Researcher 3 - Fond du Lac Community-based Researcher

About the Position

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. As part of its efforts to address health disparities in Indigenous communities, the MK-MDT will conduct two research projects in collaboration with the Fond du Lac Band of the Minnesota Lake Superior Chippewa Tribe. The first one focuses on implementing a poetry-based therapeutic program for Indigenous people living with dementia. This project aims at studying the impact of poetry on the wellbeing and care of people living with dementia in the Indigenous context. The second project focuses on understanding the impact of colonization on Indigenous cardiovascular health. Using interview-based methods and community-based approaches, the team will implement both projects in a culturally safe way. This is a hybrid position (2 days per week in office in Duluth and the rest remotely).

The MK-MDT is hiring a Community-based Researcher, who is a member of the Fond du Lac Band of the Minnesota Lake Superior Chippewa Tribe. This position is a full- time, one-year contract with possibility of renewal. The Community-based Researcher will have key responsibilities for research projects focused on dementia and cardiovascular health. The successful candidate does not need to have research experience but will have an interest in Indigenous health in Northern Minnesota and familiarity with the Fond du Lac Tribal Nation.

Key responsibilities:

70%: Research activities

• Be involved in all aspects of the research process such as relationship building, recruitment, data collection, collaborative data analysis with the team
• Coordinate and facilitate community level advisory meetings, as well as participate in university team meetings
• Adhere to ethical data storage and management practices for all project related data.
• Conduct key informant interviews and facilitation of focus groups.
• Conduct member checking with participants and Community Advisory Group members.
• Assist with data analysis and writing of reports and publications for dissemination

30%: Community Engagement, outreach and education

• On-going community engagement activities to support research collaborations with community partners
• Act as liaison between the researchers and the Tribal community, as well as the Tribal Council.
• Work with the team to conduct the research and provide regular project updates to Health Directors and Leadership.
• Prepare briefing notes, background reports, presentations, and other meeting materials for community partner meetings.
• Represent MK MDT by attending community events and answering any questions related to the research.
• Develop presentations and present findings to various audiences (local, regional, national, and international).
• Contribute to community dissemination materials

All required qualifications must be documented on application materials.

Required qualifications:

• BA/BS and 4 years of related experience or a combination of related education and experience to equal 8 years.
• Ability to travel, valid Minnesota Driver's License.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.

Preferred qualifications:

• Ability to work both independently and as part of a collaborative team.
• Connection to and experience working with Fond du Lac community
• Knowledge of health and community services or programs at the community or county level.
• Interest in the health of older adults and/or age-related neurological conditions.
• Willingness to learn community-based participatory research approaches and other research techniques.
• Comfort with community outreach and community engagement.

Applicants with no previous experience in research will be considered. Training on research methods will be provided by our team.

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: $65,000-70,000; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 75%-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).