Project Scientist at Nutrition Policy Institute; AP

The University of California, Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR) invites applications for a Project Scientist at the Assistant rank. The Nutrition Policy Institute (NPI) is an ANR statewide unit that conducts and translates policy-relevant research to transform environments for healthy children, families, and communities. NPI researchers work with other researchers throughout the UC system as well as local, state, and national partners.

NPI projects are funded primarily from grants and contracts with 20-30 active research and evaluation projects underway at any given time.

The project is expected to start on January 1, 2027 and an Assistant Project Scientist will work on studies related to youth cardiometabolic health; school nutrition programs; nutrition policy; and implementation science. The primary project will include research and policy work related to ultraprocessed foods (UPFs) in school meals, snacks, and competitive foods. Major responsibilities of the Assistant Project Scientist will include high-level literature reviews;

collaborating with partners at the California Department of Public Health and the California Department of Education; collecting, cleaning, and analyzing qualitative and policy data; designing and managing studies; supporting grant writing efforts; and presenting and publishing research through peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations.

Location headquarters: The position will be headquartered at UC Office of the President at 1111 Franklin Street, Eleventh floor, Oakland, CA 94607.

The position will develop and conduct applied research and evaluation that is consistent with UC ANR’s Strategic Vision and NPI’s Strategic Plan and disseminate findings and recommendations to inform programs and policy.

• Rigorously review the literature to inform study design and measures.
• Design and direct the development of detailed protocols and instruments for data collection including plans for testing of measurement methods.
• Train and supervise other data collectors.
• Coordinate data management. Determine appropriate analysis techniques for each dataset and research question. Conduct and supervise qualitative and policy analyses using one or more qualitative analysis programs commonly used in public health.
• Prepare data tables and brief reports to summarize qualitative data.
• Identify federal and non-federal funding opportunities; develop and write proposals as part of a collaborative team; and recruit collaborators.

• Prepare and deliver oral presentations to summarize research findings for research, professional, and lay audiences.
• Prepare manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed journals.
• Prepare interim and final reports and project summary materials (including fact sheets and policy briefs) for funders, community stakeholders, and policy makers.

• Foster collaborative teamwork with other NPI and UC academics and others to address priority research and evaluation topics.
• Foster collaborative teamwork with the Department of Public Health and Department of Education partners.
• Interact with UC ANR Program Teams, specialists and others within the research/extension network to develop, strengthen and expand research.
• Build relationships to work with diverse populations.

• Participate in professional organizations and collaborate with federal, state and county governmental agencies, non-government organizations and others by providing independent science-based information.
• Maintain a program of continuous self-improvement by participating in trainings, seminars, workshops, staff meetings, work group & program team meetings, short courses, professional society meetings and other relevant opportunities.

Reporting Relationship: The position is administratively responsible to NPI Project Scientist for the conduct research and evaluation. The position is directly reporting to the NPI Director. It is not a remote position; the candidate must be available to work onsite.

A minimum of a Ph.D. in community nutrition, nutritional epidemiology, public health, health policy or a related field is required at the time of appointment. Preferred background includes experience with state and federal nutrition assistance programs, and specifically with school meals.