Design Researcher - Term Limited

Job 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.

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

Perform project management tasks as required

Required Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in User Experience Design, Human‑Computer Interaction, Psychology, Anthropology, Sociology, or related field, and at least three years of experience as a design researcher, service designer or user experience designer working with product teams in a professional environment, demonstrating successful projects through a portfolio

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 Schedule

Day Shift

Work Locations

North Campus Research Complex, Ann Arbor, MI

Modes of Work

Hybrid – positions may involve travel to Ann Arbor, MI; work agreements reviewed annually and may change as needed

Additional Information

This is a 3-year term-limited appointment. At the end of the stated term, the appointment will terminate and will not be eligible for Reduction-in-Force (RIF) benefits. This term-limited appointment does not create a contract or guarantee of employment for any period of time; the candidate will remain subject to disciplinary or other performance measures, up to and including termination, at the will of the University in accordance with existing University policy and standards for employee performance and conduct.

Background Screening

Michigan Medicine conducts background screening and pre-employment drug testing on job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent job offer. Screening is 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 Statement

The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.

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