Risk Analyst for the Secure Food System Team
About The Job
The purpose of this position is to contribute to the development of science-based proactive risk assessments to evaluate the likelihood that the movement of agricultural commodities during a foreign animal disease (FAD) outbreak of high pathogenic Avian Influenza, Viral Hemorrhagic Septicemia, African Swine Fever, Foot and Mouth Disease or other FADs in the U.S would contribute to disease spread. The science and risk-based information developed in this research serves, and is used by, state, tribal, and federal government officials, industry, and academic partners, and intended to be incorporated into regional and national emergency response and business continuity plans.
Job Responsibilities
30% - Foreign Animal Disease Risk Assessment and Preparedness
Leads the technical research, development and writing of proactive risk analysis documents to support emergency response and business continuity in the event of a Foreign Animal Disease (FAD) outbreak in the United States. This work includes helping to define the scope of work, developing a work plan and timeline, contributing the technical analysis, data collection, risk evaluation, and technical writing of the risk assessments.30% - Scientific Research and Literature Review
Conducts 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.20% - Risk Interpretation and Evidence Synthesis
Contributes to the interpretation and synthesis of 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.10% - Stakeholder Engagement and Technical Collaboration
This work involves regular communication and ongoing 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.4% - Technical Communication and Outreach
Education and outreach related for this work includes presentations to industry leaders, scientific audiences, publications in scientific and industry journals. In addition, communication with state and federal government through their communication resources.2% - Scientific Evaluation of 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.2% - Risk Analysis Methodology Development
Work with others on the SFS team and outside collaborators to 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.2% - Scientific Collaboration and Expert Engagement
Identify and consult with experts across various multi-disciplinary scientific fields to address data gaps. Contribute to on-going engagement and collaboration with national and international Foreign Animal Disease experts.
Qualifications
Advanced degree (DVM, MS)
2-4+ years of experience in science writing and analysis
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
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
Pay And Benefits
Pay Range: $100,000 - $110,000 annually ; depending on education/qualifications/experience
Time Appointment: 100% 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 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 (PSLF) opportunity
Financial counseling services
Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area
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.
To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.
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.
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.