Researcher 5

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. Reporting to the Executive Director, this Researcher 5 will be responsible for research activities related to two projects: the Addressing Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias Disparities: The American Indigenous Cognitive Assessment (AMICA) Project and the Indigenous Cultural Understandings of Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias: Research and Engagement (ICARE) Project.

AMICA addresses dementia disparities by developing a culturally appropriate dementia evaluation toolkit for American Indian populations. Using community-based research approaches, we work closely with community partners to revise existing Indigenous assessments to align with American Indian populations. ICARE addresses dementia disparities by examining how culture and community-specific context shape Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD) illness experiences in Indigenous populations. Using ethnographic and community-based approaches, the team integrates the Indigenous lived experience of ADRD in the creation of culturally appropriate and safe approaches to improve dementia diagnostics, care and outreach.

Duties/Responsibilities

50%: Data analysis and knowledge translation

• Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods data collection, analysis, and dissemination

• Qualitative data analysis using QSR NVivo

• Develop and assist with writing research articles for publication

• Translate research findings into community-facing materials such as health education materials and community presentations

• Review and synthesize research literature; conduct systematic and critical reviews

• Assume a lead role in preparing research proposals, grant applications and ethics applications

• Other duties as needed

40%: Research activities and administration

• Assist with data management tracking within REDCap for all research sites

• Train and supervise community researchers on data management and collection within REDCap

• Assist with administering cognitive assessments

• Work collaboratively with staff and community partners to support the MK-MDT vision of healthy aging in American Indian and rural populations

• Other administrative duties as needed

10%: Community Engagement

• Assist in recruitment and screening of research participants

• Participate in community engagement activities to support research collaborations with community partners

• Serve on committees as requested to represent the MK-MDT

This position is on-site in Duluth MN 55805. Remote or hybrid work will not be considered

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• Terminal degree in Health Science, Public Health or Social Sciences

• Must have a valid driver's license

• Ability to travel, including overnight, to locations in rural Minnesota and to national and international conferences

Preferred Qualifications

• PhD degree in Health Science, Public Health, Neuro/Clinical/Community Psychology, Social Sciences (Medical Sociology, Medical Anthropology, American Indigenous Studies, or Community Health) or other health related discipline

• Minimum of 3 years of experience in a research role

• Experience with qualitative and Indigenous research methods, including community-based participatory research

• Experience with data management

• Experience drafting or writing grant applications, ethics protocols and research reports

• Peer-reviewed publication record

About the Department

One School. Two Campuses.

The Mission of the University of Minnesota Medical School is to be a leader in enhancing the health of people through the education of skilled, compassionate and socially responsible physicians. With two campuses serving diverse populations in rural and urban Minnesota, the Medical School is dedicated to preeminent primary care medicine, exemplary specialty care and innovative research.

In addition to the overall Mission, the Duluth campus has a unique focus on rural and American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) health and family medicine with a mission to be a national leader in improving healthcare access and outcomes in rural Minnesota and AI/AN communities. This is done by educating medical students dedicated to serving rural Minnesota and AI/AN communities, fostering excellence in research, emphasizing the training of physicians in family medicine, creating strong partnerships locally, regionally, nationally and internationally and working in diverse, 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-UOHR (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).