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Research Scientist 2

University of New Mexico

Job Description



Research Scientist 2
Requisition ID req26795
Working Title Research Scientist 2
Position Grade 12
Position Summary

The University of New Mexico Comprehensive Cancer Center (UNMCCC) is seeking a Research Specialist 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 nations 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.

Additional terms available for this position through 8/31/2026.

UNMCCC Overview: The University of New Mexico Comprehensive Cancer Center (UNMCCC) is the Official Cancer Center of New Mexico and the only National Cancer Institute-designated Cancer Center in a 500-mile radius. Its 146 board-certified oncology specialty physicians along with more than 600 other cancer healthcare professionals (nurses, pharmacists, nutritionists, navigators, psychologists, social workers, and clinical research staff), provide treatment to 65% of New Mexicos cancer patients from all across the state and partner with community health systems statewide to provide cancer care closer to home. The UNMCCC treated 13,578 patients in 105,748 ambulatory clinic visits in addition to in-patient hospitalizations at UNM Hospital in 2021. A total of 1,361 patients participated in cancer clinical trials, including 544 (40%) patients who participated in clinical trials testing new cancer treatments that include tests of novel cancer prevention strategies and cancer genome sequencing. The UNMCCC also has a very active cancer research program with 103 cancer research scientists who are supported by more than $36 million annually in federal and private grants and contracts for cancer research projects. UNMCCC cancer physicians, scientists and staff provide education and training experiences to more than 500 high school, undergraduate, graduate, and postdoctoral students in cancer research and cancer health care delivery each year. Learn more at http://cancer.unm.edu .

See the Position Description for additional information.

Conditions of Employment
  • Successful candidate must submit to a post-offer, pre-employment physical examination and medical history check. Additional health screenings may be required, dependent on the nature of the research conducted, as determined by Employee Occupational Health Services.
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.      Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned

8.      Ability to effectively adapt to changing priorities

9.      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.
Campus Health Sciences Center (HSC) - Albuquerque, NM
Department CRTC Research Program Support (099Q)
Employment Type Staff
Staff Type Term - Full-Time
Term End Date 08/31/2024
Status Exempt
Pay $3,589.73 - $5,040.53
Benefits Eligible 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. See the Benefits home page for a more information.
ERB Statement 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. For more information, review the Benefits Eligibility at a Glance grid.
Background Check Required Yes
For Best Consideration Date 8/31/2023
Eligible for Remote Work
Eligible for Remote Work Statement
Application Instructions

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.

APPLICANT: Please complete the official application; making sure to include all prior work experience and average hours worked per week. Attach your Current Resume; listing three former or current Supervisor References. Attach your Cover Letter that details how your experience matches the position as described above; including any Preferred Qualifications.

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

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. This may include, but is not limited to, a criminal history background check, New Mexico Department of Health fingerprint screening, New Mexico Children, Youth, and Families Department fingerprint screening, verification of education credentials, and/or verification of prior employment. For more information about background checks, visit https://policy.unm.edu/university-policies/3000/3280.html . Refer to https://policy.unm.edu/university-policies/3000/3200.html for a definition of Regular Staff.



Requesting an Accommodation

Women, minorities, veterans, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and University of New Mexico policy, if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation in order to apply for a position with the University of New Mexico, or if you cannot use the online application system, please contact Human Resources at hrpr@unm.edu (505) 277-4777 for assistance with the application process.

Other links:

  • New Mexico Inspection of Public Records Act (IPRA)
  • Campus Safety (Clery Act)

Equal Opportunity Employer

The University of New Mexico is an affirmative action, 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. We are committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce and are dedicated to the goal of building an inclusive and pluralistic faculty and staff. We are committed to teaching and working in a multicultural environment. Visit the links below for more information regarding our commitment to affirmative action and equal opportunity: Equal Opportunity, Non-Discrimination and Affirmative Action at the University of New Mexico Equal Employment Opportunity is THE LAW.

Visit the links below for more information regarding our commitment to affirmative action and equal opportunity:

  • Equal Opportunity, Non-Discrimination and Affirmative Action at UNM
  • Equal Employment Opportunity is THE LAW

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