Associate or Full Professor in Rural and Indigenous Aging and Cognitive Health & Associate Director of Memory Keepers Medical Discovery Team

Associate or Full Professor in Rural and Indigenous Aging and Cognitive Health & Associate Director of the Memory Keepers Medical Discovery Team - 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 campus, invites applications for an Associate Professor or Full Professor. This is a tenured position. The faculty member's primary responsibilities will be to conduct collaborative research in a team science environment concerning aging and cognitive health in Indigenous populations and provide leadership support to the Executive Director of the MK-MDT.

MK-MDT conducts research on dementia and its associated risks, resiliencies, and comorbidities in collaboration with Indigenous and rural communities in Minnesota and beyond. MK-MDT faculty investigators work in an immersive, interdisciplinary research environment with 25+ highly qualified staff. The new faculty member will join a growing team of researchers with established community partnerships and a deeply embedded community-based infrastructure to support our research. Our modern facilities were thoughtfully designed to foster team science, community-based approaches to research, and faculty/staff well-being.

We invite accomplished, innovative leaders to consider this distinguished opportunity. Applicants from diverse disciplinary backgrounds-including, for example, health sciences, social sciences, physical sciences, psychology, neurology, medicine, and neuropsychology-are encouraged to apply, particularly those with a strong record of securing competitive grant funding and producing impactful publications. Expertise in intervention design or implementation science is highly valued. Demonstrated commitment to Indigenous research models and participatory, community-based approaches will distinguish successful candidates. Candidates should be prepared to expand their research portfolio into Minnesota and contribute to ongoing MK-MDT projects. While the heart of this position lies in advancing an Indigenous research portfolio, you'll also find exciting opportunities to collaborate on rural research and outreach initiatives, broadening your impact and driving meaningful, sustainable change across diverse communities.

The University of Minnesota supports several research centers and initiatives that are available as partners and collaborators. These include additional Medical Discovery Teams: Masonic Institute on the Biology of Aging and Metabolism, Medical Discovery Team on Addiction, and Optical Imaging and Brain Science; Centers and Institutes: N. Bud Grossman Center for Memory Research and Care, Center for Healthy Aging and Innovation, and the Minnesota Northstar Geriatrics Workforce Enhancement Program (MNGWEP). There are also opportunities to partner with supports provided through the Clinical and Translational Science Institute, the Rural Health Research Center, and the Minnesota Population Center, among others.

The successful candidate will spend the vast majority of their time on research and administrative activities; however, academic service and teaching contributions are expected.

Duties and responsibilities of the position include:

Research: Spearhead innovative research initiatives focused on brain health, dementia, and healthy aging within Indigenous populations, in alignment with the mission and vision of the MK-MDT and the University of Minnesota Medical School, Duluth campus. Proactively pursue extramural funding from NIH and other funding agencies to advance groundbreaking research. Engage in dynamic, collaborative interdisciplinary team science with MK-MDT faculty, actively contributing to community engagement, impactful workshops, and competitive funding applications.

Administration: Step into a pivotal leadership role as Associate Director of the MK-MDT on Health Equity, where you'll work side-by-side with the Executive Director to drive forward an inspiring mission. In this dynamic position, you'll be entrusted with representing the Executive Director at high-level leadership meetings and ensuring seamless administration in their absence. Take the lead on groundbreaking research addressing Indigenous health disparities-especially in dementia, aging, and cognitive health-directly contributing to the transformative goals of the Memory Keepers Medical Discovery Team at the University of Minnesota Medical School, Duluth campus. As a key member of the MK-MDT Executive Committee, you'll shape the direction of innovative research and actively engage in influential University committees, making a lasting impact on health equity.

Community Relationships: As Associate Director in the MK-MDT on Health Equity, you will play a pivotal role in building and strengthening strategic partnerships with rural and Indigenous communities across Minnesota, as well as with stakeholders at the University of Minnesota. Your leadership will be instrumental in amplifying the MK-MDT's impact on health equity. You will drive the development of collaborative community relationships, launch innovative joint research programs and grants, and help establish core research facilities. You will also champion training grants and lead engaging symposia and retreats that foster meaningful collaboration and knowledge exchange.

Teaching and Service: Contribute to teaching and service at the University of Minnesota Medical School, Duluth campus, and its mission in rural and Indigenous health. Mentor students, postdoctoral 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, aging, chronic disease, multi-causative disease pathways (i.e., environmental, genetic, infectious, etc.), health intervention, disease prevention, rural health, Indigenous health. Track record of success in NIH grant awards or equivalent. Sensitivity and desire to promote diversity.

Preferred qualifications: Experience with community-based participatory research approaches and Indigenous research methodologies. Experience and demonstrated interest in working with interdisciplinary research teams and in team science environments. Experience with, or interest in, population health, community-based research, and intervention science.

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

Pay Range: $125,000 - $225,000; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

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

Salary is commensurate with experience. The successful candidate will be appointed as faculty to the Memory Keepers Medical Discovery Team - Health Equity, with their academic home in the Department of Family Medicine and Biobehavioral Health or Biomedical Sciences, as appropriate, on-site at the University of Minnesota Medical School, Duluth campus.

Applications must be submitted online. 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 resume or CV.

Additional documents may be attached after applying by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

This position will remain open until filled. Review of applicants will begin immediately.

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.

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, 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.

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. Duluth has been named 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, Duluth offers numerous skiing, snowboarding, fat-tire biking, alpine coaster, snow tubing and Nordic trail opportunities. Duluth has recently been characterized as a climate change refuge by CNN and The New York Times.