Dr. Katrina Ellis, Associate Professor in Social Work, is seeking student research assistants for family-focused health projects during the Spring/Summer 2026 semester, with the possibility of continuing with the projects during the 2026-2027 academic year. The projects associated with this position focus on improving cancer and chronic disease outcomes for families through psychosocial and lifestyle interventions, with a primary focus on African American families. You may learn more about Dr. Ellis and her team on her research website: https://www.katrinaellisresearch.com/

We are seeking highly motivated, creative, and collaborative individuals to assist with these projects. Improving the health of families and advancing racial health equity through thoughtful, collaborative, strengths-based orientations, and evidence-based approaches are core components of this work. 

In-person and hybrid work arrangements will be established based on project/team needs.

General responsibilities include:

• Conducting literature searches and reviews
• Call eligible participants to enroll into current research studies.
• Designing, implementing and evaluating health intervention programs and materials
• Collecting and analyzing data (e.g., surveys, interviews)
• Writing for academic and lay audiences, e.g., grant submissions/reports, manuscripts, newsletters, reports
• Opportunities to present research findings 
• Completing basic office and administration tasks, e.g., meeting scheduling, file tracking and organization, correspondence

Team members may also have an opportunity to facilitate/co-facilitate program sessions in a family-level health program and serve an intervention Health Coach (HC). Specific HC responsibilities include:

• Review surveys that illuminate participants’ barriers and motivators for health behavior changes
• Use Motivational Interviewing (MI) to counsel participants by phone for 20 to 45 minutes regarding behavior change efforts
• Document concise call notes that are disseminated to other team members and/or providers
• Collaborate with a team of researchers and other HCs to reach study goals 
• Participate in regular staff meetings with other HCs
• Communicate clearly and tactfully with participants, providers, and members of the research team

To be considered for the position, please send an email with the subject line “Research Assistant Job Application” to Dr. Katrina Ellis (kahe@umich.edu) that includes the following materials: a) a brief (1 page or less) cover letter describing your interest in the position, relevant qualifications and experience, and what you hope to learn in this role and b) a resume or CV.  Application will be reviewed as they are received. Materials should be submitted no later than May 10, 2026. 

Required qualifications: 

• Fluency in English 
• Must have a computer with reliable internet access
• Have flexible availability to work 15-20 hours during the days, evenings and weekends

Preferred qualifications:

• Experience counseling using motivational interviewing
• Experience working with an IRB, clinical trials, and research projects 
• Experience in cancer and/or chronic disease related research studies
• Data analysis experience