Applied Research Assistant Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

How to Apply
To be considered for the position, you will need to provide all elements of the following as a single document with your application and bid:
1. A cover letter describing:
a. Your interest in this position and how you learned about it
b. The start and end dates during which you would be available to fill this position
c. Your familiarity with programming languages (e.g. Stata, SAS, Matlab, ArcGIS)
d. Your prior experience as a research assistant, in the private sector, and/or with independent research projects
e. A previous experience that involved working in a team environment
f. Names, e-mail addresses, and phone numbers of 3 references (letters not required)
2. Current CV
3. All relevant undergraduate and graduate transcripts (unofficial is fine)
4. A written list of classes currently in-progress and taken in the past that are in economics, mathematics, or statistics. Please indicate the name of the course, semester/year taken, the institution at which the course was taken, and grade attained.
5. An original research paper (if available) or writing sample
If the file is too large, please email Professor Kowalski [email protected] and current research assistant Griffin Shufeldt [email protected] a single PDF document named 'Lastname_Firstname' containing the materials.
Mission Statement
The mission of the University of Michigan is to serve the people of Michigan and the world through preeminence in creating, communicating, preserving and applying knowledge, art, and academic values, and in developing leaders and citizens who will challenge the present and enrich the future.
Job Summary
Professor Kowalski is currently seeking candidates for a Research Area Specialist Intermediate position in the LSA Department of Economics. A strong, vibrant community of scholars focused on frontier economics scholarship and success for our students, faculty, staff, and alumni at every level.
Successful candidates will collaborate closely with a research team on projects in the fields of health economics and applied econometrics. Candidates will contribute mainly project entitled 'Shaping Real World Policies to Tackle Persistent Health Inequities using Randomized Early Access to COVID-19 Vaccinations through Michigan Medicine,' a large interdisciplinary project joint with David Chan of Stanford and John Ayanian, Sarah Burgard, Sandro Cinti, James Henderson, Fiona Linn, Yanna Krupnikov, and Abram Wagner of the University of Michigan and Michigan Medicine.
For examples of previous research and related press coverage, see https://sites.lsa.umich.edu/amanda-kowalski/. Research Area Specialists are involved in all stages of the research process and are expected to work independently within the scope of their responsibilities.
This position is ideal for candidates looking to develop their empirical research skills in preparation for applying to PhD programs in economics. For continuing education, research assistants have opportunities to attend weekly seminars in economics and to get feedback on their proposed research ideas. Previous research area specialists have enrolled in top economics and health policy PhD programs.
Responsibilities*
Researchers will lead specialized projects central to the larger research projects discussed in the job summary within a team environment. Researchers will work independently analyzing data, interpreting results, designing supplementary analyses based on results, suggesting options for improving quality, identifying potential problems, and recommending and implementing solutions. Researchers will also be instrumental in identifying and applying for data, developing, and submitting IRB applications, and hiring and training research assistants. Communication and project management skills are essential for interacting as a liaison with coauthors, researchers in other departments, data providers, and external entities. Researchers will draft and edit manuscripts, grant applications, and presentations.
Researchers interact directly with Professor Amanda Kowalski, her co-authors, and other research assistants on a regular basis.
Required Qualifications*
Intermediate Level- Bachelors degree in economics or a related field and 4 to 5 years of related experience
Associate Level- Bachelors degree in economics or a related field and 1 or more years of related experience
Prior experience with data analysis and data analysis software.
Candidate must be highly detail-oriented and display competence at following directions.
Candidate must possess excellent written and oral communication skills.
Candidates should have a long-term interest in pursuing research related to economics.
Desired Qualifications*
Masters degree in economics or related field
Prior experience in health economics or public finance
Programming experience, particularly in working with large datasets in software such as Stata, SAS, R, or Matlab.
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.
Modes of Work
This is an onsite position located in the ISR building on central campus.
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 the work modes .
Work Schedule
Shift: Days, Monday - Friday 9am-6pm with an hour for lunch
Underfill Statement
This position may be underfilled at a lower classification (Research Area Specialist Associate) depending on the qualifications of the selected candidate.
Additional Information
The salary range is $52,800 to $66,000. A higher salary may be possible for well-qualified candidates based on education and experience.
This is a 12-month term-limited position with the possibility of renewal based upon availability of work, availability of funding, and satisfactory performance. Strong preference will be given to applicants who have potential to work for two years. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.
As one of the worlds great liberal arts colleges, LSA pushes the boundaries of what is understood about the human experience and the natural world, and we foster the next generation of rigorous and empathetic thinkers, creators, and contributors to the state of Michigan, the nation, and the world.
To learn more about LSAs Mission, Vision and Values, please visit lsa.umich.edu/strategicvision.
Background Screening
The University of Michigan conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer and may use a third-party administrator to conduct background checks. Background checks are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.
Application Deadline
Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled anytime after the minimum posting period has ended.
U-M EEO Statement
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.
Job Detail
Job Opening ID
270193
Working Title
Research Assistant in Health Economics and Applied Econometrics
Job Title
Research Area Specialist Inter
Work Location
Ann Arbor Campus
Ann Arbor, MI
Modes of Work
Onsite
Full/Part Time
Full-Time
Regular/Temporary
Regular
FLSA Status
Exempt
Organizational Group
College Of Lsa
Department
LSA Economics
Posting Begin/End Date
12/03/2025 - 10/01/2026
Salary
$52,800.00 - $66,000.00
Career Interest
Research