Design Researcher - Term Limited

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How to Apply

A cover letter is required for consideration for this position and should be attached as the first page of your resume. The cover letter should address your specific interest in the position and outline skills and experience that directly relate to this position. Candidates selected to interview will be required to submit writing samples.

Summary

The Michigan Institute for Clinical & Health Research (MICHR) is the home of the University of Michigan?s Clinical and Translational Science Award from the National Institutes of Health. MICHR is part of a national, collaborative consortium that is focused on bringing more health solutions to all people more quickly by advancing clinical and translational science (CTS). The field of CTS aims to build an evidence base of scientific and operational approaches that improve the efficiency, effectiveness, and impact of translational research across a range of diseases and conditions. MICHR has the unique charge of examining the translational research ecosystem at a systems level to determine where common pitfalls exist; developing novel solutions to these challenges; demonstrating their effectiveness; and disseminating improvements widely. MICHR is a dynamic organization that serves as a hub of innovation and experimentation to advance research in the science of translation and accelerate the realization of interventions that improve human health.

MICHR is seeking a Design Researcher to work collaboratively with members of the Translational Innovation Program (TIP) to implement both evaluative and generative research methods that will drive understanding of the experiences, perspectives, and objectives of the people involved. These research methods will translate into actionable insights that research teams need to effectively address their research questions. The Design Researcher will balance quantitative and qualitative data to drill deeply into wicked research problems and to understand root causes. As a member of TIP, the successful candidate will also collaborate with research teams to design and deliver useful and usable end products and services that delight. The Design Researcher will possess a relentlessly curious mindset, never satisfied with easy answers and able to quickly pick up new knowledge and skills as well as strong design, research and presentation skills.

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*

• Conduct human-centered design research to inform updates to existing services and/or digital experiences and the creation of novel ones
• Craft and execute human-centered design research plans which include: scoping the project, combining appropriate research methods (generative/evaluative, qualitative/quantitative), conducting the research, synthesizing the findings, drafting reports, and presenting to stakeholders
• Justify design research decisions based on a strong understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of various design research methods including but not limited to user interviews, contextual inquiry, journey mapping, card sorting, surveys, and usability testing
• Identify project assumptions and/or potential bias when planning and conducting research, and limit those biases whenever possible
• Synthesize research findings into actionable insights and opportunities, in accordance with user needs and priorities
• Present research findings to various audiences in engaging and compelling ways, articulating the opportunities unearthed by the research and communicating the high-level design strategies suggested
• Collaborate with teams to design interactions, experiences and solutions for various digital technologies, services, products, and experiences for a variety of MICHR projects
• Facilitate and/or participate in Design Sprints and other co-creation sessions
• Regularly collaborate and coordinate work with other MICHR teams
• Performs project management tasks as required

Required Qualifications*

• BA or BS in quantitative field, such as User Experience Design, Human-Computer Interaction, Psychology, Anthropology, Sociology, or related field  
• 3 to 5 years of experience as a design researcher, service designer or user experience designer working with product teams in a professional work environment, designing, testing, and implementing design projects, demonstrated by a portfolio of successful projects. 
• Experience with human-centered design practices and tools, with broad exposure to qualitative research methods
• Experience analyzing quantitative and qualitative data and using it to inform novel designs or improvements to services and/or digital experiences
• Proficient in design tools such as Adobe Creative Suite
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, adhering to accessibility standards
• Ability to work collaboratively and effectively with a cross-disciplinary team
• Strong problem-solving and critical thinking skills

Desired Qualifications*

• Experience navigating the ambiguous initial phases of design research projects
• Experience crafting design research project plans balanced with the ability to proactively adjust the plan based on new information
• Experience balancing qualitative and quantitative research methodologies, knowing which combinations yield the best results
• Experience with session planning and facilitation
• Knowledge of Dovetail and/or other qualitative analysis software
• Equal parts systems thinker and advocate for users, looking not just at the stated problem but at the space around it

Work Locations

North Campus Research Complex, Ann Arbor, MI

Note: This position is hybrid, with travel to Ann Arbor, MI required.

Additional Information

MICHR DEIA Statement:

MICHR is firmly committed to advancing Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, and belonging which are core values at MICHR and the Office of Research. Our community supports recruiting and cultivating a diverse workforce, as it reflects our commitments to serve the diverse people of Michigan and beyond.  We strive to create a work culture where every team member feels respected, valued, and safe.

Under FLSA, this is the exempt job classification for this title. Incumbents in this position must meet the full criteria for exempt status: salary level, salary basis, and duties tests.

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.