Assistant Prof in Precision Nutrition

Assistant Professor in Precision Nutrition
Department of Food Science and Nutrition, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN

The University of Minnesota invites applications for a tenure track Assistant Professor (50% research and 50% teaching) in Precision Nutrition in the Department of Food Science and Nutrition in the College of Food, Agricultural, and Natural Resource Sciences.

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 incoming professor will be teaching an equivalent of at least two courses, including undergraduate and graduate courses, per academic year. Research should focus on the factors that cause subpopulation to respond variably to diet. The department is aiming to strengthen its precision nutrition research through the use of -omics platforms and state-of-the-art laboratory techniques to aid in the development of dietary recommendations that optimize health in all populations. The successful candidate will be expected to develop an extramurally funded research program and to mentor graduate (MS and PhD) and undergraduate students.

The appointee will be expected to develop collaborations with other investigators within the Department, the College, and the University, the Hormel Institute, as well as partners and stakeholders outside of the university, including state and federal agencies and industries.

The appointee will be expected to actively engage in developing an inclusive climate where all are welcome and able to achieve their educational and professional goals; to support transforming our academic system to better help others gain access to resources necessary for success and to provide support for policies and decisions that account for and eliminate structural barriers embedded in higher education.

Required: Earned doctorate in nutrition or a related discipline with postdoctoral experience in precision nutrition, nutritional biochemistry and metabolism, nutritional physiology, nutritional genetics, or other related fields; evidence of strong research skills and a publication record in peer reviewed scholarly journals; evidence of ability to work independently and in collaboration with interdisciplinary team members.

Preferred: Strong grasp on current trends and active research in precision nutrition; exposure to the state of art techniques and platforms in precision nutrition research; demonstrated potential for acquisition of extramural funding including experience in writing and managing grants; experience in effective classroom teaching and student mentorship.

The Department of Food Science and Nutrition creates and shares knowledge to ensure a safe, healthy, and appealing food supply that supports the wellbeing 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 an 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 training professionals and providing service 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 master's and doctoral students from diverse backgrounds and cultures. Undergraduate programs include an ACEND-accredited DPD program 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, the Plant Protein Innovation Center and the Midwest Dairy Foods Research 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 Healthy Foods Healthy Lives Institute, the Hormel Institute and the Forever Green Initiative. For more information about the Department of Food Science and Nutrition, see: http://fscn.cfans.umn.edu/.

Pay Range: $87,000-$93,000; 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

Apply on-line via the University of Minnesota Employment System at http://www1.umn.edu/ohr/employment/. The Job Opening ID for this position is 367118.

Applications must include the following: (1) cover letter; (2) detailed CV/resume; (3) statement describing interest in, experience with, and commitment to diversity and inclusion; (4) statement describing your vision on inclusive undergraduate and graduate education that meets the needs of 21st century employers and society; (5) statement describing your research philosophy and the relevance of your research to constituents and stakeholders; (6) graduate transcripts; and (7) 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. Chi Chen (email: chichen@umn.edu).

Review of applications will begin on April 1st and continue until the position is filled. We invite you to visit our website at http://fscn.cfans.umn.edu.

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).