Research Assistant Professor – Turkey Health

About the Job

Department of Animal Science

Classification & Title: 9403R, Research Assistant Professor

Working Title: Research Assistant Professor, Turkey Health

Term: 12-month, non tenure-track, renewable, 1-year initial contract

Reports to: Animal Science Department Head

College/Admin Unit: College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences

Campus Location: St. Paul Campus

Position Overview

Research Assistant Professor, non-tenure-track (12-month) position with 100% research responsibilities involving turkey health and management. The individual in this UMN position will be funded by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture and will work closely with the Minnesota Poultry Industry and University of Minnesota (UMN) faculty and students to conduct research focused on the study of avian influenza, salmonella, and other diseases of turkeys, to possibly include identifying mechanisms of pathogenesis; evaluating management approaches to reduce disease severity, incidence, and spread; and other approaches to control or reduce diseases of economic importance to the turkey industry.

The home of this position is in the Department of Animal Science (http://ansci.umn.edu) which is part of the College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences (CFANS)

(http://www.cfans.umn.edu/) on the St. Paul Campus. The successful candidate is expected to develop an independent, yet collaborative, research program to complement ongoing UMN work

in related fields and to recruit and mentor graduate students including those from diverse backgrounds. Collaboration among research and Extension faculty and with colleagues in the UMN College of Veterinary Medicine, the UMN Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, and other disciplines is expected. This position is renewable annually depending on successful performance and continuation of funding. As a contract faculty position, tenure is not awarded, but a successful research faculty member can earn promotion to Associate and Full Research Professor based on academic accomplishments, with promotions resulting in the offer of renewable three-year and five-year contracts for promotion to associate and full professor, respectively.

Responsibilities

The UMN Department of Animal Science is seeking applicants having the ability to establish and maintain an innovative, independent yet collaborative, extramurally funded research program, and contribute to the public service mission of the University.

Research: 100%

• The successful candidate will be expected to develop a nationally and internationally recognized and fundable research program in turkey health.
• The individual will conduct basic and translational research with molecular, cellular, or systems immunology which could span a broad range of disciplines including but not limited to microbiology, virology, animal health, immunogenetics, biochemistry, and molecular and cell biology in turkeys. Biochemical, and/or biotechnological approaches to enhance productivity of turkeys are also fertile aspects of potential research.
• The candidate is expected to be a contributing member to the research programs within the Department and collaborate with other faculty in departments and colleges across the U of M and other scientists in state and federal agencies.
• The successful candidate will be expected to explore opportunities for basic and applied research projects with several of the aforementioned industry partners in the state of Minnesota.
• The successful candidate’s research program is expected to support graduate student research, resulting in publications in relevant refereed journals.
• The successful candidate will seek extramural funding to fund graduate research assistantships and grow their research programs through effective grantsmanship.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Ph.D. (or equivalent) in animal, poultry, or veterinary science or a program with a demonstrated focus on avian health, immunology, or similar field completed by the time of appointment.
• Demonstrated ability to propose and conduct independent and collaborative research
• Publication record in peer reviewed scientific journals
• Demonstrated commitment to advancing and promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion including the ability to work respectfully and effectively with individuals with diverse identities and underrepresented groups.

Preferred Qualifications

• Post-doctoral work in aspects of avian, or preferably, turkey immunology or disease management.
• Background in providing oversight to research in turkey health and diseases.
• Exceptional written and oral communication skills.
• Knowledge and experience with avian influenza, salmonella, and/or other diseases of turkeys.
• Evidence of obtaining extramural grant funding.
• Experience in graduate student advising and mentoring.
• Experience and ability to work in research and outreach in an interdisciplinary, diverse, and multicultural environment.
• Experience in field-based applied research.
• Evidence of communication of research results to external audiences

About the Department

College Overview

The College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences (CFANS) is composed of 27 programs: 14 undergraduate and 13 graduate programs in disciplines involving food, agricultural, and natural resource sciences. CFANS also has 10 research and outreach centers across Minnesota, plus the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, the Bell Museum, and dozens of interdisciplinary centers that span the college, the university, and the globe. Undergraduate enrollment in the college is about 2000 students. CFANS students are well-prepared for a diverse, multicultural workforce through the college’s emphasis on experiential, interdisciplinary, and intercultural learning; internships and global perspectives.

At CFANS, we aim to inspire minds, nourish people, and enhance the natural environment, and we believe that’s only possible if everyone feels seen, heard and respected. Our College embraces equity and diversity and prioritizes purpose-driven scientific discovery in order for us to build a better tomorrow, together. We align with the University of Minnesota in providing 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.

Department Overview 

The Department of Animal Science (http://www.ansci.umn.edu) in the College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resources Sciences (CFANS) (http://www.cfans.umn.edu/) is located on the scenic St. Paul campus. The Animal Science major, with an enrollment of 360 students, is divided into five emphasis areas: Business/Industry, Companion Animal, Equine, Production, and Pre-Veterinary Medicine/Science. Each emphasis offers a unique combination of classes to prepare students for future careers in business, production management, companion animal, equine, veterinary medicine or graduate school. Within an emphasis, students can also specialize in a species, such as beef, companion animal, dairy, equine, poultry, swine or sheep, or develop a set of elective classes unique to their animal interests. The Animal Sciences graduate program currently has 38 graduate students. In addition to the MS and PhD degrees in Animal Science, students may also participate in the Poultry Health Certificate Program (https://poultrytraining.umn.edu/program-overviews/poultry-health-certificate-program) and/or the Masters of Applied Poultry Science https://poultrytraining.umn.edu/program-overviews/research-masters).

Poultry Industry in Minnesota

Minnesota has an extensive poultry industry which is linked both nationally and internationally. Minnesota has ranked #1 for turkey production (39-42 million annually); and is home to the world’s largest turkey hatchery company (Select-Genetics) and the 2nd largest turkey processing company in the U.S. (Jennie-O Turkey Store), both located in Willmar, MN. Turkey Valley Farms in Marshall, MN is grower owned, and packages as many as 100 different labels. Northern Pride in Thief River Falls, MN is also a cooperative that specializes in free-range, antibiotic-free, and organic turkeys. The Minnesota Turkey industry comprises 600 individual farms and accounts for over $1B in economic activity and 26,000 jobs. In addition, Minnesota is ranked 10th in the US for chicken egg layers and the major broiler company (Pilgrims’ Pride) produces 59 million chicken broilers annually. 

Benefits

Working at the University

At the University of Minnesota, you’ll find a flexible work environment and supportive colleagues who are interested in lifelong learning. We prioritize work-life balance, allowing you to invest in the future of your career and in your life outside of work.

The University also offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Scholarship
• 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

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefits.

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 have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Candidates should include all of the required application materials combined into one single PDF document. Incomplete applications will not be considered. 

Required application materials: 

• A cover letter clearly addressing the required and preferred qualifications
• Curriculum Vitae
• 1 – 2 page Research Statement
• Diversity Statement* (please see instructions below)
• Names, addresses and email contact information for three (3) professional references that will be contacted if you are deemed a final candidate

For questions regarding this position, please contact Dr, Anup Kollanoor Johny, chair of search committee, email: anupjohn@umn.edu, phone: 612- 625-5277. Inquiries about the search process may be directed to Kim Reno, Administrative Director, email: renox001@umn.edu, 612-624-7453. To request accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-UOHR (8647). 

Application Review will start on March 29, 2024. 

Please apply by that time for full consideration.

• Instructions for Diversity Statement (include with application materials) *

Applicants are required to submit a diversity statement for this position. CFANS values and is actively invested in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) throughout all of our academic programs. Please review the CFANS definition of diversity and the DEI strategic plan for the college. 

Please, provide a diversity statement that details your professional experiences in DEI. Experiences may include: 

• Working with diverse communities or local organizations
• Embedding diversity, equity, and inclusion into your professional career
• Embedding diversity, equity, and inclusion into your research
• Your own educational experiences, such as courses or workshops you have participated in and how you anticipate incorporating what you have learned in your future work

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 the U of M

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 the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America’s Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).

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