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Who We Are

OVERVIEW

Launched in October 2016, Poverty Solutions at the University of Michigan is an interdisciplinary initiative that is a leader in informing, identifying, and testing new strategies for the prevention and alleviation of poverty in Michigan, the nation and the world. While rooted in an understanding of the causes and consequences of poverty, the focus of Poverty Solutions is an action-based research agenda. The initiative partners with community and policy makers to inform and test strategies for the prevention and alleviation of poverty.

We pride ourselves on working in partnership with community in everything we do, co-creating our research agenda based on the concerns and needs of both residents and community leaders. We seek to confront and eliminate racism of all kinds through these research priorities and practical engagement. We view poverty as the result of many interlinked systems that fail to operate as they should for those with low incomes. Therefore, we work not in one area, but within and across a variety of systems, enabling us to intervene in a number of domains to make concrete improvements in the lives of people with low incomes. 

Responsibilities*

Poverty Solutions is seeking Research Assistants to assist with the Guaranteed Income to Grow Ann Arbor (GIG A2) pilot program. Working closely with Poverty Solutions staff, faculty experts, and master's and undergraduate research assistants, Research Assistants will be involved in activities such as:

Contacting participants to complete surveys and providing survey support as neededMeeting participants in-person (at public locations, such as the Downtown Ann Arbor library) to deliver survey incentive payments or provide in-person survey supportConducting qualitative research interviews with participantsAssisting with cleaning, preparing, and analyzing participant data to support researchFollowing data management and activities reporting procedures

 Other responsibilities are flexible and can potentially be tailored to align with RA?s interest & expertise. 

Required Qualifications*Excellent interpersonal skills, including the ability to be patient and compassionate with clients or residents seeking guidance or supportExcellent verbal communication skillsInterest in cross-disciplinary approaches to poverty alleviation - applicants from all units across campus are encouraged to apply.Proficiency in Microsoft and Google Office SuitePunctual and accurate communicator, responsive to email, phone calls or other communications from managerExcellent organization with demonstrated attention to detailExcellent verbal and written communication skills, including spelling, grammar and punctuationAbility to work both as part of a team and individually while meeting deadlines: Candidate will report to multiple supervisors and must be able to successfully manage a workload with multiple priorities.Interest in being a part of a fast-paced initiative, with desire to be flexible and adapt to evolving priorities.Works with initiative and proactively looks for new opportunitiesExcellent interpersonal skills including the ability to work cooperatively and professionally with faculty and staff across the University of Michigan campus, with local and national partners, including members of the community, and to serve as a representative of the initiative. Desired Qualifications*Ability to meet participants at public locations, such as the Downtown Ann Arbor libraryModes of Work

The work requirements allow both onsite and offsite work and an employee has an expected recurring onsite presence. On occasion, the employee may be required and must be available to work onsite more frequently if necessitated by unit leadership or their designee and/or the job requirements.

Additional Information

Hours

5.0 to 10.0 hours per week

Compensation

Undergraduate rate is $16.00
Master's student rate is $18.00
Doctoral student rate is $20.00

Time Frame

Beginning Winter 2025, potential to extend to Summer and Fall 2025 depending on Research Assistant availability

Contact Person

Leonymae Aumentado

Email Address

[email protected]

Interested candidates can apply by completing the Research Assistant Application Form at this link: https://airtable.com/app9PQhFs6c3hE6mN/shrqNzr38mIIieAJC

A cover letter is optional. When applying, select "GIG A2 Research Assistant" under "Application."

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until January 15, 2025.

If you have any questions, please reach out to Leonymae Aumentado at the above email address.

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/AA Statement

The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.