Research Associate Professor​/Research Professor & Assistant Director, Food and Nutrition Systems

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As we seek to strengthen the Food Systems Research Program in the CARC, it is our intent to engage in forward and broad thinking strategies that provide sustainable solutions to solve immediately existing problems in addition to laying the foundation for solving anticipated futuristic problems such as providing nutritious, healthy food for the world’s growing population. As a collective Food Systems research team, our mission is to serve clientele, both the underserved producers and businesses, in the continual development of safe productive food and nutrition study practices.

The practices will lead to efficient, innovative, and science-based knowledge and solutions for agriculture, food, nutrition and environmentally friendly related issues. Our vision is to use smart approaches to contribute to the enhancement of food and agriculture that protects and improves the health, nutrition, and quality of life of all Americans while feeding the world. Since food and nutrition are inherently connected, we seek to build a team of researchers that can contribute to innovations that enhance food safety, lessens food insecurities, and emphasizes nutritional security.

Areas of research expertise and interest that we seek include, but not limited to, the following three foci:

Food Science, Nutrition, and Public Health. Food science is a vital discipline that tackles the complexities arising from the physical, biological, and chemical composition of food. Nutrition focuses on identifying, understanding, and consuming the recommended nutrients from food and the impact on bodily functions. Public health evaluates both the beneficial and detrimental health outcomes resulting from interventions in food science and nutrition.

Having expertise in food science, nutrition, and public health is crucial for our institution to lead cutting-edge research, develop innovative practices, and contribute significantly to agricultural sustainability and food security.

The Food System Leader, in collaboration with the Executive Associate Director (EAD) of the CARC, the Assistant Director of CARC, and the Associate Dean (AD) for Academic Programs, will establish the overall vision and oversee the operational management for the Food Systems in regards to research priorities and the general development of research scientists (including faculty with split teaching-research appointments and research faculty), postdoctoral fellows, research specialists and technicians, and student research interns within the Plant Systems.

As the chief administrative officer of the Food Systems Research Program, the leader has the responsibility for the delivery of a robust program of research and related activities in accordance with CAFNR and the CARC regarding mission goals and objectives as spelled out in the PVAMU, CAFNR, CARC, Cooperative Extension Program (CEP) as well as the USDA/NIFA strategic plans. This position will have day-to-day management of staff and resources and operational strategies for the unit.

The position will support the work of Food Systems research scientists who are engaged in food production and/or processing, food safety, nutrition, food sustainability, and public health interventions. It is pivotal for advancing research, education, and innovation in the field of food and nutrition sciences.

This position is funded by a grant or restricted funds. Continued employment is contingent on the renewal of grant or restricted funding.

Responsibilities:

• Pursue a viable research program in food and nutrition sciences.

• Attain and sustain excellence in research.

• Develop compelling research proposals to garner extramural funds for research and or extension.

• Disseminate research findings through scientific publications, workshops and conferences.

• Work closely with the system members, EAD for research, Department Head, and Extension counterparts to shape the…