Job Title: Researcher 1 - Fond du Lac Community-based Researcher


About the Job
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 ethnography and community-based approaches, the team will implement both projects in a culturally safe way.

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 will demonstrate an understanding of health services and have an interest in Indigenous health in Northern Minnesota and will undertake the specific research activities to help with the timely completion of research projects.

Key responsibilities:
* Act as liaison between the researchers and the Tribal community, as well as the Tribal Council.
* Work with the leadership to obtain Tribal Council Resolutions and Motions of Support to conduct the research and provide regular project updates to Health Directors and Leadership.
* Coordinate and facilitate Community Advisory Member meetings.
* Be involved in all aspects of the research process such as relationship building, recruitment, data collection, analysis, and dissemination.
* Adhere to ethical data storage and management practices for all project related data.
* Attend community events and answer any questions related to the research.
* Conduct key informant interviews, in depth interviews and facilitation of focus groups.
* Assist with member checking with participants and Community Advisory Group members.
* Contribute to developing presentations and presenting findings to various audiences (local, regional, national, and international).

Qualifications
All required qualifications must be documented on application materials.

Required qualifications:
* BA/BS or a combination of related education and experience to equal 4 years.
* Ability to travel, valid Minnesota Driver's License.
* Experience working with the Fond du Lac Band of Minnesota Lake Superior Chippewa Tribe
* Excellent oral and written communication skills.

Preferred qualifications:
* Master's 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 conducting interviews and focus groups.
* Experience related to research projects with Indigenous communities.
* 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.
Ability to work both independently and as part of a collaborative team.

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

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
• 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)
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost

Please visit the for more information regarding benefits.

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:

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).