Faculty Research Integration Lead-HFH+MSU Partnership

A cover letter is required for consideration for this position and should be included as the first page of your resume. The cover letter should convey your specific interest in and fit for the position, detailing your relevant experience and accomplishments related to this position.

Job Summary

We are seeking a highly organized, proactive, and collaborative Faculty Research Integration Lead to support the successful relocation, onboarding, and integration of new research faculty into the Henry Ford Health + Michigan State University Health Sciences (HF+MSU) partnership. This individual will ensure that incoming faculty are "research ready" upon their arrival by coordinating their research transition and startup activities, including managing logistics, aligning timelines, coordinating cross-functional teams, and supporting faculty throughout the transition process. The lead will ensure a smooth, compliant, and efficient launch of the research programs of recruited faculty.

The Faculty Research Integration Lead will work under light supervision and perform work of a complex and highly cross-functional nature. This role requires coordination across numerous research administrative and operational units, including regulatory compliance, grants administration, human resources, and clinical or laboratory operations. The ideal candidate will bring experience in both research and administrative environments, excellent project management skills, strong interpersonal communication, and a service-oriented mindset.

This position serves as a primary point of coordination for faculty onboarding and may act as a consultant on projects outside of specific assignments.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

Transition Planning & Coordination

• Serve as the primary point of contact for incoming research faculty throughout the transition and onboarding process.
• Develop individualized transition plans including timelines, milestones, and communication pathways.
• Partner with recruiting department and faculty to coordinate the relocation of research laboratories, including equipment, biological materials, chemicals, specimens, and data in compliance with institutional and federal regulations.
• Support the transfer of grants, protocols, and research compliance documentation (e.g., IRB, IACUC, IBC).
• Serve as a knowledgeable resource on onboarding processes, policies, and best practices.

Logistics Management

• Coordinate laboratory move logistics with internal departments (facilities, Environmental Health Service, Information Technology, Procurement, Sponsored Programs, HR) and external vendors.
• Facilitate onboarding tasks such as ID/access credentials, IT/technology setup, equipment installation, and space readiness.
• Track and manage procurement needs related to the faculty's new lab setup, including specialized equipment, supplies, and service contracts.
• Ensure all regulatory, safety, and compliance requirements are met before move-in and research initiation (e.g., IRB, IACUC, IBC, COI, EHS, etc.).
• Identify opportunities for streamlining, automation, and improved integration across Henry Ford Health and MSU hiring and onboarding systems.

Stakeholder Communication & Support

• Provide consistent communication updates to the faculty member and all involved stakeholders.
• Prepare status reports, summaries, and recommendations for research leadership and stakeholders.
• Create and maintain documentation, checklists, workflows, and onboarding resources.
• Coordinate with department leadership to support staff transition, hiring, orientation, and training for research teams.
• Serve as a liaison across multiple institutional units to troubleshoot issues, remove barriers, and ensure smooth onboarding.
• Develop and maintain strong professional relationships across research, administrative, and operational departments.

Data & Process Management

• Maintain accurate records of onboarding activities, timelines, risks, and completed actions.
• Track progress against milestones and proactively identify issues requiring escalation.
• Identify gaps, bottlenecks, or risks in onboarding processes and proactively develop solutions.
• Support continuous improvement and change management efforts related to onboarding workflows, documentation, and institutional practices.

Additional Duties

• Participate in cross-functional committees or working groups related to faculty onboarding, research operations, or institutional initiatives.
• Serve as a consultant on special projects related to research operations and faculty integration.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

• Bachelor's degree in a related field and seven (7) years of relevant experience, including at least three (3) years of research experience; experience leading cross functional teams or a small to moderate sized project OR Master's degree in a related field with two (2) years of relevant experience and competency, including at least one (1) year of research experience.
• Experience working in a team-orientated environment and comfortable working with cross-function teams required.
• Strong customer service, critical thinking and interpersonal skills required.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and a general knowledge of medical terminology preferred.

CERTIFICATIONS/LICENSURES REQUIRED:

• CAP-M or PMI Project Management Professional certification or similar preferred.
• Society of Clinical Research Associates or Association of Clinical Research Professionals certification is preferred.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Advanced degree
• Knowledge of research compliance regulations (IRB, IACUC, IBC), grant management, and laboratory safety practices is highly desirable
• Experience with process documentation, workflow mapping, and/or continuous improvement initiatives
• Experience with faculty appointments, research staffing models, or grant-funded positions
• Experience working in an academic medical center, research-intensive university, or healthcare system
• Work in or related to administration, operations, management, regulatory, or faculty affairs/human resources in a research setting or having direct laboratory research experience

Core Competencies and Skills:

• Excellent project management and coordination capabilities.
• Strong team orientation with the ability to work effectively across departments.
• Exceptional organizational, time management, and prioritization skills.
• Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Demonstrated initiative, resourcefulness, and problem-solving ability.
• Ability to work independently, manage ambiguity, and complete assignments with a high level of accountability.
• High level of discretion and ability to safeguard confidential information.
• Proficiency in standard office software and project-tracking tools.

Working Environment:

• This position may operate in a hybrid work setting, with a blend of on-site and remote work as determined by supervisory needs.
• May require occasional travel between institutional sites related to faculty onboarding and research operations.

Additional Information

• Organization: Corporate Services
• Department: Other Research Admin
• Shift: Day Job
• Union Code: Not Applicable