Memory Keepers Medical Discovery Team – Health Equity
The Memory Keepers Medical Discovery Team-Health Equity (MK-MDT) at the University of
Minnesota Medical School Duluth invites applications for a tenure-track Associate Professor/Professor
(Assistant professor nearing rank promotion will also be considered). The faculty member’s primary
responsibility will be to conduct extramurally funded collaborative research concerning Indigenous health
and aging within the MK-MDT environment.
Memory Keepers MDT conducts research on diabetes and dementia in collaboration with Indigenous and
rural communities in the Great Lakes Region. MK-MDT faculty investigators work in an
interdisciplinary research environment. Our modern facilities have been thoughtfully constructed to foster
team science and to honor Indigenous approaches to research and well-being.
Position Description
We seek a dynamic scholar with demonstrated potential for innovation and leadership. The successful
candidate will have a track record of research and publication related to health and well-being, aging and
the lifespan, and/or chronic disease. We are particularly interested in researchers with an interest in
diabetes and/or dementia in Indigenous or rural populations. Research expertise with other chronic
conditions will be considered.
Applicants should have knowledge of both the biological and sociocultural factors related to the
development and amelioration of chronic disease. We will consider applicants from varied discipline
backgrounds but expect candidates to demonstrate experience and inquiry into combined biosocial
mechanisms. Programs of research applying Indigenous, social determinants, or syndemic frameworks are
particularly well-suited to our research environment. Experience with community-based research is
expected. Demonstrated expertise in qualitative, quantitative, or mixed method approaches in Indigenous
health research is required.
Applicants at all ranks will be considered. Assistant Professor applicants must be nearing rank promotion
status. Salary is commensurate with experience. The successful candidate will be appointed as a faculty
investigator and physically located within the MK-MDT, with their academic home in the Department of
Family Medicine and Biobehavioral Health at the University of Minnesota Medical School on the Duluth
campus.
We are seeking a candidate with ties to Indigenous communities who has established relationships
through lived experience and who can engage students and Indigenous community members in
collaborative research.
The vast majority of the successful candidate’s time will be focused on research activities, however
academic service and contributions to teaching are expected.
Location attributes
Duluth, Minnesota, is a cultural center that boasts a high level of outstanding fine art,
performance offerings, and outdoor beauty. Natural history and art museums abound, along with a
symphony orchestra and musical talents from numerous performers across many genres.
In 2014, Duluth was voted Outside magazine’s best outdoors town in America. Minnesota’s City on the
Hill claims 6,834 acres of city parkland, 129 Parks, 11,000 acres of green space, 12 miles of paved,
accessible trails, 85 miles of bike-optimized, multi-use trails, 150 miles of unpaved hiking trails, and 16
designated trout streams. It is also the southern terminus of the Superior Hiking Trails. During winter
months Spirit Mountain features skiing, snowboarding, fat biking, alpine coaster, snow tubing and Nordic
trails.
Duties and responsibilities of the position include
Obtain funding and conduct research in areas related to Indigenous (e.g., American Indian/Alaska
Native/First Nations) and rural health disparities in dementia and diabetes, as aligned with the strategic
goals of the MK/MDT and the University of Minnesota Medical School, Duluth campus. In close
collaboration with community partners, develop and conduct interdisciplinary diabetes and dementia
health disparities research among rural populations, including rural Indigenous, other rural ethnic minority,
and rural majority populations of all age groups. Participate in collaborative interdisciplinary team science
with MKMDT faculty, including active contributions to community engagement, workshops, and funding
applications. Contribute to teaching and service in the Department of Family Medicine and Biobehavioral
Health on the Duluth campus and its mission in rural and Indigenous health.
Mentor students, post-doctoral fellows and research staff. Be active in the production of
peer reviewed publications, community reports, presentations at professional conferences
and engagement with community groups.
Required qualifications
PhD. Willingness to adhere to principles of Indigenous data sovereignty.
Knowledge and experience in one or more of the following areas: chronic disease, syndemics, aging,
multi-causative disease pathways, rural, Indigenous health, diabetes, and dementia.
Record of peer reviewed publication in one or more of the following areas: chronic disease,
diabetes, dementia, rural, aging, or Indigenous health. Experience with and/or valuing of
quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-method research. Sensitivity to and desire to promote diversity.
Preferred qualifications: Track record in Indigenous health and aging research.
Indigenous lived experience, as well as demonstrated experience working with Indigenous peoples,
cultures, and communities. Experience with community-based participatory research and/or
Indigenous methodologies. Experience and demonstrated interest in work with interdisciplinary
research teams. Experience with or interest in small populations research and small samples
analyses. Track record of success in NIH grant awards or equivalent in rural and/or Indigenous health.
Application Instructions
Applications must be submitted online at https://humanresources.umn.edu/jobs.
Follow the “External Faculty and Staff Applicants” link and search by job posting ” 328457.” To
be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You
will have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover
letter and curriculum vitae. Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing
your “My Activities” page and uploading documents there. Completed applications will be
evaluated starting March 1, 2019 and will continue until the position is filled. Top candidates
will be invited for a seminar/interview as a component of the selection process. Questions
concerning the online application process should be directed to Ms. Tracy Kemp at
tkemp1@d.umn.edu.
To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or
call (612) 624-UOHR (8647).
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 is an
equal opportunity educator and employer.