Researcher 5 - Senior Research Associate

Position Overview:

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. Our modern facilities have been thoughtfully constructed to foster team science approaches to research and well-being. The MK-MDT works collaboratively with Faculty Investigators from the Department of Family Medicine and Biobehavioral Health, and academic and community research partners in the US and Canada. The Researcher 5 will be responsible for research activities related to Addressing Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias Disparities: The American Indigenous Cognitive Assessment (AMICA) Project and will report to the Senior Research Scientist and coordinator of the AMICA 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.

Duties/Responsibilities:

40%: Coordination and Administration

• Site specific project management of timelines and deliverables
• Coordinate site specific activities, including working with community-based researchers, advisory members
• Manage and lead team and community-based meetings
• Develop training materials, data management templates and protocols
• Train and supervise community researchers on data management and collection within REDCap
• Manage cognitive assessments (scheduling and administering)
• Other administrative duties as needed

40%: Research Activities

• Work in collaboration with the overall coordinator, MPIs, and other sites to adapt a culturally appropriate cognitive assessment toolkit.
• Review and synthesize research literature, conduct systematic and critical reviews
• Manage qualitative data collection and analysis using QSR NVivo, collaborate with others
• Development of academic manuscripts and presentations
• Translate research findings into community-facing materials such as health education materials and community presentations
• Work collaboratively with staff and community partners to support the MK-MDT vision of healthy aging in American Indian and rural populations
• Other duties as needed

20%: Community Engagement

• Recruitment and screening of research participants
• Coordinate and facilitating research meetings with community partners
• Track AMICA tool adaptation process to report research team and community partners
• Prepare briefing notes, background reports, presentations, and other meeting materials for community partner meetings
• Participate in community engagement activities to support research collaborations with community partners
• Serve on committees as requested representing the MK-MDT

Required Qualifications:

• Advanced degree with at least 4 years of relevant experience OR; BA/BS degree plus at least 6 years of relevant experience
• Advanced analytical and technical skills
• Must have a valid driver's license
• Ability to travel, including overnight, to locations in Minnesota and to national and international conferences

Preferred Qualifications:

• PhD in 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
• Experience related to research projects with Indigenous communities.
• Knowledge and understanding of the health of older adults and/or age-related neurological conditions
• Peer-reviewed publication record
• Project coordination and data management skills
• Data analysis experience
• Knowledge and experience with community-based participatory research
• Experience drafting or writing grant applications, ethics protocols and research reports

Committed to innovation and diversity, the Medical School educates physicians, scientists, and health professionals; generates knowledge and treatments; and cares for patients and communities with compassion and respect. We value excellence, inclusiveness, collaboration, and discovery.

The mission of the regional campus located in Duluth is to be a national leader in improving healthcare access and outcomes in rural Minnesota and American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) communities. In partnership with CentraCare, the regional campus in St. Cloud offers a wide range of patient experiences throughout students' education in Greater Minnesota and prepares them to become exceptional clinicians and leaders for rural and immigrant populations.

Founded in 1888, the University of Minnesota Medical School has three campuses. A four-year MD program and the MD/PhD program are located on the Twin Cities campus in addition to MD programs at regional campuses in Duluth and St. Cloud.

Pay Range: $78,500 - $83,500; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Work Location: In-Person

Position Type: Faculty and P&A Staff

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

The University 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

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.

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

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.

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).