Post-Doctoral Associate

Position Overview:

The Memory Keepers Medical Discovery Team - Health Equity (MK-MDT) at the University of Minnesota Medical School, Duluth campus, focuses on research on aging, cognitive health, and dementia in rural and Indigenous communities. Our modern facilities have been thoughtfully constructed to foster team science approaches to research and well-being.

The post-doctoral associate will conduct original research aligned with the goals of the Memory Keepers Medical Discovery Team - Health Equity. They will also be expected to support MK-MDT faculty programs of research by assisting with grant writing, research design, data collection, data analysis and dissemination. Candidates with interests in health equity, capacity building, knowledge translation, community-based participatory research, health systems, biostatistics, population health, intervention studies, health education, and training related to aging, brain health, and/or dementia are encouraged to apply.

Job Duties/Responsibilities:

The successful candidate is expected to work on-site at the MK-MDT facilities in Duluth, MN.

80%: Research

• Conduct community-based participatory or quantitative research in brain health equity focused on rural and/or Indigenous populations in Minnesota and nationally
• Contribute to existing MK-MDT programs of research and activities
• Write grant applications
• Review and synthesize research literature, conduct systematic and critical reviews
• Community engagement activities (e.g., community presentations, educational materials)
• Data collection
• Data analysis
• Prepare conference presentations
• Preparing and submitting manuscripts

20%: Research/Administration

• Organizing meetings and conferences
• Supporting participant recruitment and/or data application efforts
• Prepare briefing notes, background reports, presentations, and other meeting materials
• Other duties as assigned

Required Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in any of Health Sciences, Social Sciences, Psychology, or Indigenous Health, and the ability to travel.

Preferred qualifications:

• Experience with qualitative, quantitative, and/or mixed methods research methods
• Experience related to research projects with Indigenous and/or rural communities.
• Experience in community engagement
• Knowledge and awareness of Indigenous and rural health and Indigenous health research ethics.
• Statistical analysis, geospatial analysis, and/or biostats

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.

Location attributes: Duluth, Minnesota, is a cultural center that boasts a wealth of fine art and performance offerings, as well as 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. Duluth has recently been characterized as a climate change refuge by CNN and The New York Times.

To discover more about the Memory Keepers Medical Discovery Team go to: https://memorykeepersmdt.com/

Pay Range: $62,232 annually; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Please visit the Benefits for Postdoctoral Candidates website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training
• Medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• 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 Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.