Full or Associate Professor & Director of Rural Health Research Initiatives

The Memory Keepers Medical Discovery Team-Health Equity (MK-MDT) at the University of Minnesota Medical School, Duluth, invites applications for a tenured Associate Professor or Full Professor. The faculty member's primary responsibilities will be to conduct collaborative research in a team science environment concerning aging and cognitive health in rural populations and provide leadership to the MK-MDT Rural Health Research Initiatives.

The Memory Keepers MDT conducts research on dementia and its associated risks, resiliencies, and comorbidities in collaboration with Indigenous and rural communities. MK-MDT faculty investigators work in an interdisciplinary research environment with 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 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 and a strong track record of grant funding and publications. We will consider applicants from varied disciplinary backgrounds (e.g., health sciences, social sciences, psychology, neurology, medicine, and neuropsychology). Research programs focused on intervention design and/or implementation science are particularly welcome. Commitment to and experience with community-based participatory research is an asset. Willingness to join or expand the candidate's current research in Minnesota, or join ongoing MK-MDT projects, is expected. The opportunity to work on our Indigenous research mission also exists but is not the focus for this position.

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 and the Minnesota Population Center, among others.

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: Conduct research on brain health and/or healthy aging in rural populations, aligned with the mission and vision of the MK-MDT and the University of Minnesota Medical School, Duluth campus. Seek extramural funding from NIH and other agencies to support research activities. 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. Lead the MK-MDT Rural Health Initiatives using community-based approaches to engage rural communities in projects concerning healthy brain aging and the prevention, diagnosis and care for people with dementia in rural communities.

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, onsite at the University of Minnesota Medical School, Duluth campus.

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, rural health, Indigenous health. Sensitivity and desire to promote diversity.

Preferred qualifications: Experience with community-based participatory research approaches. Experience and demonstrated interest in working with interdisciplinary research teams. Experience with, or interest in, population health, community-based research, small population research and/or small sample analyses. Track record of success in NIH grant awards or equivalent.

The mission of the Memory Keepers Medical Discovery Team is to support an environment of Team Science to conduct community-based participatory action research on dementia in Indigenous and rural communities with the aim of achieving health equity.

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 - $200,000, 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

While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to note that most of the
time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This approach ensures
that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while
maintaining equity within our organization. As part of our commitment to fair and
equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered to incoming candidates
will be based on their individual credentials and experience.

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.

This position will remain open until filled.

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.

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.