Temporary Staff Researcher

About the Job

The School of Public Health's Cannabis Research Center is seeking applications for a temporary full-time Staff Researcher. This position is funded through June 30, 2027. The position could be extended if additional funding becomes available.

The School of Public Health is committed to anti-racism and anti-oppression in our mission and operations. In pursuit of this goal, we consider an applicant's record working with individuals from historically marginalized backgrounds, and experience identifying and eliminating systemic barriers to success in an academic environment. SPH seeks to increase the diversity of its workforce. We particularly encourage applications from those who belong to groups that have been historically underrepresented in our discipline, including those who are Black, Indigenous, and people of color, those with disabilities, and those from LGBTQIA+ communities.

Starting Salary Range: $81,000-100,000, dependent upon the selected candidate's relevant qualifications, experience, and internal equity.

Work Arrangements: The University of Minnesota endorses a "Work. With Flexibility." and we offer a flexible work environment that meets the needs of our students, faculty, staff, and partners we serve. This position will have a hybrid work option with a preferred 3 days onsite during core business hours. The successful candidate will be provided University-configured equipment and supportive technology tools, however, they are expected to have access to a reliable internet connection for duties undertaken remotely. Work arrangements will be discussed during the interview.

Position Overview:

In 2023, the State of Minnesota granted an appropriation for a Cannabis Research Center (CRC) at the University of Minnesota's School of Public Health (SPH). This research center presents a significant opportunity to advance understanding of the role cannabis legalization will play in the health, safety and well-being of Minnesotans.

The Research Investigator will work closely with the CRC team to collect and analyze qualitative cannabis-related research data and disseminate research findings.

Please note, this position is not eligible for H-1B or Green Card sponsorship. This position does not offer a STEM OPT training program.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

Overseeing a Cannabis Research Study (20%)

• Work with co-Principal Investigators and research team to develop data collection instruments and recruitment strategy
• Assist with communication with key stakeholders, including the funding agency and the University of Minnesota Institutional Review Board
• Coordinate project team meetings and follow up
• Ensure integrity, safety and ethics during data collection

Collecting Data (35%)

• Help plan recruitment strategies
• Implement recruitment strategies
• Schedule interviews
• Serve as primary interviewer for data collection

Conducting Analyses (35%)

• Lead qualitative data analyses
• Work with second coder
• Communicate with research team about analytical process and findings

Writing Final Report & Other Dissemination Material (10%)

• Assist with development of final report
• Assist with development of a brief and/or scientific paper

Qualifications

All required qualifications must be documented on application materials.

Required Qualifications:

• BA/BS degree plus at least five years of relevant experience, or combination of education and relevant work experience to equal at least nine years
• Experience collecting and analyzing qualitative data
• Strong writing and oral communication skills
• Strong organizational and problem solving skills and attention to detail
• Demonstrated commitment to antiracism

Preferred:

• Masters degree and 1+ years of relevant research experience
• Experience in mixed-methods research
• Experience in cannabis and/or other substance use research
• Experience describing research methods and summarizing research findings in written products (e.g., scientific articles, reports)
• Understanding of public health interventions/policies and evaluation

About the Department

The Division of Environmental Health Sciences focuses on environmental and occupational health concerns, from investigating hazards in our environment to establishing the basis for public health policy.

Our division offers MPH, MS, and PhD degree options across a number of specialty areas, allowing you to focus on an area of concentration. Our Environmental Health General Program allows you to customize your degree to fit your interests and career goals.

Our faculty are leaders in the field, researching all aspects of environmental health while our numerous research centers help connect us to the community through events, research initiatives, and outreach.

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: $81,000-100,000; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Civil-Service & Non-Faculty Labor Represented Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to note that most of the

time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This approach ensures

that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while

maintaining equity within our organization. As part of our commitment to fair and

equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered to incoming candidates

will be based on their individual credentials and experience.

How To Apply

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Required application materials: resume and cover letter.

Priority deadline: Application review will begin on November 5, 2026.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail jobcentr@umn.edu.

Diversity

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Employment Requirements

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

About University of Minnesota

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nations most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023, 2025, 2026), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.