Assistant Professor in Native American Nutrition & Food Systems

Position:

The University of Minnesota invites applications for a 9-month faculty position in Native American Nutrition and Food Systems at the Assistant Professor level in the Department of Food Science and Nutrition in the College of Food, Agricultural, and Natural Resource Sciences. The appointment will typically consist of 50% research and 50% teaching, but appointment percentages may vary depending on the qualifications and seniority of the appointee.

Description:

This position will be a nine-month, tenure-track appointment involving research and teaching that supports the mission of the Department of Food Science and Nutrition. The appointee is expected to develop a strong extramurally funded research program that investigates the relationship between diet, lifestyle and health of Native American individuals, urban and/or tribal communities. The research program should be representative of the diversity of tribal communities in Minnesota. Expectations include leadership in organizing nutrition and food-related scholarly and community events, such as the Native American Nutrition Conference. The appointee is expected to develop and maintain strong and respectful relationships with tribal communities and develop collaborations with other investigators within the Department, the College, and the University, such as the Academic Health Center, the Extension Department for Family, Health and Well-being, and the School of Public Health. The appointee will be expected to teach undergraduate and graduate courses in nutrition, food systems, and related areas. Advising will include undergraduate, M.S., MPS and Ph.D. students.

Required:

• Earned doctorate in nutrition, food science, food systems, public health or a related field, with training and experience in community-based participatory research in nutrition, public health, or food systems
• Demonstrated experience working closely with Native American and/or Alaska Natives on issues related to nutrition, public health, and the food system; strong motivation to build a research program with Minnesota tribal communities
• Published research in peer reviewed scholarly journals on the topic of Native American nutrition and food systems; and strong communication and interpersonal skills

Preferred:

• Post-doctoral research experience related to Native American nutrition and food systems; understanding of Native American research and evaluation methods and the importance of culture to these efforts
• Evidence of ability to acquire extramural funding including experience in grant writing and managing grants
• Evidence of strong research and administration skills and ability to work independently and in collaboration with interdisciplinary team members; experience with mentorship of students
• Potential for effective classroom teaching of appropriate nutrition, food science and/or food systems courses

Department of Food Science and Nutrition: The Department of Food Science and Nutrition creates and shares knowledge to ensure a safe, healthy, and appealing food supply that supports the well-being and prosperity of people and the environment. The Department creates an environment welcoming of all cultural backgrounds and fosters an organizational culture of collaboration, innovation, entrepreneurship, and shared leadership. As food, health, and well-being have a central place in all communities, we hold ourselves accountable to creating an academic environment that both reflects and contributes to our 21st-century pluralistic society. In accordance with our history as a 1862 land-grant university, we continue to create an environment of teaching, research, and outreach that serves all communities and stakeholders with respect and dignity.

The integration of food science and nutrition provides an exceptional opportunity for the Department to capitalize on the intersection of the areas of health, food culture, dietary habits, food experience, and food production. The Department plays a unique and important role in training professionals and providing services in the fields of food science, nutrition, and dietetics. Faculty members in the Department are nationally and internationally recognized scholars in a wide range of nutrition and food science areas, including food safety and microbiology, food chemistry, sensory evaluation, food processing, nutrition and health, diet-based disease prevention, and community nutrition.

The Department employs 21 tenure/tenure track faculty members and about 30 professional staff members. Current enrollments include over 270 undergraduate majors and around 100 masters and doctoral students from diverse backgrounds and cultures. Undergraduate programs include an ACEND-accredited Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) and an IFT-approved food science program. The department hosts an ACEND-accredited Dietetic Internship, the J.J. Warthesen Food Processing Center, the Sensory Center, and the Plant Protein Innovation Center. The Department has a history of collaboration with other units, including departments within the College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences, the College of Science and Engineering, the School of Public Health, the Hormel Institute, and the Forever Green Initiative. For more information about faculty members, programs, and curriculum, see: http://fscn.cfans.umn.edu/.

Pay Range: $89,000 - $100,000 annually, depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment:100% Appointment

Position Type: Faculty and P&A 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.

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 or CV.

Applications must include the following: (1) cover letter; (2) detailed CV/resume; (3) statement describing your vision on inclusive undergraduate and graduate education that meets the needs of 21st century employers and society; (4) statement describing your research philosophy and the relevance of your research to constituents and stakeholders; (5) graduate transcripts; and (6) names and contact information for three professional references (reference letters should only be provided upon request). Combine all parts of the application (i.e., letter, CV, statements, etc.) into a single document before uploading.

For questions or inquiries about the position, please contact the chair of the search committee, Dr. Mindy Kurzer (mkurzer@umn.edu) or Nadia Zamoida (zamoi001@umn.edu)
We invite you to visit our website at http://fscn.cfans.umn.edu

This position will remain open until filled.

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).