Research Area Specialist, Senior; Term Position

Research Area Specialist, Senior

The ASICS x Michigan Sport Innovation Center (AMSI) is a groundbreaking partnership dedicated to redefining the boundaries of athletic performance and sport science. By uniting ASICS’ global leadership in footwear and apparel with the University of Michigan’s world-class research ecosystem, AMSI creates a unique environment for discovery where art, science, and engineering converge to spark transformative breakthroughs.

AMSI, in collaboration with the High Performance Athlete Innovation Laboratory (HAIL), has an immediate opportunity for an exceptional Research Area Specialist, Senior to serve as Project Manager to support high-performance athlete testing for AMSI and to execute an NIH-funded study evaluating the interaction between aerobic exercise and bone health.

We are seeking a highly motivated professional to independently manage study initiation, IRB protocols, participant recruitment infrastructure, and federal/industry data compliance workflows. This is a four-year term position.

• Regulatory Oversight & IRB Management:
  Independently author, submit, amend, and maintain complex IRB protocols spanning both industry-sponsored and NIH-funded projects. Ensure strict regulatory adherence to local, university, and federal human subject protection guidelines. Manage annual renewals, adverse event tracking, and protocol deviations.
• Participant Recruitment Lifecycle:
  Design and deploy comprehensive recruitment pipelines for multiple studies focused on exercise and running. Coordinate scheduling, execute informed consent workflows, determine eligibility criteria, and manage participant compensation/retention logs. Monitor project milestones to ensure participant recruitment aligns with study timelines.
• Data Management Infrastructure:
  Build, clean, and manage secure data infrastructure (e.g., REDCap databases). Author official Data Management Plans (DMPs). Conduct regular quality-assurance checks, audit data logging, resolve discrepancies across the research team, and provide regular study-enrolment metrics to the PIs.
• Laboratory Operations Support:
  Supervise, train, and orient student research assistants and junior lab staff on standard operating procedures (SOPs) and clinical compliance. Assist with basic laboratory operations or exercise testing technical support during peak collection blocks when needed.

• Education:
  
  Master’s degree in Kinesiology, Clinical Research, Public Health, Healthcare Administration, or a related discipline, or a Bachelor’s degree combined with a demonstrated track record of extensive, progressive experience in clinical trial/human subject research coordination.
• Experience:
  
  Minimum of 5+ years of progressive, hands-on experience managing clinical trials or human subject research portfolios, with clear demonstrated experience with IRB platform systems, participant compensation systems, and other relevant tools.
• Autonomy:
  Proven ability to operate with a high degree of independence, manage multiple study timelines concurrently, and navigate administrative logistics with confidence.
• Professional
  
  Skills:
  
  Detail and task oriented. Strong interpersonal and communication skills and ability to work with others in a dynamic, collaborative environment involving elite athletes, participants, and academic investigators.
• Computer
  
  Skills:
  
  High proficiency with data management software (such as REDCap, Qualtrics) cloud storage systems (Dropbox, Google Workspace) and standard office tools.
• Passion for Sport & Performance Innovation: A deep, intrinsic passion for sports, athletic culture, and human performance science. The ideal candidate must be highly driven by real-world athletic outcomes, showing a genuine motivation to help athletes achieve their highest competitive potential.

• Clinical
  
  Certifications:
  
  Certified Clinical Research Coordinator (CCRC) or Research Professional (CCRP) designation
• Phlebotomy
  
  Experience:
  
  Active certification or clear demonstrated experience with venipuncture/phlebotomy.
• Athletic
  
  Experience:
  
  Experience working with collegiate, elite, or high performance sport populations
• Scientific Communication:
  Experience participating in abstract and manuscript preparation.
• Industry
  
  Experience:
  
  Prior experience in working with industry partners, with preferred experience in athletic apparel, footwear, or related sport industry. Experience handling intellectual property (IP) considerations, non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) or fast-turnaround milestones typical of corporate partners.

Michigan Medicine is one of the largest health care complexes in the world and has been the site of many groundbreaking medical and technological advancements since the opening of the U-M Medical School in 1850. Michigan Medicine is comprised of over 30,000 employees and our vision is to attract, inspire, and develop outstanding people in medicine, sciences, and healthcare to become one of the world’s most…