Research Scientist OR Senior Research Scientist
Arbor Research Collaborative for Health
Ann Arbor, MI, USA · Ann Arbor, MI, USA · Michigan, USA · United States
USD 106k-206,600 / year
Posted on Aug 28, 2025
Arbor Research is looking for 1-2 Research Scientists (or Senior Research Scientists) with experience in either (a) food and nutrition or (b) child and maternal health. These positions will be contingent upon the award of funding expected in fall of 2025.
Characteristic Duties and Responsibilities
- Contribute to ongoing major research projects, as well as provide input into new directions for existing program areas.
- Lead or participate in successful proposals for new research studies that meaningfully support or extend Arbor Research’s portfolio.
- Develop and carry out methodological and/or applied research leading to peer-reviewed publications, reports to sponsoring agencies, and other dissemination strategies. Research agendas will be formulated to target both individual and organizational development goals and may be supported by funded project activity and dedicated organizational resources.
- Provide scientific and operational oversight for research projects, often including as a principal investigator or project director. Work with a Project Manager to oversee the management of individual and team tasks and timelines.
- Direct study protocol development and analytic approaches. Provide mentorship and/or guidance to the analytic staff.
- Present seminars, talks, and lectures externally on behalf of Arbor Research, and internally for staff advancement and education.
- Work creatively to identify additional ways to translate research findings into improving health services practice and policy.
- Lead projects including those focused on providing expert technical assistance to clients or health care organizations, implementation of health policies or health care delivery models, monitoring, program evaluation, and learning collaboratives.
- Provide operational oversight for projects, often including as a project director, deputy project director, or task lead. Work with a Project Manager to oversee the management of individual and team tasks and timelines. Build and maintain relationships with project sponsors, external partners, and internal managers and staff.
Core Values
Our core values define who we are as an organization and serve as the foundation of our code of ethics. Arbor Research expects all employees to embody these and demonstrate them in our day-to-day work.
- Collaborative Spirit
We expect each staff member to learn from and teach one another and ask each to exhibit a curiosity and respect for the contributions of others.
- Creativity
We strive to cultivate a challenging, stimulating, and supportive environment where our employees are expected to be inquisitive, take initiative, and demonstrate ingenuity.
- Credibility
Our employees are smart, thoughtful, and objective in their work. We expect them to be technically solid in their area of expertise, and for those conducting research to demonstrate scientific rigor.
- Dedication
Our team achieves success because of our dedication to carrying out high quality work and delivering trusted results.
Supervision
Research Scientists work with a substantial amount of independence, initiating and guiding their own work. A primary mentor is identified, with additional opportunities for mentorship and collaboration among the organization’s methodological and clinical teams. Formal supervision is provided by a Senior Research Scientist (or other senior research staff member) who may or may not also be the formal mentor.
Required Qualifications
- Experience in either (a) food and nutrition or (b) child and maternal health, ideally as a project director or other substantial role on federally funded contracts.
- MD, PhD or master's degree and/or relative experience in health services research, biostatistics, epidemiology, health economics, health policy or other social science field
- Two (2) years of postdoctoral research experience at Arbor Research and/or a comparable research-based organization; or one (1) year of postdoctoral research experience plus at least one (1) year research experience at Arbor Research prior to completion of terminal degree
- Capability to succeed in research, as demonstrated by development of specific content-area expertise, lead or senior authorship on refereed publications, and/or invited presentations
- Demonstrated potential for success in a leadership role for research projects, as well as securing funding for new projects consistent with the Arbor Research mission
- Strong oral and written communication skills
- Strong mentoring skills possibly including supervisory or teaching experience
- Ability to travel, including international, with several nights away from home per year
Annual Salary Range
$106,000 - $174,400 (US National Average)
Annual Salary Range - Senior Research Scientist
$124,200 - $206,600 (US National Average)
Base Compensation Determination
Base Compensation is determined by market range and geographic location pay zones. Base Compensation also includes various individual factors unique to each candidate such as job level, prior experience, skill set, certification and educational which may impact the compensation structure.
This position is classified as exempt according to FLSA guidelines