Research Scientist 2

at  University of New Mexico

POSITION SUMMARY

The University of New Mexico Comprehensive Cancer Center (UNMCCC) is seeking a Research Scientist for its federally-funded Participant-Engagement Cancer Genome Sequencing Center – “Engagement of American Indians of Southwestern Tribal Nations in Cancer Genome Sequencing” (hereafter, “Research Study” or “Research Center”).
Job Overview: This position will provide support in the culturally appropriate engagement of American Indian participants (cancer patients and survivors) in the on-going research study at the UNMCCC. Primary responsibilities include conducting interviews and surveys with participants and working with the research team to improve participant and community engagement strategies and efforts.
Research Study Overview: The UNMCCC was funded by the National Cancer Institute as one of the nation’s five Participant-Engagement Cancer Genome Sequencing Research Centers. These Centers are focused on identifying changes (i.e., mutations) that occur in the genome of cells that result in cancer. The UNMCCC Research Center is focused on testing the genomes (i.e., genomic testing or genomic sequencing) of cancer cells of cancers that have significant disparities (i.e., an increased incidence and/or poorer survival rates) in American Indians living in the American Southwest. All participants in this study, including cancer patients and survivors and their physician(s), will receive results of these tests that may be useful in their cancer treatment.
The research study will provide this genome testing and the support of a clinical genetic counselor, free of charge, to 1,000 American Indians. As part of the study, participants will be asked about some of their lifestyle behaviors and potential environmental exposures via questionnaires. Guiding and advising the research study is a Tribal Advisory Committee formed of Tribal Governors, Tribal health leaders, and selected representatives.
Team Culture: The research team and the UNMCCC are committed to addressing issues of cancer health equity that impact American Indian communities. We work hard to create an environment that values collaboration, mutual respect, and an opportunity for all team members to share their experiences and perspectives.

Research Specialist Duties & Responsibilities Include:

• Communicate with enrolled American Indian study participants (in-person, e-mail, and phone)
• Meet with study participants to review study related materials, assist with data collection, and conduct qualitative interviews and quantitative surveys
• Analyze qualitative data
• Coordinate analysis of quantitative data
• Work with the research team to use collected data to improve our engagement processes and materials
• Work in clinical cancer and possibly community settings
• Work with the research team to ensure the development of culturally appropriate communication, educational, and informational materials, and strategies and processes for optimal consenting and engagement of all participants
• Attend and participate in all research team meetings and other necessary activities

To be considered for an interview, in addition to a resume, please upload a cover letter detailing how previous work experience and training have prepared you for the specific duties and responsibilities of this position described above. Without a cover letter you will not be considered for this position.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor’s degree; at least 1 year of experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified.
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.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

1. Experience with mixed methods research and analysis:
   a. Develop and conduct semi-structured interviews
   b. Develop focus group guide and facilitate focus groups
   c. Develop and conduct surveys
   d. Recruit participants for interviews, focus groups, and surveys
   e. Conduct qualitative analysis of interview and focus group data
   f. Coordinate quantitative analysis of survey data; and
   g. Conduct review of literature
2. Experience developing culturally and health literacy appropriate research materials
3. Networking and relationship building/management skills
4. Experience in working with American Indian communities and/or a member of these communities with language and culturally appropriate skills
5. Experience with basic data entry and database platforms
6. Ability to assist with creating summary reports
7. Ability to effectively adapt to changing priorities
8. Proficiency in any of the indigenous languages spoken in New Mexico is helpful, though not required

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Finalists should be prepared to provide official educational transcripts if selected for hire.
Applicants must provide names of 3 past or present supervisors as references that the hiring official can contact.

• Communicate with enrolled American Indian study participants (in-person, e-mail, and phone)
• Meet with study participants to review study related materials, assist with data collection, and conduct qualitative interviews and quantitative surveys
• Analyze qualitative data
• Coordinate analysis of quantitative data
• Work with the research team to use collected data to improve our engagement processes and materials
• Work in clinical cancer and possibly community settings
• Work with the research team to ensure the development of culturally appropriate communication, educational, and informational materials, and strategies and processes for optimal consenting and engagement of all participants
• Attend and participate in all research team meetings and other necessary activitie