Research Associate University of Michigan - Ann Arbor

A cover letter is required for consideration for this position and should be attached as the first page of your resume. The letter should address your:

• Specific interest in this position, and;
• Skills and experience which directly relate to this position

Note: In order for the career portal system to accept the cover letter, please include this as the first page of your resume document, so that you are submitting only ONE combined document. This combined document will be reviewed to assess how you meet the stated qualifications, including your written communication skills.

The Research Associate plays a crucial role in evaluating and enhancing the impact of teaching innovations within the School of Kinesiology. The position involves conducting rigorous research, including A-B testing, to assess the effectiveness of academic innovations and providing support to faculty infusing technology into significantly innovative courses. This role also includes assessing faculty satisfaction and perceptions of innovation effectiveness from both students and faculty perspectives. This role will also be responsible for working in partnership with Information and Technology Services (ITS) staff to provide testing and feedback on existing academic technologies, and to contribute research-informed product design and roadmapping input. Collaboration with faculty and professionals in learning analytics is essential, as are superior communication skills to share findings through seminars, presentations, and publications. It is anticipated that effort will be split evenly between the School of Kinesiology and ITS. All activities will be complementary in that they will pursue understanding appropriate and effective use of GenAI in teaching and learning practices, and how IT products and services should be designed and delivered in light of those findings. Reporting to the Associate Dean of Undergraduate Education in the School of Kinesiology, this role will focus on the intersection of technology and pedagogy.

This is a hybrid position. When working on site the incumbent will have access to ITS offices in the Administrative Services Building (ASB), room 2014. Additional time will also be spent at various places on the Ann Arbor campus including the Library, classrooms, School of Kinesiology, the Center for Academic Innovation and other locations where the incumbent will work with faculty and observe teaching and learning activities as required by the research objectives.

(EF) = Essential Function

Research and Evaluation (40%)

• (EF) Conduct research on the effectiveness of teaching innovations and methodologies, implementing A-B testing and other evaluation strategies.
• (EF) Perform research to evaluate faculty satisfaction and perceptions of innovation effectiveness and students' learning outcomes from both students and faculty.
• Analyze data and produce reports to inform instructional improvements and decision-making.
• Perform research to understand faculty members' and students' needs for potential GenAI usage.

Collaboration and Communication (30%)

• (EF) Partner with faculty, IT experts, and learning analytics professionals to integrate and assess new instructional technologies.
• Provide special assistance to faculty infusing technology into courses that are making significant innovations.
• (EF) Communicate research findings through seminars, presentations, and publications internally and externally.
• (EF) Provide research-informed feedback to product development teams in ITS.

Workshops and Training (20%)

• Develop and facilitate workshops on the use of GenAI tools, instructional design strategies, and research methodologies.
• (EF) Collaborate with Kinesiology's tech teams to enhance the TechKinect online resource hub with research-focused content.

Innovation and Strategic Consulting (10%)

• Provide strategic guidance on the use of GenAI technologies in course design and delivery.
• Explore and recommend new instructional and research tools for adoption by the school.

• Master's degree in Instructional Design, Educational Technology, or a related field is required.
• Minimum of 1 year of experience in instructional design, educational research, or a related field, within higher education.
• Extensive experience utilizing GenAI to innovate course design and enhance learning experiences.
• Proven ability to conduct and interpret educational research, including A/B testing.
• Proven success with contributing to a positive workplace culture, and ability to consistently demonstrate our school's core values

Required Competencies

• Demonstrated ability to exercise initiative and dependability
• Highly professional and flexible demeanor with excellent interpersonal skills and a deep dedication to customer service
• Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain inclusive and trust-inspiring working relationships with a diverse group of internal and external constituents
• Proven record of attention to detail and accuracy, with a low rate of errors
• Excellent organizational skills, ability to handle many tasks simultaneously, prioritize, and follow-through to meet deadlines
• Superior oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills
• Ability to work under pressure in a complex environment and maintain a calm professional demeanor
• Works well collaborating with others as well as able to operate independently
• Demonstrated ability to handle sensitive employee and business information with utmost confidentiality

The position is term-limited, funded for 24 months; the initial appointment may be extended depending on performance and availability of research funds.

The general salary range for this position is $48,000 - $52,000, with eligibility to participate in the school's 2026 merit program. An offer may be extended outside of this range based on equity, experience, knowledge, and skills for the position. You are encouraged to discuss salary questions to honor understanding and transparency throughout the recruiting process. Benefits are included with this position.

This position is not eligible for H1B visa sponsorship.

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 will be performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

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.

The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.