Research Associate - Junior Professional Researcher Program

Description

The University of Michigan Institute for Social Research (ISR) is the world’s largest academic social science survey and research organization. We are a leader in developing and applying new social science methods and are committed to educating the next generation of social scientists. Our globally renowned training programs have produced some of the most influential scholars of today, and play a core role in our imperative to foster greater diversity in the social sciences.

ISR seeks to hire multiple research associates for the 2026 cohort of the Junior Professional Researcher (JPR) Program. This program offers recent college graduates the opportunity to gain work experience in social science research and collaborate with more senior colleagues and project teams. JPRs work for two years as full-time research associates for one or more faculty mentors and engage in additional education and training activities, including taking courses through our summer programs, participating in professional development workshops, and attending ISR research seminars.

Full/Part Time: Full-Time

Regular/Temporary: Regular

FLSA Status: Nonexempt

Salary: $48,000

Read more about the JPR program and our current cohort at our website: https://isr.umich.edu/training-opportunities/jpr/

Visa Note: The JPR Program will not be accepting applications from candidates requiring visa sponsorship now or in the future for this position. Only candidates authorized to work in the United States without the need for sponsorship will be considered.

 

Responsibilities 

Research (90%)

• Collect, record, clean, and/or document data according to study protocols
• Curate research articles and conduct literature reviews 
• Create reference lists for manuscripts and grant proposals
• Assist with the creation of tables and charts for presentations, manuscripts for publication, and/or grant proposals
• Statistical or data processing, data integration
• Assist with the dissemination of research findings
• Participate in research meetings as necessary

Programming (10%)

• Participate in cohort-based activities including career and professional development, mentoring, and educational opportunities

Qualifications

Required Qualifications  

• Bachelor’s degree in a social science related field granted in the year 2024, 2025, or 2026

• Prior research engagement with or experience in social science research demonstrated by coursework, professional experience or extracurricular activities

• Excellent oral and written communication skills

• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and accuracy

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Google Suite

• Demonstrated interest in contributing to a social science field of research

Application Instructions

To be considered for this position please submit the following documents, in the order listed below. Candidates who do not upload all of the following documents will not be considered for this position.

• Resume: Please try to keep your resume to about one page in length.
• Cover letter: Please submit a comprehensive cover letter that addresses your area(s) of interest in social science research, any research or professional experiences that contribute to your qualifications for this position, why you are interested in the JPR Program, and how you see this time fitting into your long-term plans
• Personal Statement: Please describe, in one page or less, how your personal background or experiences have contributed to your interest in social science.

Applicants should consult the JPR website FAQ for further details on what should be included in these documents.

We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive team that reflects a wide range of experiences, perspectives, and backgrounds. We strongly encourage applications from all interested individuals, including those from underrepresented or historically marginalized groups.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.