Research Assistant

A cover letter is required for consideration for this position and should be attached as the first page of your resume. The cover letter should address your specific interest in the position and outline skills and experience that directly relate to this position.

The University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute (UMTRI) Biosciences Group is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented temporary Research Assistant to join our team. You will work with study coordinators, engineers, scientists, students, and other members of the project team on a project to make vehicle controls and displays easier to use by people with disabilities.

This position is an excellent opportunity for individuals currently studying or interested in fields such as biomedical engineering, human factors, rehabilitation sciences, kinesiology, psychology, public health, or disability studies. It is also well-suited for those with career interests in research, healthcare, accessibility design, assistive technology, ergonomics, or automotive safety. Students or early career professionals passionate about improving mobility for people with disabilities or interested in gaining hands‑on research experience in a collaborative and interdisciplinary environment, will find this role especially rewarding.

The Biosciences Group at UMTRI conducts research on the biomechanics of motor vehicle occupants as it relates to occupant injuries, crash protection, and occupant accommodation. Biosciences researchers use state-of-the-art laboratory testing facilities, computer modeling, and data analysis techniques to conduct a wide range of research. The scope of Biosciences work encompasses these main areas:

• Engineering anthropometry and vehicle ergonomics, including extensive testing with volunteers to characterize their posture, motion, and body shape while interacting with vehicles, seats, and other consumer products.
• Computational human body modeling to assess the effects of crashes and other loading scenarios on human response and injury.
• Injury biomechanics, involving lab work with human surrogates to study the response of the human body to dynamic loading.
• Crash data analysis to identify the mechanisms involved in motor-vehicle injury and assess the performance of occupant protection systems.

Michigan Engineering provides scientific and technological leadership to the people of the world. We seek to improve the quality of life by developing intellectually curious and socially conscious minds, creating collaborative solutions to societal problems, and promoting an inclusive and innovative community of service for the common good.

• Complete a comprehensive on-site training program to gain familiarity with research protocols, data collection procedures, and equipment usage.
• Collaborate with students and staff to carry out data collection for studies involving adult participants with disabilities, ensuring all procedures follow ethical and methodological guidelines.
• Assist with scheduling participants for in-person testing at UMTRI by coordinating the availability of staff and student researchers and preparing paperwork for each participant.
• Conduct functional assessments of study participants to quantify their vision, hearing, cognitive, dexterity, and flexibility.
• Conduct assessments using tools that include video recordings, photos, and Zoom meeting recordings in laboratories, stationary vehicles, and dynamic vehicles. Static testing will take place at UMTRI, while dynamic testing will take place at Mcity.
• Accurately enter collected data into spreadsheets, extract responses from videos and transcripts and securely backup test results, while handling with confidentiality.
• Set up, calibrate, and maintain laboratory and testing equipment to ensure optimal performance, troubleshooting, and resolving any technical issues as they arise.
• Manage participant payments and associated paperwork.
• Maintain clear and effective communications with team members and supervisors at UMTRI, providing regular updates on study progress and any issues encountered.

• Associate's degree in the basic biological…