The Department of Family Medicine at the University of Michigan is seeking an Assistant in Research for a part-time, hourly position. This role can potentially transition to full-time, depending on the individual's availability and successful involvement in the research project. Undergraduate and graduate students are strongly encouraged to apply.

The candidate will be a member of Dr. Elham Mahmoudi's (PI) research team/lab at the Department of Family Medicine and will directly report to her. The candidate will be working on the following 5-year National Institute of Health (NIH)-funded mixed methods project:

Racial/Ethnic Disparities in Health Care and Challenges in Insurance Plan Choices among Older People with Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementia: A Mixed Methods Study of Medicare Options

Project summary: Medicare is the primary health insurance for older adults. Eligible beneficiaries must choose between traditional Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans. The proportion of disadvantaged Black and Hispanic beneficiaries with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia (ADRD) is growing, and they experience more adverse health events than their White counterparts. The proposed study will examine racial/ethnic disparities in care among different Medicare plan options. It will also explore the challenges of health plan decision-making in beneficiaries with ADRD.  Study results will inform policies promoting more equitable care and facilitating better health plan decision-making, targeting disadvantaged Black and Hispanic beneficiaries with ADRD.

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 Strategic Principles have three critical components: patient care, education, and research that enhance our contribution to society.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS (Associate Level)

• Undergraduate or graduate student in a relevant field of study.
• Excellent writing skills.
• Professional demeanor and excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Experience with Microsoft Office products (e.g., Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint)
• Confident and highly motivated with excellent multi-tasking ability and record-keeping skills.
• Outstanding organizational skills with meticulous attention to detail.
• Strong ability to work independently, exercising good judgment, with minimal supervision.
• Ability to function with diverse teams of people in a diplomatic, collaborative, and effective manner.
• Strong problem-solving skills.
• Ability to adhere to established timelines to accomplish tasks.
• Demonstrated ability to learn and use new skills quickly and effectively.
• Able to maintain data confidentiality and participant/subject/patient privacy.
• Excellent attendance record and strong work ethic.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS (Intermediate Level)

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in public health or related health services research field.
• Comfortable working with a diverse study team and patient populations.
• Working knowledge of REDCap, MAXQDA, and/or R, SAS, Stata
• Knowledge of U of M Health System policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of data processing including building databases, entering data and cleaning data.
• Knowledge of IRB and regulatory issues pertaining to clinical studies.

Supervision Received:

This position receives direct supervision and reports directly to the Principal Investigator (Dr. Mahmoudi).