Research Specialist, Community-Engaged Research

Title: Research Specialist, Community-Engaged Research
Job Code & Class: 8354ER, Civil Service
Department: MIDB
Budgeted Salary Range: $68,000-$76,000
Work Location: Hybrid

Position Overview

The Masonic Institute for the Developing Brain (MIDB) is seeking to hire a research specialist within the CEEd Hub to lead the design and implementation of innovative, community-driven initiatives at the University of Minnesota. This role will establish and sustain a youth community advisory board (YAB) that ensures youth voices guide research priorities, while also advancing harm reduction and workforce development activities in partnership with community organizations. The Specialist will collaborate with faculty, community leaders, youth, and health system partners to co-create solutions that expand access to medications for opioid use disorder, inform Navigator workflows, and build long-term infrastructure for equitable, trauma-informed care. The ideal candidate will bring deep expertise in participatory engagement, strong cross-sector collaboration skills, and a passion for centering community voices in public health research and practice.

MIDB is committed to an excellent employee experience, offering a flexible work environment that meets the needs of students, staff, faculty, and the communities we serve. Flexible work arrangements may include flexibility in schedule and/or work location. All UMN employees are expected to follow applicable public health and safety procedures. This is a hybrid position with a mix of in-person and remote work. Required days in-office will be determined through discussions with the hiring manager.

Job Responsibilities

Establishment of a Youth Community Advisory Board in Collaboration with CTSI-CEARCH (25%)

• Serve as the MIDB representative and liaison to support the co-development of a youth and young adult advisory board (YAB).
• Partner with community-based organizations to co-design the YAB structure and processes in ways that prioritize youth and young adult leadership and decision-making.
• Co-facilitate the recruitment and onboarding process - ensuring youth and young adults have ownership over membership, leadership, and agenda-setting.
• Co-create processes for ongoing feedback loops between the YAB and research teams at UMN.
• Ensure sustainability through financial planning, mentorship, and succession strategies.

Community Co-Design of Navigator Workflows (50%)

• Co-develop trauma-informed Community Navigator workflows for in-person and telehealth-accompanied MOUD continuum of care.
• Gather and integrate feedback from community advisors, peer leaders, and MMU staff to shape training content, performance expectations, and deployment models.
• Develop a blueprint for co-developing context-specific and community-informed health workforce models.

Qualitative Data Analysis (25%)

• Design and implement qualitative data collection instruments (e.g., interview guides, focus group protocols, open-ended survey components) to support programmatic evaluation efforts.
• Lead qualitative data analysis using structured methodologies, synthesizing insights to inform program performance and strategic decision-making.
• Collaborate closely with quantitative analysts to integrate qualitative and quantitative findings, ensuring a cohesive mixed-methods evaluation approach.
• Serve as a liaison between qualitative and quantitative teams, translating insights across methodologies and aligning analytic strategies to support shared evaluation goals.

Other duties as assigned by both MIDB and CTSI-CEARCH teams.

All required qualifications must be documented on application materials.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree with at least 5 years of relevant work experience, or a combination of education and relevant work experience to equal at least nine years.
• Research experience in public health, neuroscience, or another related field.
• Demonstrated proficiency in qualitative data collection and analysis.
• Experience in community engagement and partnership management.
• Experience in project management and tracking.

Preferred Qualifications

• 5+ years humanitarian experience in emergency response, disaster risk reduction, and migration programs.
• Skilled in community engagement and accountability (CEA), health promotion initiatives, and project management.
• Proficient in needs assessments and designing data tools.
• Experienced in partnership management and stakeholder collaboration, including with government, NGOs, and donors.

The Masonic Institute for the Developing Brain (MIDB) is dedicated to fostering healthy brain function across the lifespan through early neurobehavioral and mental health assessment, innovative targeted interventions, informed policy-making, compassionate child-advocacy, and community education. The MIDB's mission of basic and clinical research in the field of neurobehavioral development is supported by a M Health Fairview multi-specialty clinic and multiple research service hubs including: Analytics, Informatics, Neuroimaging, Center for Neurobehavioral Development (CNBD), Translational Neuroscience, Neuromodulation, TeleOutreach, Community Engagement and Education (CEEd), and Clinic-Research Integration.

Pay Range: $68,000-$76,000; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Civil-Service

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
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

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 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.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).