Postdoctoral Research Fellow – Survey Methodology Program

How to Apply

All application materials must be submitted here to this Interfolio listing: https://apply.interfolio.com/187576.  Only materials submitted through the Interfolio link will be reviewed. Do not submit materials on this website using any of the apply now links on this page. 

Applicants must submit a cover letter describing their scholarly and project management activities and outlining their relevant experience and skills; a current CV; and names and contact information for three professional references who can speak knowledgeably about their work and experience. 

Job Summary

The Survey Research Center invites applications for a Postdoctoral Fellowship. Housed at the Institute for Social Research, one of the world’s largest social science research organizations, the Survey Research Center is a community of faculty, staff and students that serves the public interest by conducting research integrated with state-of-the-art data collection and analysis, developing social and behavioral research methods, and training leaders in survey and data science.

The postdoctoral fellow will be a central collaborator in a beginning project titled “Improving Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias Population-Based Research Data Capacity for All through Nationally Representative Hybrid Sampling”, funded by the National Institute on Aging. This study aims to improve Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias (ADRD) research data infrastructure by introducing Hybrid Sampling (HybS) for building a nationally representative panel of middle-age and older adults where all subpopulations are represented with an oversample of seven granular subpopulations: Afro Latino, non-Afro Latino, Chinese, Asian Indians, Filipinos, Koreans and Vietnamese adults. Data will be collected in five languages (English, Spanish, Chinese, Korean and Vietnamese) using a push-to-Web method. 

The postdoctoral fellow will work directly with the investigator team by assisting their overseeing the progress of the entire project, including day-to-day operations of the data collection preparation and fieldwork and finances related to respondent payment processing. This position will assist with the development of technical systems and manage research assistants and data dissemination activities; participate in peer-review manuscripts; and present research activities within the team, at scientific meetings, and in workshops for the general public.   

The preferred start date is mid Fall of 2026. The initial appointment is for one year, with possibility of extension for up to 2 more year(s), dependent upon funding and satisfactory performance.

Responsibilities*

• Assist the investigator team with overseeing the overall data collection and managing the project personnel through monitoring

• Day-to-day operations of data collection preparation and fieldwork by monitoring technical system development and data collection progress

• Managing and co-supervising research assistants under the direction of the PI

• Assisting with the development and implementation of software development and data dissemination activities

• Performing data analysis, including summarizing key findings from different data collection activities and writing up reports of findings

• Developing and leading new research projects in coordination with the PI with potential grant development and writing, as needed

Required Qualifications*

• A PhD by September 2026 in survey methodology, statistics, biostatistics, public health, gerontology, sociology or other related discipline

• Strong project management skills with exceptional attention to detail

• Strong time management skills with a proven ability to multitask and work successfully with little supervision

• Experience in primary data collection

• Proficiency with statistical programming in R 

Desired Qualifications*

• Fluent in Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese or Korean

• Outstanding interpersonal skills and ability to foster positive relationships across various team members

• Demonstrated writing skills

• Interest in ADRD research

• Experience with AI tools in research process

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.

Work Locations

This position will be on-site at the University of Michigan offices in Ann Arbor, with flexible scheduling and remote opportunities made available within our overall Center policies. If relocation is required, we will allow for reasonable time and flexibility to make necessary arrangements.

Additional Information

The statements included in this description are intended to reflect the general nature and level of work assigned to this classification and should not be interpreted as all-inclusive.

The Institute for Social Research (ISR) at the University of Michigan seeks to create a community of respect and authentic collaboration by recruiting and retaining individuals that represent a variety of voices as a reflection of our commitment to serve the people of Michigan, to maintain the excellence of the university, and to ground our research in varied disciplines, perspectives, and ways of knowing and learning.

Salary

$70,000-$75,000 commensurate with experience.

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

Institute for Social Research job openings are posted for a minimum of fourteen (14) calendar days. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled any time after the minimum posting period has ended. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is closed or filled.

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.