Research Scientist

$85,000 - $105,000/Yr

Hhri - Minneapolis, MN

Full-time - Mid Level

Minneapolis, MN

About the position

The Hennepin Healthcare Research Institute (HHRI) is seeking a Research Scientist to support the research initiatives led by Dr. Rachel Nygaard and Dr. Derek Lumbard within the Department of Surgery. This full-time position is based in downtown Minneapolis, MN, and requires an onsite presence. The ideal candidate will be a dedicated and experienced research and evaluation professional who is adept at planning and executing mixed-methods research and public education activities, particularly using community-based participatory research methods. The role emphasizes equitable and community-centered approaches, focusing on collaborative leadership in research, program evaluation, community needs assessments, and community engagement, especially prioritizing Black, Indigenous, and Communities of Color. In this position, the Research Scientist will lead the design, conduct, and management of large, complex, multi-stakeholder research and evaluation projects. This includes identifying community and program needs, formulating objectives, designing data collection tools, and analyzing data to develop actionable recommendations. The candidate will also be responsible for developing and implementing new models and standards for culturally appropriate and equitable research and community engagement. Engaging and training staff and community members in the development of study instruments and protocols is a key aspect of the role, ensuring that data collection processes uphold best practices in data management and privacy. The Research Scientist will conduct various research-related activities, including interviews, survey creation, community mapping, and literature reviews. They will draft and edit reports and presentations of research findings for diverse stakeholders. Building and maintaining collaborative relationships with service providers and communities facing marginalization is essential, as is applying trauma-informed practices to prevent the retraumatization of individuals and communities. The role also involves designing innovative mixed-methods data collection approaches and analyzing both quantitative and qualitative data to generate comprehensive insights.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design, conduct, and management of large, complex, multi-stakeholder research/evaluation projects.
• Identify community and program needs, formulate objectives, and design data collection tools.
• Collect, analyze, and interpret data to develop actionable recommendations.
• Develop and implement new models for culturally appropriate and equitable research and community engagement.
• Engage and train staff and community members in the development of study instruments and protocols.
• Ensure data collection processes uphold best practices in data management and privacy.
• Conduct research-related activities including interviews, surveys, and literature reviews.
• Draft, review, and edit reports and presentations of research findings for various stakeholders.
• Cultivate and maintain collaborative relationships with marginalized communities.
• Apply trauma-informed practices to prevent retraumatization of individuals and communities.
• Design and implement innovative mixed-methods data collection approaches.
• Analyze both quantitative and qualitative data to generate insights.

Requirements

• Master's degree or PhD in a social science-related field with 3-5 years of experience in community-based participatory research.
• Experience working with community partners from diverse communities of color.
• Demonstrated experience in mixed-methods research, including both quantitative and qualitative approaches.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work with human study participants and develop supervisory skills.
• Computer literacy and knowledge of MS Office products; experience with survey and project management software is a plus.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience within communities, community-based organizations, or grassroots initiatives.
• Familiarity with areas such as violence prevention, youth development, or economic development.
• A strong desire to work with multi-disciplinary collaborators.