Assistant, Associate, or Full Professor - Global Food Ventures Initiative

Tenure or Tenure-Track - Job ID: 328386/328391

School of Public Health, University of Minnesota

328386- Associate or Full Professor - Global Food Ventures Initiative – Tenure:
 https://hr.myu.umn.edu/jobs/ext/328386   

328391- Assistant/Associate/Full Professor - Global Food Ventures Initiative - Tenure Track:
 https://hr.myu.umn.edu/jobs/ext/328391

The University of Minnesota, School of Public Health (SPH), Division of Environmental Health Sciences (EnHS) is seeking to fill two 100% Assistant/Associate/Full Professor (tenure/tenure track) positions as part of the University of Minnesota Global Food Ventures (GFV) initiative. The GFV is a public-private partnership committed to answering the global imperative of safe, nutritious and affordable food, through the application of innovative discovery, and next generation workforce development. These positions will contribute to the GFV research program related to Food Safety Innovations and leverage existing and proposed GFV investments. We are recruiting scientists with expertise in; epidemiology of foodborne infectious diseases and antimicrobial resistance at the interface of food and the environment with an emphasis on exposure assessment, data science related to food system supply chain safety and security, economics of food safety, environmental contamination related to food and food systems, and impacts of climate change on food safety and security. 

These positions will build on the existing strengths of the EnHS division and the SPH with internationally-recognized programs in foodborne disease and emerging infections research, prevention, and policy development. These positions will also build on the GFV research program which includes a recent search in the Division of Environmental Health Sciences for expertise on microbiology at the interface of food and the environment including antimicrobial resistance. They will also build on recent and current searches in the College of Veterinary Medicine which will bring in expertise on feed and food safety, defense, and supply chain resiliency, pre-harvest food safety molecular epidemiology, and aquatic epidemiology. The goal of these programs is to develop a coordinated approach to food safety with agricultural community groups. 

The EnHS division has programs with collaborations across the University and with state, federal and international public health agencies. Changing demographics, methods of food production and consumption and the globalization of our food systems create new and emerging food safety challenges. We are seeking to enhance our ability to address these emerging public health threats through innovative research, teaching, and public engagement. This position will directly leverage opportunities to develop collaborative research related to the missions of MN Integrated Food Safety Centers of Excellence (COE), the Food Protection and Defense Institute (FPDI), the Center for Animal Health and Food Safety (CAHFS), and the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy (CIDRAP). Key areas of interest for these interdisciplinary hires include attribution of foodborne illnesses (a key outcome of food safety risk assessment), antimicrobial resistance associated with food and waterborne disease transmission (environmental microbiology), and the novel data science applications to improve public health preparedness and response to challenges to the safety, security, and resiliency of the food system across the supply chain.

One particular strength of the SPH is the strong relationship with the Minnesota Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.  Through our partnerships we have been leaders in public health surveillance and understanding foodborne transmission pathways. Currently, public health surveillance for food and waterborne disease is transitioning from culture-based methods, to advanced molecular detection and whole genome sequencing.  Coupled with these laboratory methods are novel techniques to document and assess exposures to food and environmental hazards. Application of these methods, creates novel opportunities for Health Department-Academic partnerships to examine the application of these tools in identifying outbreaks and in understanding the dynamics of transmission of food-borne pathogens, antibiotic resistant bacteria and their associated genetic elements.

The University of Minnesota offers a comprehensive benefits package including:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, vacation and sick leave
• Low cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Health care and dependent daycare flexible spending accounts
• Excellent retirement plans with employer match
• Disability and employer paid life insurance
• Wellbeing program with reduced insurance premiums
• Tuition reimbursement opportunities covering 75%-100% of eligible tuition
• Student loan forgiveness opportunity
• Opportunities for growth and promotion
• Employee Assistance Program

For more information regarding benefits: 

https://humanresources.umn.edu/sites/humanresources.umn.edu/files/2019_tcd-fpa-75100-ben-0105-10_0.pdf

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

PhD or equivalent degree with advanced knowledge of epidemiologic methods to food safety and antimicrobial resistance and/or one or more of the following; data science related to food system supply chain safety and security, economics of food safety, environmental contamination related to food and food systems, and impacts of climate change on food safety and security. Successful applicants are expected to develop an independent and sustainable scholarly research program, teach in the classroom and mentor graduate students, and participate in outreach and service. Demonstrated experience in preparing research grants, publishing in quality peer-reviewed journals, and presentations in relevant professional meetings is necessary. Candidates at the associate professor level are expected to demonstrate sustained success in funded scholarly activities. Candidates at the full professor level will also be expected to have a substantial currently funded research portfolio.

We are seeking outstanding candidates with strong collaborative and interpersonal skills, along with effective oral and written communication skills that are essential for the purpose of: 1) working effectively in a trans-disciplinary team environment; 2) developing and submitting timely, research proposals to obtain extramural funding for cutting-edge research; 3) conducting and managing research studies; 4) publishing articles in professional journals; 5) conveying study results and recommendations to stakeholders and decision makers; 6) developing and presenting relevant courses and seminars.

Successful candidates are expected to participate in ongoing educational training programs related to environmental health sciences at the University of Minnesota. This includes work with multiple colleges and centers within the University (i.e. CIDRAP; CAHFS; FPDI;  College of Veterinary Medicine, School of Medicine; College of Science and Engineering; College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Science; and the Institute on the Environment).

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Based on the specific focus of the candidate’s training and research interests, a demonstrated expertise in public health surveillance, applied population health science, mathematical modeling and systems research, food safety economics, environmental factors and adaptations to climate change and social factors that may affect the epidemiology of exposure to foodborne diseases and antimicrobial resistance.

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 have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Activities" page and uploading documents there.  This position requires that you attach a CV and a research and teaching statement.

This position will remain open until filled.

Please contact the chair of the search committee, Dr. George Maldonado, at gmphd@umn.edu with questions or inquiries about the positions.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-UOHR (8647).

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.

BACKGROUND CHECK INFORMATION:

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 THE U OF M:

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 nation's 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.