Research & Engagement Specialist

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. 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. Reporting to Dana Ketcher, Senior Research Associate, this Researcher 3 will be responsible for research and community outreach/engagement activities related to multiple MK-MDT projects focused on rural and Indigenous dementia, diabetes, and other chronic conditions. As a result, this the position will work closely with the Director of Community Engagement and the Community Engagement Coordinator Manager.

Duties/Responsibilities
60%: Research
*Maintain a high-level overview of the project(s) to which you are assigned
*Assist with writing grant applications
*Assist with preparing and drafting publications and managing references
*Prepare manuscripts for submission according to journal guidelines
*Code qualitative data
*Extract relevant data from NVivo and REDCap upon request
*Assist in preparing PowerPoint presentations and posters
*Identify and compile descriptive statistics
*Review and edit community reports
*Maintain confidentiality in data security and management at all times based on university health information and compliance protocols
*Complete all activities by strictly following Good Clinical Practices (GCP) & all relevant current local, state, & federal laws, regulations, guidance, policy & procedure developed by the UMN Institutional Review Board (IRB), Food & Drug Administration (FDA) Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), & the International Conference on Harmonization (ICH)
*Maintain current Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative (CITI) training for social and behavioral research, as well as Health Information Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) training as required
*Assist with the development of policies and procedures or work plans related to relevant projects
*Attend mandatory MK-MDT staff meetings and training sessions
*Perform other duties as assigned

40%: Community engagement, outreach, and administration
*Prepare briefing notes, background reports, presentations, and other meeting materials for community partner meetings
*Assist with community engagement research related activities, for example, data collection, tracking, literature reviews and writing
*Prepare academic and community presentations on research findings
*Prepare reports on social, political, demographic and economic trends related to Indigenous and rural populations in Minnesota
*Prepare other reports as requested by community partners
*Represent the MK-MDT at Community Health Fairs and other relevant community events
*Work closely with Community Engagement Coordinator Manager on administrative tasks
*Assisting with community newsletters and materials
*Work with the Community Engagement Coordinator Manager to organize events around research, including educational events, webinars, and community conferences to address dementia, brain health, health aging, and health equity
*Assist with creating, communicating and distributing resources to community partners
*Prepare and deliver community educational events and research presentations to raise awareness of MK-MDT research
*Act as a liaison between researchers, Community Advisory Group members, organizational partners, and health organizations
*Perform other duties as assigned

Time commitment: 40 hours/week during each year
Travel commitment: Variable; up to 30% time
Number of positions: 1
Start Date: Immediate (open to discussion)
Please include CV

This position is located on-site in Duluth, MN, but will require travel for community engagement events.

*All required qualifications must be shown on the application materials.

Required Qualifications
*BA/BS degree plus at least four years of relevant experience, or advanced degree plus at least two years of relevant experience, or a combination of education and relevant work experience to equal at least eight years
*Experience with qualitative research methods
*Experience with REDCap and/or other applications for building and managing online surveys and databases
*Valid Minnesota Driver's License
*Experience working with Indigenous and/or rural communities
*Ability to travel to community events and/or stay for overnight trips

Preferred Qualifications
*MA/MS in health science, public health, medical anthropology, psychology, social work, or other health related discipline
*Experience using NVivo qualitative data analysis software
*Ability to compare, verify and reconcile data to help achieve objectives
*3 years of experience in a research role
*Experience with qualitative research methods, data collection and analysis
*Experience with mixed methods research
*Experience related to research projects with Indigenous and/or rural communities
*Demonstrated experience with knowledge transfer; ability to write for diverse audiences
*Knowledge and awareness of Indigenous and rural health and Indigenous health research ethics
*Knowledge and understanding of gerontology, rural community health, chronic conditions, and/or age-related neurological conditions
*Experience with health systems, health access, and/or quality of care research
*Experience in community outreach and community engagement

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

Pay Range: $32.00 - $38.00 per hour; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment Category: 75%-100% Appointment (If job description above does not specify appointment or expected weekly hours, assume a 100% appointment.)

Position Type: Civil-Service & Non-Faculty Labor Represented Staff

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

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• 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).