Summary

University of Michigan Motor & Visual Development Lab
Full-Time Research Specialist

The Motor & Visual Development Lab (Principal Investigator: Haylie L. Miller, Ph.D.) in the School of Kinesiology is seeking a full-time research specialist. This team member will have varied responsibilities in the lab specifically related to data collection, management, and analysis, including:

• Developing custom code for data management and analysis, including using APIs/plugins and custom scripts to access and integrate data from multiple real-time streams (e.g., from force plates, motion-capture cameras, eye-tracking glasses) and from batched data sources (e.g., Twitter Research API; U-M DataDirect electronic medical records data warehouse) (50%);
• Troubleshooting, modifying, and implementing code developed by other lab members (10%);
• Developing queries and/or post-processing scripts and generating data reports and visualizations for various purposes including (but not limited to) quality assurance, grant and manuscript preparation, and compliance (10%);
• Designing, building, refining, and maintaining architecture to house the lab's research data and prepare it for analysis, for example using REDCap, SQL, Matlab, Python, and/or R (10%);
• Working with ITS specialists, biostatisticians, and research staff/students to ensure data quality and security (10%);
• Supporting end users (including but not limited to faculty, staff, and students) in learning to use data collection, management, and analysis tools (10%).
• The MVD Lab currently relies heavily on REDCap, Matlab (especially the Image Processing Toolbox and PsychToolbox), Python (especially the pandas library), R, Qualisys QTM, Delsys EMGworks, PupilLabs Pupil Capture, Theia, and OpenPose for data collection, management, and analysis. The ideal candidate will have high proficiency in several of these tools, with willingness and ability to quickly and independently learn the others.
• The MVD Lab has an anti-ableist, anti-racist, anti-sexist culture of inclusion, acceptance, and respect for diverse perspectives and identities. This team member will be expected to engage with others (including but not limited to research participants, staff, students, collaborators, and community partners) in a manner that aligns with this culture.

The MVD Lab currently relies heavily on REDCap, Matlab (especially the Image Processing Toolbox and PsychToolbox), Python (especially the pandas library), R, Qualisys QTM, Delsys EMGworks, PupilLabs Pupil Capture, Theia, and OpenPose for data collection, management, and analysis. The ideal candidate will have high proficiency in several of these tools, with willingness and ability to quickly and independently learn the others.

The MVD Lab has an anti-ableist, anti-racist, anti-sexist culture of inclusion, acceptance, and respect for diverse perspectives and identities. This team member will be expected to engage with others (including but not limited to research participants, staff, students, collaborators, and community partners) in a manner that aligns with this culture.

Why Work at Michigan?

In addition to a career filled with purpose and opportunity, The University of Michigan offers a comprehensive benefits package to help you stay well, protect yourself and your family and plan for a secure future. Benefits include:

• Generous time off
• A retirement plan that provides two-for-one matching contributions with immediate vesting
• Many choices for comprehensive health insurance including dental and vision coverage
• Life insurance
• Long-term disability coverage
• Flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses
• Maternity and parental leave
• University commitment to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities

Required Qualifications*

• Bachelor of science degree in biomechanical or biomedical engineering, computer science, informatics, statistics, or a related field, or should be able to document equivalent proficiency through work experience.
• Formal training in database creation and management OR research methods and statistics.
• Proficiency creating and modifying custom scripts using Matlab, Python, and/or C/C++.
• Proven success with contributing to a positive workplace culture, and ability to consistently demonstrate our school's Core Values
• Ability to remain stationary at a computer for up to 4 hours to collect, process, or review data.

Desired Qualifications*

• Master's degree in computer science or biomechanical or biomedical engineering, with a strong background in data science.
• Experience using Matlab (especially the Image Processing Toolbox and PsychToolbox), Python (especially the pandas library), Qualisys QTM, Delsys EMGworks, Theia, OpenPose, and/or C/C++ for collection, processing, and analysis of human movement data.
• Experience with statistical analysis using R (especially linear mixed effects modeling, logistic regression, mediated/moderated regression, and/or structural equation modeling).
• Familiarity with data security regulations relevant to human subjects research.
• Experience delivering software training and/or technical customer support.
• Ability to move/lift laboratory equipment up to 50 lbs
• Ability to help with application of sensors and other equipment on participants (e.g., kneeling, squatting, sitting on the floor, etc.)

Additional Information

The position is available immediately and is term-limited, funded for 18 months; the initial appointment may be extended depending on performance and availability of research funds. The salary range is $40,000 - $50,000, commensurate with education and experience. An offer may be extended outside the general salary range shared in this posting based on equity, experience, knowledge, and skills for this role. You are encouraged to discuss salary questions to honor understanding and transparency throughout the recruiting process.

This is an onsite position, with the potential to transition to hybrid/remote work after initial familiarization with lab procedures, space, and equipment. Candidates interested in hybrid/remote work should indicate this to the hiring manager during the recruiting process.

Background Screening

The University of Michigan conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer and may use a third-party administrator to conduct background checks. Background checks will be performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

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.