A cover letter is required for consideration for this position and must 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.

We are seeking an entry-level Applications Programmer Associate to join the Technical Services Group (TSG) at Survey Research Operations (SRO). SRO is the operations arm of the Survey Research Center (SRC).

TSG is responsible for the development and support of systems and tools used to manage survey and data collection operations including managing sample/participant lists, creating computer assisted data collection instruments, contacting participants, managing resources, reporting, and quality assurance.

Under direct supervision, Applications Programmer Associates create or modify applications and programs from detailed specifications including coding, testing, debugging, documenting, and maintaining programs. They may assist senior technical staff with programming upgrades, the documentation of functional specifications, and work with clients with system installation, support and trouble-shooting of problems. This is an entry-level programming position.

Code, modify, debug, and test:

• Under guidance of senior staff, responsible for creating and modifying scripts, utilities and applications.
• Carry out testing, debugging and troubleshooting of programs and scripts.
• Record results and identify possible problems in the applications.
• Coordinated test plans and acceptance criteria.
• Create documentation.
• Work with senior technical staff or technical team lead to create functional/technical specifications.
• Write or modify end-user documentation.

 Maintain and upgrade applications:

• Assist in identifying the need for system upgrades or enhancements due to requirements or environment changes.
• Assist in installing and upgrading applications, including third party integration and hardware configuration.
• Provide ongoing production support including facilitating end user communication.  (i.e. document, test, implement & business user communication)

 Train end users:

• Assist in training end users on the use of applications.

• Associate degree or certificate with concentration in computer programming / technology or related field, or an equivalent combination of  education, training, and progressive experience.
• At least 6 months demonstrated software development experience in either a work or academic setting.
• Basic knowledge and familiarity with object oriented software development concepts.
• Familiar with troubleshooting technical issues in Windows or web-based environment.
• Basic database development experience such as writing SQL queries.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively both alone and in team/cooperative development efforts.

• Strong understanding of object-oriented development methodology.
• Experience with HTML5, JavaScript, CSS or other web development scripts and tools.
• Experience with survey data collection systems or basic knowledge of the survey research process.
• Experience with survey authoring tools and survey data collection protocols.
• Strong composition and communications skills.

Monday-Friday, days

Salary is dependent upon qualifications and experience of selected candidates. 

The Survey Research Center and Survey Research Operations

For over 70 years, the SRC at the Institute for Social Research (ISR) has been a global leader in interdisciplinary social science research involving the collection or analysis of data from scientific sample surveys.

SRO provides a wide range of services to clients from ISR and SRC, to other departments within the University, as well as to researchers and organizations outside the University. These services include survey and statistical design, data collection and processing, and data analysis. SRO staff members work on projects across a variety of substantive areas, using leading survey methodology and project management techniques, as well as state-of-the-art technical systems.

The Institute for Social Research at the University of Michigan seeks to recruit and retain a diverse workforce as a reflection of our commitment to serve the diverse people of Michigan, to maintain the excellence of the university, and to ground our research in varied disciplines, perspectives, and ways of knowing and learning.

Benefits

In addition to a career filled with purpose and opportunity, U-M offers a comprehensive benefits package to help you stay well, protect yourself and your family, and plan for a secure future. Benefits include generous time off; retirement plan with two-for-one matching contributions after the first year; many choices for comprehensive health insurance; life insurance; long-term disability coverage; and flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses. Learn more about U-M benefits.

Institute for Social Research job openings are posted for a minimum of fourteen (14) calendar days. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled any time after the minimum posting period has ended. Salary is dependent upon qualifications and experience of selected candidate. 

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

U-M COVID-19 Vaccination Policy

COVID-19 vaccinations, including boosters when eligible, are required for all University of Michigan students, faculty and staff across all campuses, including Michigan Medicine.  This includes those working remotely.   More information on this new policy is available on the Campus Blueprint website or the UM-Dearborn and UM-Flint websites.