JOB DESCRIPTION

Research Scientist in Obesity Prevention, Local Food Systems and/or Food Insecurity

 

OUR MISSION

The Gretchen Swanson Center for Nutrition is an independent research institution providing scientific expertise, partnership and resources to improve diet and physical activity behaviors among youth and their families to help grow a healthier next generation.

 ORGANIZATION SUMMARY

The Center provides scientific expertise and technical assistance in areas of childhood obesity prevention, food insecurity, local food systems and health, and survey development and program evaluation.  This is accomplished through outreach and research efforts often partnering with various entities such as universities, nonprofits, and community organizations.  The Center garners funding through the submission of grants and contracts to build the research infrastructure at the local, state, and national levels.

 POSITION DESCRIPTION

The Center is looking to build it’s scientific team and is seeking a talented and highly motivated Research Scientist with strong leadership skills and advanced analytical abilities to conduct research in the areas described above (see website for more information about the Center at www.centerfornutrition.org).  This person must have the ability to work both collaboratively and independently, and in an academically supportive environment.  The Researcher will report directly to the Executive Director, but will also need to work collaboratively with all staff and overall be committed to the Center’s mission.  The candidate must possess a high level of professionalism and strong team orientation, as this position requires the ability to interact with internal and external contacts (at all levels) in a fast-paced environment.

 PRIMARY JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

·      Identify funding opportunities and develop grant applications for funding

·      Project management and coordination, and assisting with tasks from existing and ongoing projects

·      Structure and execute components of research including data analyses of national health surveys

·      Provide project support to various Center initiatives

·      Write and prepare manuscripts for publication in peer reviewed journals

·      Direct, supervise, train, mentor and evaluate assigned staff

 EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS

·      Ph.D. degree in public health, health promotion, behavioral sciences, epidemiology, nutrition, cancer prevention, health psychology or a related field in the areas of childhood obesity prevention, local food systems and/or food insecurity.  This position parallels an assistant professor or associate professor level, commensurate on experience, with the potential for an appointment in the College of Public Health at the University of Nebraska Medical Center and/or Eppley Cancer Center

·      Expertise in survey development and/or evaluation

·      Excellent organizational, planning, writing, statistical, and project management skills

·      Experience with extramural research grant funding

·      Demonstrate exceptional commitment to accuracy and attention to detail

·      Ability to work collaboratively an independently utilizing excellent interpersonal skills

·      Support the Executive Director on all research-related projects

·      Willingness to travel both locally and nationally

 SALARY AND BENEFITS

Salary commensurate with experience and education; competitive health, dental, 401(k) benefits.

 HOW TO APPLY

Please submit a cover letter, resume or vitae to Dr. Amy Yaroch, Executive Director, Gretchen Swanson Center for Nutrition, 505 Durham Research Plaza, Omaha, NE 68105 or [log in to unmask].  Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until June 30, 2012 and we hope to fill the position by Fall 2012.