How to Apply:

You can apply by submitting a resume and a project portfolio. Rather than a traditional cover letter, please submit a 300-word response explaining: What unique perspective or approach would you bring to our team, and describe a specific example of how you've previously elevated team performance or culture. Please submit your materials to social-innovations-Apply@umich.edu 

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

If you have any questions, please contact social-innovations-Apply@umich.edu

Job Summary:
The Social Innovation Group (SIG) is a dynamic and diverse collective of interdisciplinary experts specializing in the research and development of ubiquitous and social computing technologies. Our vision is simple: To design, build, and enhance innovative technologies that effectively tackle real-world challenges. Our ongoing projects aim to combat unemployment, promote environmental sustainability, and enhance technical literacy by fostering social and sociotechnical capital within these communities.

SIG is seeking undergraduate and graduate Research Assistants to assist with a National Science Foundation Responsible Design, Development, and Deployment of Technologies (ReDDDoT) planning grant in partnership with Eastside Community Network and Friends of Parkside in Detroit, specific to emerging AI technologies. The aim of the planning grant is to understand how academic researchers and community members can co-create more effective planning processes that account for technological advancements and societal impacts.

You will do both independent work and collaborative team engagement. Working with the SIG Team Lead, a SIG postdoctoral researcher, and other research team members, Research Assistants will be involved in activities and academic research processes to help develop a comprehensive framework for engaging both academic and community partners in the responsible design, development, and deployment of AI technologies.

Responsibilities:

• Conduct co-design sessions with community members to identify AI priorities within their community, the settings in which AI would be relevant to them, and the consequences of using AI in those situations
  • Manage data collection during sessions and follow other data management practices
• Design materials adapting the CHoosing Health Altogether (CHAT) tool, a decision-making simulation game developed to identify participants' health-related priorities given limited resources, to identify participants' AI-related priorities. Materials include a physical game board based on the current CHAT framework, use instructions, and facilitation materials.
  • Test and regularly reiterate materials based on community feedback and research findings
• Analyze quantitative and qualitative data, such as survey, interview, focus group, and ChatGPT usage data, collected from participants in a recent research study and several previous community sessions

Other responsibilities will be delegated and can be assigned based on RA's interests and skillset. 

Required Qualifications:

• 1+ years of experience designing and reiterating materials based on feedback from partners
• 1+ years of experience collaborating with multiple team members or partners
• 1+ years of experience completing deliverables, sharing updates, and communicating support needs promptly
• 1 + years of experience collaborating with diverse community partners 
• Proficiency in design software like Adobe, Canva, and similar tools
• Excellent data management and file organization practices
• Interest in AI concepts and their possible societal effect