Risk Analyst for the Secure Food System Team

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% - 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

• 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.

20%- Risk Interpretation and Evidence Synthesis

• Contribute 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 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.

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.

Required 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 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. 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.

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 or CV.

This position will remain open until filled.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

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

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.

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), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.