Faculty Position in Aging and Cognitive Health

The Memory Keepers Medical Discovery Team-Health Equity (MK-MDT) at the University of Minnesota Medical School, Duluth invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor/Associate Professor/Professor. The faculty member’s primary responsibility will be to conduct extramurally funded collaborative research concerning aging and cognitive health in rural and/or Indigenous populations in Minnesota within the MK-MDT environment.

Memory Keepers MDT conducts research on dementia and its associated risks, resiliencies and co-morbidities in collaboration with Indigenous and rural communities in the Great Lakes Region and beyond.  MK-MDT faculty investigators work in an interdisciplinary research environment. Our modern facilities have been thoughtfully constructed to foster team science approaches to research and well-being.

We seek a dynamic scholar with demonstrated potential for innovation and leadership. We will consider applicants from varied disciplinary backgrounds. Programs of research with a focus on intervention design and/or implementation science are particularly welcomed.  Experience with community-based research is an asset.

Applicants at all ranks will be considered. Salary is commensurate with experience. The successful candidate will be appointed as faculty to the MK-MDT, with their academic home in the Department of Family Medicine and Biobehavioral Health or Biomedical Sciences, as appropriate, at the University of Minnesota Medical School, Duluth campus.

The vast majority of the successful candidate’s time will be focused on research activities, however academic service and contributions to teaching are expected.

Duties and responsibilities of the position include: Obtain funding and conduct research in areas related to Aging and Health in rural and/or Indigenous  populations, as aligned with the mission and vision of the MK-MDT and the University of Minnesota Medical School, Duluth campus.  Participate in collaborative interdisciplinary team science with MK-MDT faculty, including active contributions to community engagement, workshops, and funding applications. Contribute to teaching and service at the University of Minnesota Medical School 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: Ph.D. or M.D.

Knowledge and experience in one or more of the following research areas:  dementia, diabetes, aging, chronic disease, syndemics, multi-causative disease pathways, rural health, Indigenous health.  Sensitivity to and desire to promote diversity.

Preferred qualifications: Experience with community-based participatory research and/or Indigenous methodologies. Experience and demonstrated interest in working 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.

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. 

TO APPLY:  Send a detailed cover letter and curriculum vitae to Tracy Kemp tkemp1@d.umn.edu. Top candidates will be invited to meet with the hiring committee and to give a seminar/interview as a component of the selection process.  Questions concerning application process should be directed to Ms. Tracy Kemp at tkemp1@d.umn.edu. Questions concerning the position should be directed to Dr. Kristen Jacklin kjacklin@d.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 is an equal opportunity educator and employer.