Behavioral Research Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

How to Apply
Interested candidates are invited to submit a resume/CV and cover letter outlining their qualifications and interest in the position. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Up to three professional references should be available upon request.
Mission Statement
Michigan Medicine improves the health of patients, populations and communities through excellence in education, patient care, community service, research and technology development, and through leadership activities in Michigan, nationally and internationally. Our mission is guided by our Strategic Principles and has three critical components; patient care, education and research that together enhance our contribution to society.
Job Summary
The Opioid Research Institute (ORI), housed within the Department of Anesthesiology and closely integrated with the Overdose Prevention Engagement Network (OPEN), seeks a highly collaborative and strategic Research Area Specialist Senior to advance interdisciplinary research, policy translation, and statewide partnerships focused on substance use disorder (SUD), overdose prevention, pain, and related public health priorities.
Working collaboratively with ORI leadership while exercising a high degree of independent judgment, this position manages complex research initiatives and collaborative programs that strengthen interdisciplinary collaboration and translate research into policy and practice. Serving as a liaison across Michigan Medicine, the University of Michigan, state agencies, healthcare organizations, and community partners, the Research Area Specialist Senior develops partnerships, conducts policy and applied research, and disseminates evidence that advances substance use disorder research, care delivery, and health policy throughout Michigan.
Responsibilities*
Research Program & Project Management

• Independently manage complex research and programmatic initiatives that advance ORI's mission and long-term priorities.
• Develop and oversee ORI project plans, timelines, budgets, deliverables, and evaluation strategies while monitoring progress and implementing solutions to achieve project objectives.
• Coordinate project resources, operational activities, and stakeholder communications across multiple concurrent initiatives.
• Analyze project performance, identify opportunities for improvement, and recommend process enhancements that strengthen research operations and program effectiveness.

Research Development & Partnerships

• Develop interdisciplinary collaborations that strengthen research capacity and competitiveness for federal, state, foundation, and industry funding.
• Identify emerging research opportunities and connect investigators with collaborators, institutional resources, and external partners.
• Build and maintain productive partnerships with Michigan Medicine departments, healthcare organizations, government agencies, community organizations, and national collaborators.
• Serve as a liaison among investigators, institutional leadership, and external stakeholders to advance collaborative research, implementation, and dissemination activities.

Policy Research, Knowledge Translation & Dissemination

• Conduct policy research, environmental scans, and strategic analyses to identify opportunities that improve substance use disorder prevention, treatment, implementation, and public policy.
• Develop policy briefs, white papers, executive summaries, technical reports, and other knowledge translation products that communicate research findings and actionable recommendations.
• Collaborate with faculty investigators on manuscripts, presentations, grant proposals, reports, and other scholarly products.
• Disseminate research findings through publications, presentations, educational activities, and stakeholder communications to promote evidence-based practice and policy.

Research Coordination & External Engagement

• Coordinate ORI's interdisciplinary research network and support collaborative initiatives that strengthen connections among investigators, trainees, healthcare organizations, policymakers, and community partners.
• Support ORI leadership in advancing Opioid Advisory Committee (OAC) priorities, including meeting planning, stakeholder engagement, communications, and implementation of committee priorities.
• Develop and disseminate resources that increase awareness of funding opportunities, research activities, and collaborative opportunities across Michigan Medicine.
• Provide guidance and mentorship to project staff, students, trainees, and collaborators participating in ORI initiatives, as appropriate.

Required Qualifications*

• Bachelor's degree in Public Health, Public Policy, Health Services Research, Healthcare Administration, Public Administration, Behavioral Sciences, or a related discipline. Master's degree preferred; doctoral or other professional degree desirable.
• Five to six years of progressively responsible experience in research administration, strategic program management, health policy, implementation science, public health, or academic research.
• Demonstrated experience independently managing complex research or programmatic initiatives involving diverse stakeholders.
• Experience conducting policy research, strategic analyses, program evaluation, or implementation research.
• Demonstrated success building collaborative partnerships across academic, healthcare, governmental, and community organizations.
• Experience developing policy briefs, technical reports, publications, presentations, or other research dissemination products.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, project management, and communication skills, with the ability to exercise independent judgment while managing multiple priorities.
• Experience supporting project budgets, resource planning, or operational oversight; supervisory or mentoring experience preferred.

Desired Qualifications*

• Master's degree in Public Health, Public Policy, Health Services Research, Healthcare Administration, Public Administration, or a related discipline.
• Experience working within an academic medical center, research institute, or large healthcare organization.
• Knowledge of substance use disorder, overdose prevention, pain management, behavioral health, implementation science, or health policy.
• Familiarity with Michigan healthcare systems, Medicaid, MDHHS, and statewide public health initiatives.
• Experience supporting collaborative grant development and interdisciplinary research teams.
• Experience working with advisory committees, government agencies, or statewide coalitions.
• Demonstrated record of scholarly contributions through publications, presentations, policy briefs, technical reports, or funded research initiatives.

Why Join Michigan Medicine?
Michigan Medicine is one of the largest health care complexes in the world and has been the site of many groundbreaking medical and technological advancements since the opening of the U-M Medical School in 1850. Michigan Medicine is comprised of over 30,000 employees and our vision is to attract, inspire, and develop outstanding people in medicine, sciences, and healthcare to become one of the worlds most distinguished academic health systems. In some way, great or small, every person here helps to advance this world-class institution. Work at Michigan Medicine and become a victor for the greater good.
What Benefits can you Look Forward to?

• Excellent medical, dental and vision coverage effective on your very first day
• 2:1 Match on retirement savings
• Competitive salary commensurate with experience.
• Comprehensive healthcare benefits package.
• Retirement savings plan with employer contribution.
• Professional development opportunities and support for continuing education.
• Paid time off and holiday leave.

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 Locations
North Campus Research Complex in Ann Arbor
Additional Information
Please note: This position is 1 year term-limited through 9/30/2027 with the possibility of renewal based on need and available funding. At the end of the stated term, your appointment will terminate, and will not be eligible for Reduction-in-Force (RIF) benefits. This term-limited appointment does not create a contract or guarantee of employment for any period of time as you will remain subject to disciplinary or other performance measures, up to and including termination, at the will of the University in accordance with existing University policy and standards for employee performance and conduct.
Background Screening
Michigan Medicine conducts background screening and pre-employment drug testing on job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent job offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background screenings. Background screenings are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Report Act. Pre-employment drug testing applies to all selected candidates, including new or additional faculty and staff appointments, as well as transfers from other U-M campuses.
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 any time 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
281562
Working Title
Research Area Specialist Senior - Term Limited
Job Title
Research Area Specialist Sr
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
Medical School
Department
MM Anesthesiology Department
Posting Begin/End Date
8/12/2026 - 8/19/2026
Career Interest
Research