Research Project Specialist

The School of Public Health division of Health Policy and Management is seeking applications for a full-time Research Project Specialist (8352P2 Research Professional 2) to join the Rural Health Research Center (RHRC).

The School of Public Health (SPH) is committed to antiracism and anti-oppression and welcomes you to join us in our pursuit of building equity and driving justice. We particularly encourage applications from those who belong to groups that have been historically underrepresented in our School, including those who are American Indian, Black, Indigenous, and people of color, those with disabilities, veterans, and those from 2SLGBTQIA+ communities.

Starting Salary Range: $50,000 to $60,000 annually dependent upon the selected candidate's relevant qualifications, experience, and internal equity.

Work Arrangements: The University of Minnesota endorses a " Work. With Flexibility. " and we offer a flexible work environment that meets the needs of our students, faculty, staff, and partners we serve. This position has the option to work remotely. Work arrangements will be discussed during the interview. Onsite location: Rural Health Research Center, University Office Plaza Building, 2221 University Ave. SE, Suite 350, Minneapolis TC Campus - East-bank

POSITION SUMMARY:
The primary purpose of this position is to support the Medicare Rural Hospital Flexibility Program Evaluation grant. The person in this position will act as a project coordinator for the Flex Monitoring Team (FMT). This position has three essential functions: 1) Flex grant organization and administrative responsibilities; 2) communication; and 3) research writing and analysis. Specific responsibilities include:

Organization and administration - 50%

• Day-to-day coordination of FMT projects and grant activities
• Collaborating with the PI and other colleagues/staff to ensure that all grant reporting documents, work plans, and project timelines are updated
• Managing data for projects
• Participating in proposal preparation
• Coordinating with other UMN departments and sub-contractors for project management needs

Communication - 35%

• Communicating with FMT partners to coordinate grant-related activities
• Managing external communications, including FMT websites and email distribution processes
• Developing communication strategies and tools to promote and support the FMT
• Tracking of data analytics related to communications (website and email analytics)
• Initiating the preparation and supporting the development of reports, scientific publications, and presentations for conferences

Research preparation and writing - 15%

• Assisting with literature reviews and background research for projects
• Participating in the development of projects, including planning for data collection, analysis, and product creation

The Coordinator will complete other duties as assigned and will have regular meetings with their supervisor to prioritize and discuss responsibilities.

PROGRAM UNIT DESCRIPTION:
At the University of Minnesota Rural Health Research Center, our dedicated team of experts conducts research that is informed by the lived experiences of people, families, and communities that experience increasing racial and economic disparities centered on place. Centering on diverse perspectives, we continually work to educate ourselves on the particular strength and resilience of rural people, Indigenous people, and communities of color. We study access to and quality of health care, social determinants of health, institutional and systematic barriers, and population health outcomes to build the evidence base for policymaking and system transformation that improves overall health and well-being. Our work focuses on eliminating inequities based on geography and place, race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, nationality, age, and ability. We are committed to the highest standards of excellence in research and to communicating results broadly to inform policy, research, community, and individual decision-making.

This position is supported by the Clinical and Translational Science Institute and the Office of Academic Clinical Affairs at the University of Minnesota. It is housed in the Division of Health Policy and Management at the University of Minnesota School of Public Health.

Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• BA/BS in health policy, public health, or a related field, with at least 2 years of experience or a combination of related education and work experience to equal 6 years
• Robust organizational skills
• Strong interpersonal skills, including demonstrated excellence in written, telephone, email, and in-person communication
• Demonstrated effective writing skills, including an ability to summarize research results for diverse audiences
• Ability to work independently as well as with a multidisciplinary team
• Demonstrated commitment to promoting a diverse, inclusive, and respectful workplace

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience in project management
• Experience with website and email management systems
• Demonstrated interest in rural communities and the health of rural residents

Are you excited about this job and meet the required qualifications, but your past experience doesn't align perfectly with every preferred qualification? Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. If this is you, we strongly encourage you to apply because you just may be the right candidate for this role.

About the Department

The University of Minnesota School of Public Health improves the health and wellbeing of populations and communities around the world by bringing innovative research, learning, and concrete actions to today's biggest health challenges. SPH includes four academic divisions and 29 internationally recognized centers and is home to roughly 1,025 students, 130 tenured/tenure-track and contract faculty, and 450 staff. SPH is a research powerhouse: #1 level of research funding per capita at UMN, #3 largest research portfolio at the UMN, #2 NIH funding among UMN schools and colleges, and $1.1M average grant funding per faculty member. The school is ranked nationally by the U.S. News & World Report, #6 public school of public health, and offers more than 20 leading master's, doctoral, and certificate programs, with its Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA) program ranked #2 and its Biostatistics program ranked #9.

Benefits

Working at the University

At the University of Minnesota, you'll find a flexible work environment and supportive colleagues who are interested in lifelong learning. We prioritize work-life balance, allowing you to invest in the future of your career and in your life outside of work.

The University also 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

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefits.

How To Apply

Please note: At this time, the University's employment site is limited in how it collects applicant demographic information. Applicants are encouraged to provide their pronouns and/or preferred name within their attached application materials.

Applications must be submitted online and a Cover Letter is required.

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.

Diversity

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

Employment Requirements

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.

About the U of M

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).