Educational Services

About the position

The Institute for Social Research (ISR) at the University of Michigan is seeking applications for a tenure-track Research Assistant Professor position within its Survey Research Center (SRC). This role is pivotal in leading and collaborating on externally funded projects that focus on critical issues related to aging, disability, dementia, and care. The successful candidate will also spearhead dissemination activities for the National Health and Aging Trends Study (NHATS) and the National Study of Caregiving (NSOC), both of which are co-led by faculty from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and the University of Michigan's ISR. These studies aim to foster research that guides efforts to reduce disability, maximize health and independent functioning, and enhance the quality of life for older adults and their families. Candidates should possess a strong interest in the implications of population aging for disability, dementia, and family caregiving, along with a passion for creating, utilizing, and disseminating new data. The ideal applicant will have a robust background in aging research, experience analyzing large-scale aging studies such as NHATS or NSOC, and a commitment to outreach to diverse, interdisciplinary user communities. Effective communication with both lay and scientific audiences is essential. The position is particularly suited for those with a proven record of scholarship, externally funded research, and teaching experience, whether formal or informal. Relevant areas of interest include late-life disability, dementia trends, caregiving dynamics, and quality of care in various settings. As a leading academic social science survey and research organization, ISR is dedicated to developing and applying innovative social science methods while educating the next generation of social scientists. The Institute is committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce to enhance its research through varied perspectives. The SRC conducts survey-based research on significant social and scientific issues and is focused on mentoring early career faculty in a multidisciplinary and entrepreneurial environment. The successful candidate will be expected to lead outreach efforts for NHATS/NSOC, pursue independent and collaborative research projects, and supervise project staff as needed.

Responsibilities

  • Lead outreach efforts for NHATS/NSOC and cultivate a diverse user community through various activities.
  • Represent the study at workshops and scientific meetings.
  • Manage and expand educational activities such as online modules, summer workshops, and webinars.
  • Develop NHATS/NSOC materials for scientific and lay audiences.
  • Pursue independent and collaborative externally funded scholarly projects related to aging, disability, dementia, and/or care using NHATS/NSOC and other health and aging studies.
  • Provide supervision to project staff, including research assistants, data analysts, and undergraduate students.

Requirements

  • Ph.D. in a social or behavioral science field, including sociology, demography, epidemiology, gerontology, health services research, population health or related field.
  • At least 1-2 years of postdoctoral experience.
  • Record of scholarship using national aging surveys, particularly NHATS and/or NSOC.
  • Demonstrated scientific interest in aging, disability, dementia, and/or related care.
  • Experience securing externally funded research (e.g. pilot projects, small grants, career development).
  • Formal or informal didactic experience, particularly online.
  • Strong written and oral communication skills.
  • Demonstrated commitment to activities in support of diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Nice-to-haves

  • Expertise or strong interest in areas of emphasis in NHATS/NSOC such as inequities in late-life disability, dementia, or caregiving.
  • Experience with supplemental data relevant to NHATS/NSOC, such as physical performance data, accelerometry data, claims and assessment files, and contextual data.

Benefits

  • Generous time off
  • Retirement plan with two-for-one matching contributions after the first year
  • Comprehensive health insurance options
  • Life insurance
  • Long-term disability coverage
  • Flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses
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