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.

Additional terms available for this position through 8/31/2027.

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 Mexico’s 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.

• 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.

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.

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

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.

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.