Assistant Professor

Assistant Professor – Food Systems & Community Nutrition

University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN

Tenure‑track Assistant Professor in Food Systems & Community Nutrition Extension Department of Food Science and Nutrition, 60% extension, 40% research, 9‑month appointment.

Mission:
Address food systems issues, food access, food entrepreneurship, health disparities and food insecurity; develop a strong extramurally funded research program investigating the relationship between diet, lifestyle, and health of individuals and communities. The program should acknowledge the needs of cultural communities including New Americans/immigrants/refugees as well as traditionally underrepresented groups (American Indian and African American populations). The appointee will develop close partnerships with the Departments of Family, Health and Wellbeing and Community Development at University of Minnesota Extension, and engage in collaborations with investigators within the Department, the College, the University, such as the Academic Health Center and the School of Public Health, and state and federal agencies.

• Conduct research and develop an extramurally funded program on food systems, food access, food entrepreneurship, health disparities, and food insecurity.
• Engage communities affected by food insecurity and develop educational programming for diverse audiences.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary research and Extension teams.
• Provide extension teaching, program leadership, and contribute to university‑wide partnerships.

• Required: Earned doctorate by start date with training and experience in community nutrition; evidence of strong research skills, peer‑reviewed publications, communication and interpersonal skills; ability to work independently and collaboratively; experience with food‑insecure communities; experience or demonstrated interest in developing educational programming for diverse audiences; potential for excellence in extension teaching, program leadership, and success working with multi‑disciplinary research and Extension teams.
• Preferred: Post‑doctoral research, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, or relevant professional and/or community experience including success in facilitating meetings, stakeholder discussions, or learning sessions; ability to foster inclusive dialogue, manage group dynamics, and ensure productive outcomes; experience writing or managing grants; potential for effective classroom teaching and acquisition of extramural funding; demonstrated commitment to diversity and inclusion.

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. It provides training and service in nutrition, dietetics, and food science, and collaborates with interdisciplinary units such as the Healthy Foods Healthy Lives Institute, the Minnesota Nutrition and Obesity Center, the School of Public Health, and the Hormel Institute.

Pay Range: $88,000 – $95,000, depending on education/qualifications/experience. Time Appointment: 100% (Faculty and P&A Staff).

• 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 online via the University of Minnesota Employment System at University of Minnesota Employment System (Job Opening ). Applications must include a cover letter, a detailed CV/resume, a statement describing teaching interests and philosophy (1‑2 pages), a statement describing…