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.
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.
   • Act as a high-level liaison between the Twin Cities and Duluth campuses.
3. Interdisciplinary Collaboration
   • Integrate Grossman Center initiatives with the Center for Healthy Aging and Innovation and the Center of Geroscience and Healthy Aging.
4. 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.