Disease-spread modeling is supported by math modeling
experts.
20% - Scientific Literature and Epidemiological
Research
- Conduct extensive research using a broad range of scientific
literature including outbreak information, disease epidemiology,
viral environmental fate and transport, chemical and physical
properties of the commodities, critical industry processes and
commodity supply chain structures.
15% - Data Synthesis and Risk Interpretation
- Interpret and synthesize findings from diverse resources,
including published literature, industry best practices, national
and international trade guidelines, and expert opinion into an
interpretation of comprehensive composite risk.
15% - Scientific Risk Assessment for Commodity
Movement
- Use complex scientific principles to evaluate the safe movement
of agricultural commodities during a highly consequential foreign
animal disease (FAD) outbreak according to project aims.
5% - Analytical Methodology and Statistical Modeling
- Develop qualitative analytical methods to evaluate the
identified risk pathways.
- The risk analyst collaborates with the modeler in development
of quantitative analytical methods using statistical and simulation
models to support the risk analysis.
5% - Stakeholder Outreach and Collaborative
Communication
- This work involves regular communication and on-going outreach
to industry leaders, academic scientists and regulatory
stakeholders to obtain information on disease data gaps, current
industry practices, feasibility issues and options for disease
mitigation strategies during an outbreak.
5% - Multi-Disciplinary Expert Collaboration
- Identify and consult with experts across various
multi-disciplinary scientific fields to address data gaps.
- Maintain on-going engagement and collaboration with national
and international Foreign Animal Disease experts.
5% - Technical Publications and Regulatory Outreach
- Education and outreach related to this work includes
presentations to industry leaders, scientific audiences,
publications in scientific and industry journals.
- In addition, communication with the state and federal
government through their communication resources.
Location and Work Environment
Work Schedule
- 26.8 hours/week, Monday - Friday with flexible hours
Qualifications
Required Qualifications
- Advanced degree
- Substantial research and publication record and/or
experience
- Strong literature and grey literature research skills
- Knowledge of federal government regulatory processes such as
USDA policy and regulation development and implementation.
- General competence with statistics
- Excellent writing skills especially related to long technical
documents
- Strong verbal, interpersonal, and group communication
skills
- Ability to mediate and negotiate between partners and
entities
- Must be willing to be on farms and evaluate animal agriculture
processes.
- Ability to outline a project start to finish and include
milestones
- Must work effectively with intermittent supervision.
- Demonstrated project management and strong organizational
skills
Preferred Qualifications
- 2-4+ years of experience in science writing and analysis
- Familiarity with proactive Risk Assessments
- Familiarity with routine risk assessment strategies
- Animal production background
- Familiar with Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza, African Swine
Fever, and Viral Hemorrhagic Septicemia
- General knowledge of food animal diagnostic tests and pathogen
transmission.
Physical Requirements
- Must be able to operate a computer
- Must be able to participate in group meetings
Pay and Benefits
Pay Range: $67,000 - $73,700 annually ; depending on
education/qualifications/experience
Time Appointment: 67% 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
- Medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
- Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
- University HSA contributions
- Disability and life insurance
- Employee wellbeing program
- Retirement plans
- Financial counseling services
- Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling
at no cost
While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to
note that most of the
time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This
approach ensures
that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of
each candidate while
maintaining equity within our organization. As part of our
commitment to fair and
equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered to
incoming candidates
will be based on their individual credentials and experience.
How To Apply
Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this
position, please click the Apply button and follow the
instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an
online application for the position and attach a cover letter and
resume.
Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing
your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My
Cover Letters and Attachments" section.
To request an accommodation during the application process, please
e-mail jobcentr@umn.edu.
Diversity
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
Employment Requirements
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.
About University of Minnesota
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
Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer
for Women (2023, 2025, 2026), and Best Employer by State
(2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence &
Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life
flexibility.
