Assistant Professor in Native American Nutrition & Food Systems

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 percentages may vary depending on qualifications and seniority.

Description: This tenure‑track appointment focuses on research and teaching that supports the mission of the Department. The appointee is expected to develop a strong extramurally funded research program exploring the relationship between diet, lifestyle, and health of Native American individuals and communities. The program should reflect the diversity of tribal communities in Minnesota and includes leadership in organizing nutrition and food‑related scholarly and community events such as the Native American Nutrition Conference.

The candidate will build and maintain respectful relationships with tribal communities, collaborate with colleagues across the University, and teach undergraduate and graduate courses in nutrition, food systems, and related areas. Advising includes undergraduate, M.S., MPS, and Ph.D. students.

Required:

• Earned doctorate in nutrition, food science, food systems, public health, or 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 Native communities on nutrition, public health, and food system issues; strong motivation to build a research program with Minnesota tribal communities.
• Published research in peer‑reviewed journals on Native American nutrition and food systems; strong communication and interpersonal skills.

Preferred:

• Postdoctoral research experience related to Native American nutrition and food systems; understanding of Native American research and evaluation methods and the importance of culture.
• Evidence of ability to acquire extramural funding, including grant writing and grant management experience.
• Strong research and administrative skills and ability to work independently and in collaboration with interdisciplinary teams; experience mentoring students.
• Potential for effective classroom teaching of appropriate nutrition, food science, and/or food systems courses.

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

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Faculty and P&A Staff

Benefits include:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off.
• Continuously 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 opportunity.
• Financial counseling services.
• Employee Assistance Program with eight counseling sessions at no cost.
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area.

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 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.

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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.