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. In addition to the scientific work, the risk analyst facilitates collaborative work groups with the partners and leads them through an agreement process for the parameters in the risk assessment.
The analyst is expected to present this information to scientific audiences through publication in scientific journals, presentations to national and international scientific meetings, and to government and industry leaders in technical meetings.
Job Responsibilities
30% - Proactive Risk Analysis and Emergency Response Development
- Lead 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 defining the scope of work, developing a work plan and timeline, conducting the technical analysis, data collection, risk evaluation, and technical writing of the risk assessments.
- 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
- Remote
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.
