Research Area Specialist Sr
University of Michigan
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University of Michigan Water Center Senior Collaborative Research Specialist
Who We Are
The Graham Sustainability Institute at the University of Michigan mobilizes the expertise and passion of faculty, students, partners, and decision-makers to work together and bring world-class research to real-world sustainability challenges. Our initiatives lead to positive outcomes that safeguard the planet's life support systems and enhance well-being for present and future generations. Aligned with U-M's commitment to research, education, and service, the Graham Sustainability Institute drives real-world impact in partnership with the university and external stakeholders by enhancing collaborative research, developing sustainability leaders, and informing policy and practice.
The University of Michigan Water Center addresses critical and emerging water resource challenges by fostering collaborative, user-driven research that informs policy and management decisions affecting our waters. We catalyze water-based research and engagement on campus, facilitate key water-based programs and processes across the state and country, and serve as the premier water think tank in the region.
The Graham Sustainability Institute seeks a Senior Research Specialist to join the growing, dynamic team at the Water Center. In this role, you will primarily help lead our Great Lakes Horizons Initiative, an exciting new multi-faceted endeavor with the potential to positively shape the future of our region.
What you will do:
- Lead project teams and advisory groups
- Lead drafting of key reports and analyses
- Develop relationships with and foster connections among campus and external partners, including leaders in the Great Lakes region
- Lead design and facilitation of webinars, workshops, events, and other activities to support projects and programs under the Great Lakes Horizons Initiative and other U-M Water Center priorities
- Communicate program activities and impacts by generating written content for email updates, websites, newsletters, progress reports, and other materials
- Lead collection and analysis of both quantitative and qualitative data
- Evaluate project and program implementation and impact
- Supervise student and associate-level staff as needed
- Lead or assist in fundraising efforts
- Assist Water Center Director with externally funded research projects and other projects as needed
Required Qualifications:
Shared commitment to Graham's values of being collaborative, purpose-driven, inclusive, science-based, and impactful
Passion for learning and writing
Strong attention to detail both in written communications and quantitative tasks
Strong background in water policy and programs, particularly in the Great Lakes region
Ability to handle multiple projects at once and an interest in making connections between them
Strong writing and synthesis skills
Ability to work both independently and on small teams
Demonstrated ability to implement significant independent research and analysis
Master's degree in a related field
5 to 6 years of related experience
Preferred qualifications:
Doctoral degree in directly relevant field
Experience working with culturally and politically diverse stakeholders beyond academia
Experience successfully leading complex processes
Benefits at the University of Michigan
In addition to a career filled with purpose and opportunity, The University of Michigan offers exceptional benefits (learn more at https://careers.umich.edu/benefits).
Additional Information
- 24-month term appointment through January 2028, with opportunities to extend contingent upon funding and performance.
- You will work on-site at the Graham Sustainability Institute offices in Ann Arbor, with flexible scheduling and remote opportunities made available within Graham Institute policies.
How to Apply:
You must submit a cover letter and resume (including a list of references) as a single document to be considered for this position. The cover letter should address your specific interest in the position and outline your skills and related experience. Application review will begin in January 2026.