Navajo Research Specialist

University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus

Colorado School of Public Health | Lifecourse Epidemiology of Adiposity and Diabetes (LEAD) Center

Navajo Research Specialist

Position #00819833 – Requisition #32604

Job Summary:

Join the Colorado School of Public Health as a Navajo Research Specialist. This position is a key member of the school’s Lifecourse Epidemiology of Adiposity and Diabetes (LEAD) Center and will be responsible for study participant recruitment and data collection for the DISCOVERY study, a project seeking to understand and target the predictors of youth-onset type 2 diabetes pathophysiology. 

This position will be located entirely in the Shiprock, New Mexico area, where visits will be conducted in the Navajo community with participants aged 9-14 years old. This position requires an individual with an interest in public health research in indigenous child populations, as well as data collection skills, the ability to be self-directed, strong attention to detail, and excellent communication and interpersonal skills. 

This role is part of a larger multi-site study team and will be expected to work within that team, while conducting the daily tasks of visit scheduling and data collection with supervisory oversight from the on-site Field Coordinator.

Key Responsibilities:

• Collect physical measurements (height, weight, and other measures) and administer health-related questionnaires for study participants.
• Collect and enter data from visit forms into REDCap database.
• Document and organize data collection procedures in the manual of operations.
• Participate in opportunities to partner with community constituents interested in Native health and willing to participate in recruitment and outreach for the study.
• Attend community and constituent meetings.

This is a full-time position and reports directly to the Field Coordinator. This position will also work closely with the study principal investigator. 

Work Location:

  Why Join Us:

Onsite – This position is based at the CU Anschutz Medical Campus in Aurora, CO and will require full-time work in Shiprock, NM, which is the site for the recruitment and data collection of the DISCOVERY study. 

The Colorado School of Public Health (ColoradoSPH) is a unique and collaborative graduate school that combines the collective expertise of three Colorado universities: the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus (CU Anschutz) in Aurora, Colorado State University (CSU) in Fort Collins, and the University of Northern Colorado (UNC) in Greeley, Colorado. The Colorado School of Public Health is the only accredited school of public health in the Rocky Mountain Region, attracting top tier faculty and students from across the country, and providing a vital contribution towards ensuring our region’s health and wellbeing. The school’s faculty, staff, and students work together to reach underserved populations, share knowledge, and conduct innovative research and community service to actively address public health issues including chronic disease, access to healthcare, environmental threats, emerging infectious diseases, costly injuries, and more. To learn more about the School, please visit: https://coloradosph.cuanschutz.edu/ .

The University of Colorado offers a comprehensive benefits package for eligible employees that includes health insurance, life insurance, retirement plans, tuition benefits, ECO pass, paid time off – vacation, sick, and holidays and more. To see what benefits are available, please visit: https://www.cu.edu/employee-services/benefits-wellness .

Diversity and Equity:

As the School of Public Health located within the University of Colorado on the Anschutz Medical Campus, we are committed to diversity, equity, and inclusive excellence in education and employment, by recruiting and supporting a diverse student body, faculty, and administrative staff. We strive to promote a culture of inclusiveness, respect, communication, and understanding, and encourage applications from all racial and ethnic groups, persons with disabilities, and veterans, ensuring a safe and secure environment for our faculty, staff, students, and visitors.

The ColoradoSPH aims to build a diverse and representative academic community that recognizes the importance of social, economic, health, and environmental justice. We strive to promote equity, diversity, and to be a model of inclusive excellence.  As a tri-campus partnership, ColoradoSPH stands with academic, practice, and community partners nationwide to condemn racism, injustice, and inequity. 

Please click here to learn more about our equity, diversity, and inclusion commitment statement and plan to dismantle structural racism:   https://coloradosph.cuanschutz.edu/about-us/diversity-inclusive-excellence .

The University of Colorado seeks individuals with demonstrated commitment to creating an inclusive learning and working environment. We value the ability to engage effectively with students, faculty and staff of diverse backgrounds.

Qualifications:

Minimum Requirements

• A bachelor’s degree in biological sciences, health/medical research, public health, social/behavioral sciences, physical sciences, healthcare, or a directly related field from an accredited institution.

Substitution: A combination of education and related technical/paraprofessional experience may be substituted for the bachelor’s degree on a year for year basis.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bilingual Navajo speaker
• Phlebotomy experience
• Clinical diabetes research with Native American populations

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to communicate effectively, both in writing and orally.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees at all levels throughout the institution.
• Outstanding customer service skills.
• Demonstrated commitment and leadership ability to advance diversity and inclusion.

How to Apply:

Research shows that women and other underrepresented and historically marginalized groups tend to apply only when they check every box in the posting. If you are reading this and hesitating to click “apply” for that reason, we encourage you to go for it!

For full consideration, please submit the following document(s):

1.     A letter of interest describing relevant job experiences as they relate to listed job qualifications and interest in the position

2.     Curriculum Vitae / Resume

3.     Three to five professional references including name, address, phone number (mobile number if appropriate), and email address

Questions should be directed to: [email protected] . 

Screening of Applications Begins:

Applications will be accepted until finalists are identified, but preference will be given to complete applications received by March 6, 2024.

Anticipated Salary Range:

The starting target salary for this position has been established as $50,000 - $55,000.

The above salary represents the University’s good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting. This position may be eligible for overtime compensation depending on the level.

Your total compensation goes beyond the number on your paycheck. The University of Colorado provides generous leave, health plans and retirement contributions that add to your bottom line.

Total Compensation Calculator: http://www.cu.edu/node/153125 .

ADA Statement:

The University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities throughout the employment application process. To request an accommodation pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, please contact the Human Resources ADA Coordinator at [email protected] ​.

Background Check Statement:

The University of Colorado Denver | Anschutz Medical Campus is dedicated to ensuring a safe and secure environment for our faculty, staff, students and visitors. To assist in achieving that goal, we conduct background investigations for all prospective employees.