Assistant Professor, Community Nutrition - Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition
University of Illinois

Assistant Professor, Community Nutrition - Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition

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The Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition (FSHN) at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign seeks an outstanding community nutrition expert to fill a full-time 9-month (academic year) tenure-track faculty position at the Assistant Professor level with a 45% Extension appointment. The remaining appointment will be teaching and research. The successful candidate will contribute to the FSHN Department's core areas of community nutrition and integrated food, nutrition, and health. Expertise in behavioral sciences at the individual, population, policy, systems, and/or environmental levels related to nutrition, health promotion, and disease prevention is desired. All areas of community nutrition will be considered, emphasizing the candidate's capability of executing an innovative and impactful research and outreach portfolio.

This position has the unique opportunity to fulfill the land grant mission by integrating research, teaching, and outreach by engaging faculty collaborators, a network of Extension field staff, and community partners encompassing Illinois and beyond. Extension aims to address grand challenges in the areas of community, environment, economy, food, and health with a portfolio encompassing issues such as social-emotional health and wellbeing, chronic disease prevention and management, environmental and systems related to food access, and nutrition security. Emerging opportunities include nutrition approaches with medical and health care settings, nutrition and health aspects of local food systems, and methodologies for measuring policy and system changes. The interdisciplinary nature of the position provides excellent student engagement for hands-on learning and applied research.

This position is aligned with several campus initiatives and centers, including the Center for Social and Behavioral Sciences, the Family Resiliency Center, the Division of Nutritional Sciences, and the Personalized Nutrition Initiative. The successful candidate also will be well-positioned to collaborate with scientists across campus, including in the Community Health Program, the School of Social Work, the Carle-Illinois College of Medicine, and the Illinois Cancer Center.

Responsibilities:
The successful candidate will establish and maintain an externally-funded, independent research and outreach program focused on community nutrition. Emphasis will be on the dissemination and implementation science, behavioral, or environmental intervention methods/strategies, dietary patterns; health equity; translational research; and/or health outcomes. Through collaborations with other faculty, Extension staff, and community stakeholders across Illinois and nationally, key discoveries will be translated into real-world solutions to address Illinois residents' health and nutrition needs. In addition, the successful candidate will be expected to teach undergraduate and graduate-level nutrition courses relevant to their expertise, obtain extramural funding, and have a demonstrated record of peer-reviewed publications.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must have an earned doctorate in nutrition, public health, social and behavioral health, or a related discipline. An understanding of the land grant university mission and cooperative extension. Ability to advance the department's research, teaching, and outreach goals with relevant activities and collaboration. Evidence of effective interpersonal and communication skills are required. Final approval is given by the Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois

Preferred Qualifications:
Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN). Experience facilitating and conducting community-based research. Experience in extension and outreach. Demonstrated ability to secure extramural funding, translate findings into programs and publications, and advance the scholarship of community nutrition. Experience mentoring undergraduate and graduate students, college-level teaching, and engagement in professional associations are desired.

Salary:
Competitive salary with benefits and start-up package are commensurate with qualifications.

Appointment Details:
100% full-time 9-month (academic year) tenure-track faculty position at the Assistant Professor level with a 45% Extension appointment

Proposed Start Date and Location:
August 16, 2023; University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

Application Process:
To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by January 31, 2023. Applicants may be interviewed before January 31, 2023; however, no hiring decision will be made until after that date. This position will remain open until a suitable candidate is identified and the position is filled. Individuals with diverse, underrepresented backgrounds are especially welcome to apply.

Interested applicants must submit:
A cover letter detailing suitability for and interest in the position
Curriculum vitae
Statement of outreach and engagement vision
Statement of teaching philosophy
Statement of research (~1500 words)
Diversity Statement (~800 words)*
Names and contact information for five (5) references.

Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting. Applications not submitted through https://jobs.illinois.edu or incomplete applications will not be considered. Upload all materials in a single PDF file in the "CV/Resume" section.

*Diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging are core values at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and the Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition. Successful candidates for our faculty positions will demonstrate a commitment to advancing these objectives and values. All applicants must submit a statement on diversity, equity, and inclusion, which will be evaluated on the applicant's knowledge, record, and future contributions in this area. The Diversity Statement describes: your experience engaging with students of diverse backgrounds (e.g., students from underrepresented groups, first-generation college students, etc.) and/or fostering diverse perspectives; what diversity, equity, and inclusion mean to you and how that is incorporated in your teaching, research and/or service; and how you would approach creating an inclusive learning environment in the classroom, laboratory and/or broader university community.

The University of Illinois conducts criminal background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer. Final approval is given by the Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois.

Additional Information:

For additional information about the department - https://fshn.illinois.edu

Information about the position - contact the search chair
Dr. Sharon Donovan, Professor, sdonovan@illinois.edu

Questions regarding the search process may be directed to
Ms. Audra Martin, Office Manager, mart@illinois.edu

For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137

The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, COVID-19 vaccination requirement, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify .

As an equal opportunity employer, all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, status as a protected veteran, or status as a qualified individual with a disability. Illinois welcomes individuals with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and ideas who embrace and value diversity and inclusivity www.inclusiveillinois.illinois.edu.

Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodations portal , or by contacting the Accessibility & Accommodations Division of the Office for Access and Equity at 217-333-0885, or by emailing accessibility@illinois.edu .

Requisition ID: 1013302
Job Category: Faculty
Apply at: https://jobs.illinois.edu