Job ID: 373491
About the Job The
Associate Director will be a cornerstone of the University of Minnesota's mission to become a preeminent national leader in Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias (ADRD) research and care. This executive leadership role is designed for a visionary scientific leader tasked with bridging the gap between rigorous biomarker research and community-led health equity initiatives.
The Associate Director will focus on building robust research infrastructure, fostering interdisciplinary collaborations across UMN campuses and departments, and securing high-level federal funding-specifically leading the strategic development of an NIA-designated Alzheimer's Disease Research Center (ADRC).
Job Responsibilities/Duties:
1. Strategic Leadership & ADRC Development
* Partner with the Center Director to define the scientific trajectory of the Grossman Center.
* Serve as the primary architect for the University's NIA-designated ADRC application, ensuring the proposal meets federal standards for rigor, feasibility, and distinctiveness.
* Leverage expertise in "recruitment science" to shift institutional practices toward inclusive, culturally safe dementia research.
2. Health Equity & Community Partnerships
* Lead the expansion of community-based research initiatives with a focus on American Indian health, rural populations, and underrepresented urban groups.
* Strengthen and formalize partnerships with Minnesota's tribal communities, ensuring principles of Indigenous data sovereignty are upheld.
* Act as a high-level liaison between the Twin Cities and Duluth campuses, specifically collaborating with the Memory Keepers Medical Discovery Team.
3. Interdisciplinary Collaboration
* Integrate Grossman Center initiatives with the Center for Healthy Aging and Innovation (School of Public Health) and the Center of Geroscience and Healthy Aging (Department of Family Medicine).
* Synthesize ongoing projects-such as the Asian American Brain Health and Aging Cohort-into a unified, center-wide strategy for health equity.
4. Mentorship & Training Excellence
* Establish and oversee a formalized training program to address the provider shortage in rural and underserved areas.
* Provide direct mentorship to a diverse pipeline of researchers, including undergraduates, doctoral students, post-docs, and junior faculty.
Qualifications Required Qualifications:
* PhD in Neuro-psychology or related field
* Clinical Expertise: A background in clinical neuropsychology and a deep understanding of ADRD pathology.
* Proven Funding Track Record: Success as a Principal Investigator on major NIH (R01) initiatives and experience with NIA-designated ADRC structures.
* Community Authority: Demonstrated success in co-developing culturally grounded assessment tools (e.g., AMICA) and leading large-scale studies in Black and Indigenous communities (e.g., AA-FAIM).
* Administrative Acumen: Experience serving on External Advisory Boards for top-tier research institutions (e.g., Stanford, UW, UNM).
Pay and Benefits Pay Range: $55,000-$235,000; 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
- Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area
How To Apply 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
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.eduEmployment 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 MThe 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).