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.

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.

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.

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.

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