Associate Director, Grossman Center for Memory Research and Care - Professor (Academic Track)

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.
• Leverage expertise in "recruitment science" to shift institutional practices toward inclusive, culturally safe dementia research.

1. 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.
• Act as a high-level liaison between the Twin Cities and Duluth campuses.

1. Interdisciplinary Collaboration

• Integrate Grossman Center initiatives with the Center for Healthy Aging and Innovation and the Center of Geroscience and Healthy Aging.

1. Mentorship & Training Excellence

• Establish and oversee a formalized training program.
• Provide direct mentorship to a diverse pipeline of researchers.

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 and leading large-scale studies in Black and Indigenous communities.
• Administrative Acumen: Experience serving on External Advisory Boards for top-tier research institutions.