Senior Research Associate/IBACS Project Manager

Position Overview:

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 and beyond. 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, departments, centers, institutes, and programs on the Twin Cities campus, and academic and community research partners in the US and Canada.

This position will report to the Executive Director at Memory Keepers Medical Discovery Team and will be assigned to assist with high-level research management tasks assigned by the Director. This Researcher 6 will be responsible for research activities related to the Indigenous Behavioral and Cognitive Symptoms (IBACS) Checklists project. IBACS is a 5-year NIH-funded grant that will address dementia disparities by developing culturally appropriate screening checklists for behavioral and cognitive symptoms for Indigenous populations. Using community-based research approaches, we work closely with community partners to revise existing assessments (Mild Behavioral Impairment Checklist and Cognitive Change Index) to align with Indigenous cultural contexts and neuropsychiatric properties, improving accuracy and access to early dementia diagnosis.

Job Duties/Responsibilities:

This position is on-site in Duluth at Memory Keepers Medical Discovery Team, 624 E 1st St, Suite 201, Duluth, MN.

70%: Research and project management

• Act as a project leader in collaboration with the PI, MPIs, and MK-MDT Executive Director
• Manage project timelines and milestones/deliverables for large-scale multi-site projects /programs of research, create and maintain tools and documentation to track study progress and metrics, including management and tracking of all study data, and provide status updates to the MPIs and Executive Director
• Oversee grant activities and process, as well as identify barriers and issues for all IBACS sites
• Directly or indirectly supervise staff and trainees as needed
• Assist PI, MK-MDT Research Manager, and Site Coordinators to ensure IRB compliance and adequate progress reporting to IRB and NIH or other funding bodies as required
• With the Site Coordinators, assist with coordination and facilitation of project team meetings and tracking tasks
• Serve as project liaison to other departments or parties external to the university
• In coordination with MK-MDT Executive Administrative Associate, track project budgets, ensuring that expenditures are within budgetary constraints
• Other project management tasks as assigned
• Support coordination, development, writing, and submission of academic manuscripts, presentations, and grants
• Oversee the development of appropriate tools and training materials related to dementia and brain health for the project team.
• Oversee and assist with development of study materials, including dissemination materials
• Assist with qualitative and quantitative management and analysis as needed

30%: Community Engagement

• Work with site coordinators and facilitate research meetings with community partner organizations
• Coordinate and manage partner meetings for a cross-site advisory group
• Support on-going community engagement activities to further facilitate research collaborations with community partners
• Presentations and dissemination to community partner agencies and governing bodies
• Represent the organization at meetings, conferences, and events locally, nationally, and internationally
• Serve on committees as requested representing the MK MDT
• Other tasks as assigned

Required Qualifications:

• BA/BS degree plus at least eight years of relevant experience OR advanced degree with a minimum of six years each of research and project management experience
• Must have a valid driver's license
• Ability to travel, including overnight, to locations in Minnesota and to national and/or international conferences

Preferred Qualifications:

• PhD in Neuro/Clinical/Community Psychology, Health Science, Public Health, Social Sciences (Medical Sociology, Medical Anthropology, American Indigenous Studies, or Community Health) or other health related discipline
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in a research role
• Experience drafting or writing grant applications, ethics protocols, and research reports/academic manuscripts
• Experience with qualitative and mixed-methods research approaches
• Experience related to research projects with Indigenous and/or rural communities
• Knowledge and awareness of community-based participatory research
• 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
• Experience in intervention design or implementation science

At the Center of American Indian and Minority Health, we're working to make a positive impact on American Indian and Alaska Native health. In partnership with Native American communities, university experts, and nonprofit leaders, we accomplish this mission through education, research, and outreach. The center is based at the University of Minnesota Medical School, Duluth campus.

Education
We provide resources and activities for Native American students spanning K-12, college/pre-med, and medical school. We give you access to opportunities ranging from the Health Science Academy to the Native Americans into Medicine program, and more.

Research
Our research focuses on the center's activities over the past four decades. We're also connecting with tribal communities throughout Ojibwe country to find out which health issues they would like us to investigate.

Outreach
Our staff members are dedicated to program development and outreach in tribal communities within Minnesota, Northern Wisconsin, and the upper peninsula of Michigan. We aim to inform educators and tribal leaders about our programs while reaching out to students who are interested in health sciences.

Pay Range: $95,000-$110,000 annually; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Work Location: In-person in Duluth at Memory Keepers Medical Discovery Team, 624 E 1st St, Suite 201, Duluth, MN.

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
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to note that most of the
time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This approach ensures
that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while
maintaining equity within our organization. As part of our commitment to fair and
equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered to incoming candidates
will be based on their individual credentials and experience.

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 jobcentr@umn.edu.

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.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023, 2025, 2026), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.