Researcher 1 - Fond Du Lac Community-Based Researcher

About the Job

Memory Keepers Medical Discovery Team (MK-MDT) conducts research on dementia and its associated risks and co-morbidities in collaboration with Indigenous and rural communities in the Great Lakes Region. As part of its efforts to address health disparities in Indigenous communities, the MK-MDT will conduct two research projects in collaboration with the Fond du Lac Band of the Minnesota Lake Superior Chippewa Tribe. The first one focuses on implementing a poetry-based therapeutic program for Indigenous people living with dementia. This project aims at studying the impact of poetry on the wellbeing and care of people living with dementia in the Indigenous context. The second project focuses on understanding the impact of colonization on Indigenous cardiovascular health. Using interview-based methods and community-based approaches, the team will implement both projects in a culturally safe way. This is a hybrid position (2 days per week in office in Duluth and the rest remotely).

The MK-MDT is hiring a Community-based Researcher, who is a member of the Fond du Lac Band of the Minnesota Lake Superior Chippewa Tribe. This position is a full- time, one-year contract with possibility of renewal. The Community-based Researcher will have key responsibilities for research projects focused on dementia and cardiovascular health. The successful candidate does not need to have research experience but will have an interest in Indigenous health in Northern Minnesota and familiarity with the Fond du Lac Tribal Nation.

Qualifications

All required qualifications must be documented on application materials.

Required qualifications:

• BA/BS or a combination of related education and experience to equal 4 years.

• Ability to travel, valid Minnesota Driver's License.

• Experience working with the Fond du Lac Band of Minnesota Lake Superior Chippewa Tribe

• Excellent oral and written communication skills.

Preferred qualifications:

• Ability to work both independently and as part of a collaborative team.

• Knowledge of health and community services or programs at the community or county level.

• Interest in the health of older adults and/or age-related neurological conditions.

• Willingness to learn community-based participatory research approaches and other research techniques.

• Comfort with community outreach and community engagement.

Applicants with no previous experience in research will be considered. Training on research methods will be provided by our team.

Key responsibilities:

• Act as liaison between the researchers and the Tribal community, as well as the Tribal Council.

• Work with the team to conduct the research and provide regular project updates to Health Directors and Leadership.

• Be involved in all aspects of the research process such as relationship building, recruitment, data collection, collaborative data analysis with the team, and collaborative dissemination.

• Adhere to ethical data storage and management practices for all project related data.

• Attend community events and answer any questions related to the research.

• Conduct key informant interviews and facilitation of focus groups.

• Assist with member checking with participants and Community Advisory Group members.

• Contribute to developing presentations and presenting findings to various audiences (local, regional, national, and international).

Qualifications

All required qualifications must be documented on application materials.

Required qualifications:

• BA/BS or a combination of related education and experience to equal 4 years.

• Ability to travel, valid Minnesota Driver's License.

• Experience working with the Fond du Lac Band of Minnesota Lake Superior Chippewa Tribe

• Excellent oral and written communication skills.

Preferred qualifications:

• Ability to work both independently and as part of a collaborative team.

• Knowledge of health and community services or programs at the community or county level.

• Interest in the health of older adults and/or age-related neurological conditions.

• Willingness to learn community-based participatory research approaches and other research techniques.

• Comfort with community outreach and community engagement.

Applicants with no previous experience in research will be considered. Training on research methods will be provided by our team.

About the Department

The mission of the University of Minnesota Medical School, Duluth campus is to be a national leader in improving healthcare access and outcomes in rural Minnesota and American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) communities.

We do this by:

• Educating medical students dedicated to serving rural Minnesota and American Indian/Alaska Native communities

• Fostering excellence in research

• Emphasizing the training of physicians in Family Medicine

• Creating strong partnerships locally, regionally, nationally and internationally

• Working in innovative, interdisciplinary and inter-professional teams

Benefits

Working at the University

At the University of Minnesota, you'll find a flexible work environment and supportive colleagues who are interested in lifelong learning. We prioritize work-life balance, allowing you to invest in the future of your career and in your life outside of work.

The University also offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off

• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program

• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans

• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts

• University HSA contributions

• Disability and employer-paid life insurance

• Employee wellbeing program

• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution

• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity

• Financial counseling services

• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefits.

How To Apply

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

Diversity

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Employment Requirements

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

About the U of M

University of Minnesota, Duluth (UMD)

The University of Minnesota, Duluth (UMD) consistently ranks among the top Midwestern, regional universities in U.S. News and World Report's "America's Best Colleges" issue.

Overlooking Lake Superior, UMD provides an alternative to both large research and small liberal arts environments and attracts students looking for a personalized learning experience on a medium-sized campus of a major university. A firm liberal arts foundation anchors a variety of traditional degree programs, as well as professional and graduate students that draw on UMD's many research institutes and labs.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).