Research Area Specialist Intermediate

Michigan Medicine's Nutrition, Exercise and Phenotype Testing Core (NExT) department is excited to find their next Research Area Specialist!  NExT is a collaborative network of laboratory and research facilities on campus, which provide expanded support for clinical and translational research studies using nutrition interventions and/or focused on obesity or obesity-related metabolic disorders in humans.  The immediate program needs for this position are focused on managing the Physical Activity Lab (PAL) daily operations, conducting metabolic testing, body composition and assist with physical activity design.  This position will also be expected to cross coverage the Nutrition Assessment Lab (NAL) with nutrition research studies. 

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.

Responsibilities*

Physical Activity Lab:

• Collaborate and coordinate with research teams to conduct high quality research; maintain knowledge of specific study and regulatory guidelines to help ensure compliance.
• Participate in the development and implementation of new research projects.
• Conduct metabolic and exercise tests  e.g., VO2max, Resting Metabolic Rate, fitness assessments, body composition.  Oversee/coordinate exercise training studies. 
• Manage project data, including data collection, organization and storage, as well as ensure data consistency/security.
• Assist in data analysis and interpretation of data findings e.g., lifestyle behavior data collected from wearable devices.
• Supervise, orient, coordinate and manage other members of the research team including graduate/undergraduate students and other trainees.
• Manage monthly totals, billing and assure deadlines are met.
• Prepare material for research team meetings and summarize meeting notes.

Nutrition Assessment Lab:

• Research and implement nutrition procedures related to dietary interventions
• Coordinate and operate metabolic kitchen to produce research meals
• Perform dietary assessment and analysis with NDSR computer software
• Perform body composition measurements
• Coordinate day to day operations of Nutrition Assessment Laboratory
• Collaborate with study coordinators, ancillary personnel and Principal Investigators

Required Qualifications*

The ideal candidate will have:

• Bachelors degree in Exercise Physiology or a related field and have experience in a research setting
• 4-5 years of experience in a related field
• Experience with clinical exercise research, various types of exercise testing, and diverse populations are preferred
• Familiarity with proper collection of data and will possess at least basic knowledge of study design and data management
• Familiarity with lifestyle behavior data collected from wearable devices
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to effectively interact with investigators, collaborators, other project staff, students and study subjects are necessary
• The candidate must be highly organized and possess excellent oral and written communication skills
• Nutritional research studies experience
• Computer proficiency

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 anytime after the minimum posting period has ended.

U-M EEO/AA Statement

The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.