Research Associate Professor/Research Professor & Assistant Director, Food and Nutrition Systems

Prairie View A&M University•Prairie View, TX

About The Position

As we seek to strengthen the Food Systems Research Program in the CARC, it is our intent to engage in forward and broad thinking strategies that provide sustainable solutions to solve immediately existing problems in addition to laying the foundation for solving anticipated futuristic problems such as providing nutritious, healthy food for the world’s growing population. As a collective Food Systems research team, our mission is to serve clientele, both the underserved producers and businesses, in the continual development of safe productive food and nutrition study practices. The practices will lead to efficient, innovative, and science-based knowledge and solutions for agriculture, food, nutrition and environmentally friendly related issues. Our vision is to use smart approaches to contribute to the enhancement of food and agriculture that protects and improves the health, nutrition, and quality of life of all Americans while feeding the world. Since food and nutrition are inherently connected, we seek to build a team of researchers that can contribute to innovations that enhance food safety, lessens food insecurities, and emphasizes nutritional security. Areas of research expertise and interest that we seek include, but not limited to, the following three foci: Food Science, Nutrition, and Public Health. Food science is a vital discipline that tackles the complexities arising from the physical, biological, and chemical composition of food. Nutrition focuses on identifying, understanding, and consuming the recommended nutrients from food and the impact on bodily functions. Public health evaluates both the beneficial and detrimental health outcomes resulting from interventions in food science and nutrition. Having expertise in food science, nutrition, and public health is crucial for our institution to lead cutting-edge research, develop innovative practices, and contribute significantly to agricultural sustainability and food security. The Food System Leader, in collaboration with the Executive Associate Director (EAD) of the CARC, the Assistant Director of CARC, and the Associate Dean (AD) for Academic Programs, will establish the overall vision and oversee the operational management for the Food Systems in regards to research priorities and the general development of research scientists (including faculty with split teaching-research appointments and research faculty), postdoctoral fellows, research specialists and technicians, and student research interns within the Plant Systems. As the chief administrative officer of the Food System s Research Program , the leader has the responsibility for the delivery of a robust program of research and related activities in accordance with CAFNR and the CARC regarding mission goals and objectives as spelled out in the PVAMU, CAFNR, CARC, Cooperative Extension Program (CEP) as well as the USDA/NIFA strategic plans. This position will have day-to-day management of staff and resources and operational strategies for the unit. The position will support the work of Food Systems research scientists who are engaged in food production and/or processing, food safety, nutrition, food sustainability, and public health interventions. It is pivotal for advancing research, education, and innovation in the field of food and nutrition sciences. This position is funded by a grant or restricted funds. Continued employment is contingent on the renewal of grant or restricted funding.

Requirements

Ph.D. with research experiences in Food Science, Nutrition, Food Systems or related field.
7+ years of experience in leading a multidisciplinary group of researchers.
Proven record of publications in related field.
Proven record in secured external grant funding in food and nutrition science related areas.
A record of collaborations, involvement in professional development, and student research engagement activities.
Must be excellent in written/oral communications with high proficiency in scientific English.

Nice To Haves

R.D. in the Food or Nutrition field.
Time management skills to be able to prioritize activities, especially when there is a high volume of tasks.
Communication skills to be able to communicate with internal research members or collaborators and understand their needs.
Strong organizational skills to perform multiple tasks.
Ability to use basic computer programs including Microsoft Office 365 and a willingness to learn other statistical tools.
Flexibility to move between activities and duties quickly if priorities change.

Responsibilities

Pursue a viable research program in food and nutrition sciences.
Attain and sustain excellence in research.
Develop compelling research proposals to garner extramural funds for research and or extension.
Disseminate research findings through scientific publications, workshops and conferences.
Work closely with the system members, EAD for research, Department Head, and Extension counterparts to shape the long-term vision and roadmap for research within the system.
Review and provide feedback on research proposals, ensuring alignment with CARC, CAFNR, and sponsoring organizations' mission and goals.
Lead research teams to plan, monitor, implement, and complete project deliverables on time and within budgets.
Evaluate faculty with split teaching-research appointments, research faculty, research specialists, research scientists, postdoctoral fellows, and technician’s performance in coordination with the Associate Dean (AD) and Executive Associate Director (EAD) for Research (CARC).
Assist in the development of CARC’s Plan of Work and Impact Statements.
Monitor progress of all Food Systems research initiatives, working in coordination with scientists, and postdoctoral fellows.
Oversee the Food Systems’ budget and resources and work closely with the EAD and research scientists to set priorities.
Embrace and foster a culture to improve the success of research scientists, postdoctoral fellows, technicians, and student research interns.
Receive, review, investigate and resolve complaints/conflicts within the Food Systems.
Work with faculty with split teaching-research appointments to promote excellence in teaching, research, and service in accordance with the level of their appointment; facilitates faculty efforts at seeking external grant support.
Work closely with other System Leaders to foster cooperative/collaborative relationships and a shared vision.
Foster and develop a culture of collaborative partnership beyond the boundaries of PVAMU.
Work to foster, strengthen, and integrate relationships and collaborations among four strategic areas (Academics, Extension, Research, and Farm).
Support team members to enhance publications and recognition through high-quality research.
Work closely with the Information, Impact, and Sustainability Center (IISC) to ensure press releases highlighting the key findings of the Food Systems’ research and distribute them to media that cater to general audiences and update web content regularly.
Participate in College-wide/University/TAMUS Cooperative/Collaborative partnerships.
Perform other duties as assigned by the Executive Associate Director (EAD) of CARC, Assistant Director of CARC, Associate Dean of Academic Programs, and the Dean/Director of Land-Grant Programs.