Researcher 3 – Dakota Community-Based Researcher (8352R3) 

Researcher 3 – Dakota Community-Based Researcher (8352R3) 

(Job Posting ID: 8352R3)

Job Description

Researcher 3 – Dakota Community-Based Researcher (8352R3)

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.

The MK-MDT is hiring a Community-based Researcher, who would reside and work in the Dakota Tribal Nations in southern Minnesota.  This position is a full- time, one-year contract with possibility of renewal up to 5 years. The Community Researcher will have key responsibilities for research projects focused on dementia, as well as community engagement, outreach, and education. The successful candidate will understand health services and have an interest in dementia.  They will be responsible for specific research activities to complete the research project on time.

Responsibilities
Research activities (70%)
• Be involved in all aspects of the research process such as relationship building, recruitment and retention, screening, data collection, analysis, and dissemination.
• Coordinate and facilitate community level Advisory meetings, as well as participate in all MK-MDT team meetings.
• Adhere to ethical data storage and management practices for all project related data. 
• Recruit research participants into studies
• Conduct key informant and participant interviews
• Facilitate focus groups with the assistance of the research coordinator
• Participate in data analysis and writing of reports and publications for dissemination

Community engagement, outreach, and education (30%)
• On-going community engagement activities to support research collaborations with community partners 
• Represent the MK-MDT at Community Health Fairs and other relevant community events
• Participate in Team and Advisory Group Meetings
• Act as liaison between the researchers and the Tribal community, as well as the Tribal Council. 
• Work with the leadership to provide regular project updates to Tribal Health Directors, Tribal Council members, and community members.
• Prepare briefing notes, background reports, presentations, and other meeting materials for community partner meetings.
• Develop presentations and present findings to various audiences (local, regional, national, and international).
• Prepare and deliver community educational events and presentations to raise awareness of MK-MDT research
• Contribute to community research presentations and newsletters

Qualifications

Qualifications
All required qualifications must be documented on application materials 

Required qualifications:
• BA/BS and 2 years of related experience or a combination of related education and experience to equal 6 years
• Ability to travel, valid Minnesota Driver’s License
• Excellent oral and written communication skills

Preferred qualifications:
• Master degree in Social Work, Public Health, or Social Sciences
• 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
• Experience with qualitative and Indigenous research methods
• Experience related to research projects with Indigenous communities
• Experience working with American Indian people with memory loss
• Knowledge and understanding of the health of older adults and/or age-related neurological conditions
• Knowledge and awareness of community-based participatory research
• Experience in community outreach and community engagement

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 Scholarship
  • 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.

Please note: All employees at the University of Minnesota are required to comply with the University’s Administrative Policy: COVID-19 Vaccination and Safety Protocol by either providing proof of being fully vaccinated on their first day of employment, or complete a request for an exemption for medical exemption or religious reasons. To learn more please visit:  https://safe-campus.umn.edu/return-campus/get-the-vax

 

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 various Departments at the University of Minnesota, and academic and community research partners in the US and Canada. Reporting to the Research Manager, this Researcher 4 will be responsible for research activities related to multiple MK-MDT projects focused on dementia and aging in rural and Indigenous populations.

Responsibilities
Research administration (30%)
• Organize and lead weekly data analyst meetings and/or coding meetings; takes notes when applicable
• Interview applicants, provide guidance, and train qualitative analysts
• Conduct orientation and team-specific onboarding
• Serve as a liaison between Senior Researchers, PIs, and the Research Manager to set up projects, oversee coding/analysis, ensure project deadlines are met, and provide project deliverables
• Track progress and report on multiple research studies to the research lead, including monitoring data quality, reliability, and accuracy, project tracking, and necessary documentation
• In consultation with the Research Manager and Senior Researchers, the Unit Lead will oversee the work of multiple indirect reports in the Data Analysis Unit (i.e., Researcher 2 – Qualitative Data Analyst)
• Write, maintain, and provide access to standard operating procedures (SOPs) for all data analysis activities
• Assist with creating data collection tools, developing survey instruments, and interview protocols and guidelines
• Assist with the preparation of peer-reviewed journal articles and presentations for national and international conferences
• Assist with the preparation of research reports
• Travel for conferences and community-based research meetings as required
• Perform other duties as assigned

Qualitative data analysis (70%)
• Performs social-behavioral research data analysis by following research methodologies and protocols to thoughtfully ensure quality research outcomes and findings, including data entry and data coding using NVIVO qualitative data analysis software
• Conducts secondary level analysis by summarizing preliminary findings in data tables, graphs, charts, tables, and reports
• Contribute to writing presentations and reports – development of data visualization, formatting, and editing
• Assists in the development of qualitative coding frameworks and definitions
• Assists with running data queries and reliability tests
• Identifies overarching themes and subthemes in a variety of datasets including interviews, focus groups, interview summaries and field notes
• Maintains confidentiality in data security and management at all times based on university health information and compliance protocols
• Assist with the development of data collection instruments such as interview and focus group guides, surveys, and screening tools to identify eligible research participants
• Completes 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)
• Maintains 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

Time commitment: 40 hours/week during each year
Number of positions: 1
Start Date: Immediate (open to discussion)
Please include CV and cover letter

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

Qualifications

All required qualifications must be shown on application materials.

Required qualifications
• Master’s degree and 2 years of related experiences or BS/BA and 4 years of related experience.
• Experience with qualitative research methods and qualitative data analysis.

Preferred qualifications
• MA/MS in health science, public health, medical anthropology, psychology or other health related discipline; knowledge and understanding of gerontology, rural community health, chronic conditions, and/or age-related neurological conditions
• 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 in a supervisory 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
• Experience with health systems, health access, and/or quality of care research
• Experience in community outreach and community engagement

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 Scholarship
  • 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.

Please note: All employees at the University of Minnesota are required to comply with the University’s Administrative Policy: COVID-19 Vaccination and Safety Protocol by either providing proof of being fully vaccinated on their first day of employment, or complete a request for an exemption for medical exemption or religious reasons. To learn more please visit:  https://safe-campus.umn.edu/return-campus/get-the-vax

www.memorykeepersmdt.com

Twitter @MemoryKeeperMDT

Apply

Please search using the Job ID or Job Title