The UNM Center for Native American Health (CNAH) is conducting community-engaged research on dementia and its associated risks and co-morbidities in collaboration with Albuquerque’s urban American Indian community. The Addressing Alzheimer’s Research and Related Dementias Disparities: The American Indigenous Cognitive Assessment (AMICA) project aims to address dementia disparities by developing a culturally appropriate dementia evaluation toolkit for American Indian populations. Using community-based participatory research (CBPR) approaches, we closely collaborate with community partners to enhance existing Indigenous assessments to better align with American Indian cultural context as well as neuropsychiatric properties, thus improving accuracy and access to dementia diagnosis.
We are seeking a Research Scientist 1 for the AMICA project, working under the title of AMICA Community Engagement & Research Coordinator (CERC). This individual will reside and work in the Albuquerque area and will play a pivotal role in CNAH’s dementia related research projects conducted in partnership with the urban American Indian community. The ideal candidate will be highly organized with strong interpersonal communication skills and possess a solid understanding of health services and an interest in brain health or dementia within Indian Country.

Under direct supervision, the successful candidate will employ community-based participatory research concepts, practices, and procedures to execute routine scientific research tasks. As a valued member of the study team, the AMICA CERC will:

• Assist in establishing and nurturing relationships with community research partners, community-based study team members, and research participants by organizing and managing the logistics of study meetings including scheduling, arranging venues or virtual platforms, sending out invitations, preparing agendas, and ensuring that all participants are informed and able to attend.

• Facilitate community engagement and recruitment efforts including working closely with community partners to establish participant recruitment strategies and schedules.

• Conduct standardized data collection activities including co-facilitating focus-group style meetings and conducting cognitive and other assessments with study participants.

• Contribute as appropriate to the analysis and interpretation of field research data including participating in multidisciplinary diagnostic consensus conferences.

• Contribute to the publication and presentation of research findings.

This role requires a commitment to cultural safety and humility, and the ability to effectively collaborate within a multidisciplinary team. The AMICA CERC will actively contribute to advancing our understanding of dementia disparities and improving healthcare outcomes for urban American Indian communities.

See the Position Description for additional information.

• Successful candidate must submit to a post-offer, pre-employment physical examination and medical history check. Additional health screenings may be required, dependent on the nature of the research conducted, as determined by Employee Occupational Health Services.
• Employees who provide services or work in patient care or clinical areas are required to be in compliance with the University's influenza vaccination requirement.

Bachelor's degree; no previous experience required.

Completed degree(s) from an accredited institution that are above the minimum education requirement may be substituted for experience on a year for year basis.

• Able to travel and work flexible work schedules as needed that may include evenings and weekends

• Ability to work both independently and as part of a collaborative team

• Knowledge of American Indian tribal and community protocols regarding communication, professionalism, and engagement

Only applications submitted throughthe official UNMJobs site will be accepted. If you are viewing this jobadvertisement on a 3rd party site, pleasevisit UNMJobs to submit an application.

Positions posted with a Staff Type of Regular or Term are eligible for the Veteran Preference Program. See the Veteran Preference Program webpage for additional details.

The University of New Mexico is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class.

The University of New Mexico requires all regular staff positions successfully pass a pre-employment background check. This may include, but is not limited to, a criminal history background check, New Mexico Department of Health fingerprint screening, New Mexico Children, Youth, and Families Department fingerprint screening, verification of education credentials, and/or verification of prior employment. For more information about background checks, visit https://policy.unm.edu/university-policies/3000/3280.html. Refer to https://policy.unm.edu/university-policies/3000/3200.html for a definition of Regular Staff.