Nutrition Database Scientist

The School of Public Health division of Epidemiology and Community Health is seeking applications for a full-time Nutrition Data Scientist to join the Nutrition Coordinating Center (NCC) interdisciplinary team that supports important nutrition research in the US and around the world.

Starting Salary Range: $25.97 - $31.25 per hour ($54,000 - $65,000 annually) 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. NCC staff have the option to work up to three days per week remotely, with the expectation that they will be in the office at least two days per week for team meetings and other collaborative activities. Work arrangements will be discussed during the interview. Onsite location: West Bank Office Building,1300 S 2nd Street, West-bank TC Campus

Position Summary

NCC develops and maintains Nutrition Data System for Research (NDSR), a dietary analysis software program designed for the collection and analyses of food records, 24-hour dietary recalls, menus, and recipes. Researchers across the US license this program for use in their research studies. The Center also maintains and updates a premier food and nutrient database that is used by researchers and app developers. To learn more about NCC's products, services, mission and 50-year history visit www.ncc.umn.edu.

This position would work with our team of database scientists to update and maintain the NCC Food and Nutrient Database and work closely with our programmers and NDSR development team.

Primary responsibilities

(35%) Maintain and expand the NCC Food and Nutrient Database by determining nutrient values for foods in the Database using data sources such as the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Foundation Foods and Food and Nutrient Database for Dietary Studies (FNDDS) Databases; international food composition databases; and values available in the scientific literature

(35%) Add and update packaged foods and fast food restaurant items in the NCC Database by gathering nutrition facts label and ingredient statement information for packaged foods, and entering this information into an NCC developed Food Calculation Program (FoodCalP) for creation of food product formulations from which nutrient composition values beyond the label nutrient are estimated. Also, add and update multi-ingredient home-prepared foods using recipes obtained from cookbooks, recipe websites, and other sources

(20%) Work with NCC programmers to test and recommend changes to NDSR and the NCC software applications used to update and maintain the NCC Food and Nutrient database

(5%) Stay up to date on food consumption data science through contributing to research carried out at NCC and attending conferences

(5%) Work on miscellaneous ad hoc projects as they arise

Required

• Bachelor's degree plus at least two years of experience, or a combination of education and relevant experience to equal six years
• Detail orientation for executing complex multi-faceted processes
• Effective time management skills with the ability to handle multiple ongoing projects
• Background in nutrition and/or food science
• Commitment to fostering an inclusive, respectful workplace

Preferred

• Bachelor's or Master's Degree in nutrition science
• Experience working independently and as part of a team

Are you excited about this job and meet the required qualifications, but your past experience doesn't align perfectly with every preferred qualification? If this is you, we strongly encourage you to apply because you just may be the right candidate for this role.

The University of Minnesota School of Public Health (SPH) is Minnesota's only school of public health, committed to improving the health and well-being of communities worldwide. Through innovative research, learning, and concrete action, we tackle today's biggest health challenges. SPH includes four academic divisions: Biostatistics & Health Data Science, Environmental Health Sciences, Epidemiology & Community Health, and Health Policy & Management.

Ranked nationally by the U.S. News & World Report as the #6 public school of public health, SPH is home to approximately 1,000 students, 130 faculty, and 400 staff across 25 internationally recognized centers. Our academic excellence is highlighted by our #3-ranked Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA) and #9-ranked Biostatistics programs.

Pay Range: $25.97 - $31.25 per hour ($54,000 - $65,000 annually); 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

Please note: At this time, the University's employment site is limited in how it collects applicant demographic information. Applicants are encouraged to provide their pronouns and/or preferred name within their attached application materials.

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.

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.

REQUIRED: RESUME AND COVER LETTER

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

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

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.

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 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.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).