Inclusive History Project Lead Researcher

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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. In addition, please include contact information for three individuals who can serve as references.

Mission Statement

The mission of the University of Michigan is to serve the people of Michigan and the world through preeminence in creating, communicating, preserving and applying knowledge, art, and academic values, and in developing leaders and citizens who will challenge the present and enrich the future.

Job Summary

The Inclusive History Project (IHP) is seeking a lead researcher to spearhead research on a major new IHP project, Legacies of Care, Healing, and Belonging: A History of Michigan Medicine. This is a term-limited position at 0.50 FTE through June 30, 2027, with the potential for renewal for a second year based on satisfactory performance and funding availability.

The senior researcher will be a critical part of the small leadership team for this new project, which includes Dr. Alex Navarro, Senior Research Associate at the Center for History, Humanities, Arts, Social Sciences and Ethics In Medicine (CHHASSEM), and Professor Laura Hirshbein, Faculty Director of the History of Medicine and Public Health for CHHASSEM and George E. Wantz M.D. Distinguished Professor of History of Medicine, Professor of Psychiatry, and Professor of History.

The lead researcher will design and execute a research project on the history of the University Hospital School from 1922-1955, positioning it within the broader histories of the medical school, the hospital system, and disability, accessibility, and belonging at the university. To execute this project, they will create detailed project plans that include projected timelines, budgetary resources needed, and research deliverables. They will conduct archival, primary, and secondary research and hire, supervise, and mentor a small team of undergraduate and graduate research associates. They will also lead the development of high-quality research deliverables related to this research that will engage members of the U-M community and the general public, including public presentations, written reports, digital resources, and curriculum

Working closely with Dr. Navarro and Professor Hirshbein, the lead researcher will also manage and organize the broader Michigan Medicine research project site that their research project is part of. They will collaborate with other members of the research team on their research and contribute to the development of an oral history collection focused on the history of Michigan Medicine. They will bear primary responsibility for organizing an advisory group for the IHP's research on the history of Michigan Medicine that will provide guidance and feedback on the project. They will collaborate with IHP Manager of Engagement Jennifer Junkermeier-Khan to design and execute public programs focused on their project. They will report to IHP Managing Director Jenni Brady and will meet regularly with IHP leadership to keep them apprised of project progress.

The senior researcher will join a dedicated and dynamic IHP team that includes professional staff, other research fellows, and more. They will participate in additional IHP activities as needed.

The work will be hybrid, with regular in-person research required.

Responsibilities*

Responsibilities will include:

Project management (25%)

• Facilitate and participate in regular meetings with the research team, including contributing to agendas, running meetings, designating action items, and following up as needed
• Coordinate the advisory board for the project, including appointing members, scheduling meetings (~3 meetings per academic year), coordinating logistical details, and taking minutes
• Work in collaboration with the research team, IHP staff, additional U-M colleagues, and community partners to coordinate and support the development, execution, review, and launch of research deliverables
• Act as a liaison between the research team and IHP leadership, ensuring regular communication and coordination

Research (75%)

• Develop and designate research priorities and questions and oversee progress on them
• Lead the development of plans, timelines, and structures for pursuing research agendas and creating public-facing deliverables, and monitor progress over time
• Conduct archival, primary, and secondary research
• Provide training, supervision, and hands on mentoring for undergraduate and graduate student RAs, including assigning and supervising research tasks and conducting regular check-ins individually and in groups
• Coordinate the creation and maintenance of research records, including overseeing the centralized collection and data management of research
• Serve as an author/contributor for transforming project site research into published findings, which may include writing articles, producing digital exhibits and other online materials, generating content for the IHP website, and authoring papers for IHP symposia or conferences
• Organize, prepare, and participate in public presentations that summarize, analyze, and synthesize findings for IHP leadership as well as campus and external audiences

Required Qualifications*

• Master's in History or a related humanities or social sciences field, with expertise in the history of medicine
• 2-3 years experience with administration or project management, preferably in an academic setting
• Significant experience designing and leading research projects, with experience with collaborative research projects or teams particularly desired
• Significant experience designing and producing a range of scholarly and public-facing research deliverables, including public talks, conference presentations, and peer-reviewed research, with experience with digital projects desired

Desired Qualifications*

• PhD in History or a related humanities or social sciences field, with expertise in the history of medicine
• Experience with community-based participatory research

Modes of Work

Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.

Additional Information

The salary range for this position is $43,400 to $54,250 ($86,800 to $108,500 full-time), please note a higher salary may be offered based on equity and the selected candidate's experience.

This is a term-limited position at 0.50 FTE through June 30, 2027, with the potential for renewal for a second year based on satisfactory performance and funding availability.

As one of the world's great liberal arts and sciences colleges, LSA pushes the boundaries of what is understood about the human experience and the natural world, and we foster the next generation of rigorous and empathetic thinkers, creators, and contributors to the state of Michigan, the nation, and the world.

To learn more about LSA's Mission, Vision and Values, please visit lsa.umich.edu/strategicvision.

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 are 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 any time after the minimum posting period has ended.

U-M EEO Statement

The University of Michigan is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.