Researcher 5 - Senior Research Associate

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. This position will report to the Executive Director and will be assigned to assist with Indigenous and rural aging and dementia research and grant and project development.

Duties/Responsibilities

The successful applicant will come prepared to work on-site in Duluth in a highly collaborative team science environment.

75%: Research Activities

• Lead, oversee and assist with qualitative data analysis including the application of various theoretical frameworks to existing qualitative data sets.
• Develop academic manuscripts and presentations (posters and PowerPoint).
• Serve as an Investigator on grant submissions.
• Attend conferences and community events to present and disseminate research findings.
• Assume a lead role in preparing research proposals, grant applications and IRB applications.
• Conduct literature reviews.
• Oversee project coordination and management of project timelines and deliverables.
• Work collaboratively with staff and community partners to support the MK-MDT vision of healthy aging in Indigenous and rural populations.
• Work with community-based researchers and assist with data collection including at times, assisting in recruitment and screening of research participants.
• Assist the Executive Director with special projects.
• Attend team meetings, take notes and track tasks.
• Other administrative duties as needed.

25%: Community Engagement

• Coordinate and assist facilitating research meetings with community partners.
• Track and report project activities and update research team and community partners.
• Prepare briefing notes, background reports, presentations, and other meeting materials for community partner meetings.
• On-going community engagement activities to support research collaborations with community partners.
• Represent the MK-MDT, faculty and research projects at community events such as conferences, health fairs and wellness events.
• Serve on committees as requested representing the MK-MDT.

Required Qualifications:

• BA/BS degree plus at least six years of relevant experience, or advanced degree plus at least four years of relevant experience.
• 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 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 2 years of experience in a research role.
• Experience with qualitative and Indigenous research methods.
• Experience related to research projects with Indigenous and/or rural 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 awareness of community-based participatory research.
• Experience in the area of intervention design or implementation science.
• 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).