Research Scientist 1

Research Scientist 1

The UNM HSC Center for Native American Health (CNAH) specializes in student and workforce development, community engagement, community-based participatory research (CBPR), community health assessment capacity building, program planning, and project management. CNAH promotes Indigenous well-being through research by engaging leadership, communities, students, and knowledge in the discovery of local solutions. We provide technical assistance through contracts and academic service to tribal programs, academic institutions and departments, non-profit and community organizations, and students on Indigenous health topics using a CBPR approach. CNAH has an exciting opportunity for a Research Scientist 1 to join our Center and our Research Core! This position will play a pivotal role in the Addressing Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias Disparities: The American Indigenous Cognitive Assessment (AMICA) project, which aims to develop and validate a culturally appropriate toolkit to evaluate American Indian patients for Alzheimer's and other dementias. The ideal candidate for this position 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.

Specific duties for this position may include, but are not limited to:

• Providing scientific and logistical support for meetings and events with community partners as a core practice of community-engaged research.
• Facilitating community engagement and recruitment efforts including working closely with community partners to establish participant recruitment strategies and schedules.
• Implementing and overseeing data collection with standardized neuropsychological assessment tools.
• Contributing to the analysis and interpretation of field research data including participating in multidisciplinary diagnostic consensus conferences.
• Supporting the publication and presentation of research findings.

Funding to support this position is renewed on a year-to-year basis for a 5-year grant with award end date of 5/31/27. Continuance beyond the grant award end will be subject to operational needs as outlined in UBPPM #3200, Employee Classifications.

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.

• Experience with engaging and trust-building with Native American individuals and communities.
• Strong and demonstrated track record of data collection in community settings, including the use of standardized assessment tools for health conditions.
• Experience with community engaged research partnerships and multidisciplinary teams.
• Interest in brain health or dementia research.
• Ability to produce and edit high quality professional writing and reports.

Health Sciences Center (HSC) - Albuquerque, NM

CNAH (267A)

Staff

Term - Full-Time

Monthly: $3,802.93 - $5,097.73

This is a benefits eligible position. The University of New Mexico provides a comprehensive package of benefits including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance. In addition, UNM offers educational benefits through the tuition remission and dependent education programs.

As a condition of employment, eligible employees working greater than .25 FTE as determined by the New Mexico Education Retirement Act must make mandatory retirement contributions.

Yes

10/20/2025

Yes

Hybrid telecommuting arrangement may be available following the completion of training.

Only applications submitted through the official UNMJobs site will be accepted. If you are viewing this job advertisement on a 3rd party site, please visit UNMJobs to submit an application. Please upload a current resume, cover letter addressing the preferred qualifications and three professional references.

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