Public Health Jobs in Rio Rancho, NM (NOW HIRING)

Sr Research Scientist 2
Requisition ID
req36518
Working Title
Sr Research Scientist 2
Position Grade
15
Position Summary
In addition to the UNM Job Description for the Senior Research Scientist 2, theposition at the UNM Health SciencesCenter for Native American Health (CNAH) entails serving as Co-Director ofCNAH's Public Health Core.
CNAH's Senior Research Scientist 2 will independentlyinterpret, organize, and execute complex public health research and programminginitiatives to engage Tribal Nations and Urban Native Americancommunities in local actions that address the social and structuraldeterminants of health. The position formulates and conducts systematicinvestigations of considerable scope and complexity, develops and tests modelconcepts and evaluation approaches, including Indigenous evaluationmethodologies, and applies rigorous scientific research principles tocommunity-engaged and implementation research. The Senior Research Scientist 2collaborates with principal investigators, Tribal and urban Native partners,and interdisciplinary and mixed-methods teams to design, analyze, anddisseminate research findings; prepares grant proposals and multifacetedbudgets; and serves as Principal Investigator or Co-Investigator on fundedprojects.
The Senior Research Scientist 2 will work collaborativelyacross CNAH's Research Core, Student and Tribal Health Workforce DevelopmentCore, and Health Policy Core to integrate research, training, and policytranslation. The role provides technical leadership and consultation toresearch staff and trainees, contributes to peer-reviewed publications andprofessional presentations, and maintains expertise in state-of-the-art publichealth science, implementation science, and evaluation frameworks.
This position requires independent judgment in defining thescope and direction of integrated research programs of broad significance andin representing CNAH in external collaborations and professional leadershipactivities.
See the Position Description for additional information.
Conditions of Employment

• 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.

Minimum Qualifications
Master's degree; at least 7 years 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.
Preferred Qualifications
• Experience with engaging andtrust-building with Native American individuals, Tribal Nations, and UrbanNative American communities
• Ability to interpret, design,organize, and implement integrated and complex community-engaged public healthresearch and programming initiatives
• Experience in leading thedevelopment, definition, and direction of local actions that address social andstructural determinants of health, integrating research, training, and policytranslation activities
• Ability to provide technical guidanceand leadership to professional staff on the use of state-of-the-art publichealth science, Indigenous evaluation, and implementation science methodologies
• Ability to develop andimplement funding strategies and programs; experience in grant writing andpeer-reviewed publication
Additional Requirements
Campus
Health Sciences Center (HSC) - Albuquerque, NM
Department
CNAH (267A)
Employment Type
Staff
Staff Type
Term - Full-Time
Term End Date
06/30/2027
Status
Exempt
Pay
Monthly: $5,844.80 - $8,366.80
Benefits Eligible
This is a benefits eligible position. The University of New Mexico provides a comprehensive package of benefits including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance. In addition, UNM offers educational benefits through the tuition remission and dependent education programs. See the Benefits home page for a more information.
ERB Statement
As a condition of employment, eligible employees working greater than .25 FTE as determined by the New Mexico Education Retirement Act must make mandatory retirement contributions. For more information, review the Benefits Eligibility at a Glance grid.
Background Check Required
Yes
For Best Consideration Date
5/8/2026
Eligible for Remote Work
Yes
Eligible for Remote Work Statement
This position may be eligible for a hybrid work schedule after a successful probation period
Application Instructions
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.
A resume and cover letter are required. The cover letter should describe how the applicant will fulfill the roles of a Senior Research Scientist 2 in the context of public health leadership and cooperation across CNAH cores.
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.