Position Announcement: Swine MnDRIVE Faculty Position

May 1, 2024 — University of Minnesota

The University of Minnesota, College of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Veterinary Population Medicine announces a career opportunity for a contract, tenured or tenure-track faculty position at the Assistant, Associate, or Full Professor ranks.

The final rank and terms of appointment will depend on the qualifications and experience of the selected candidate consistent with collegiate and University policies. This position will be supported by the University's MnDRIVE (Minnesota's Discovery, Research, and Innovation Economy) Initiative aiming to improve swine health and productivity. The MnDRIVE initiative is a partnership between the University of Minnesota and the State of Minnesota that aligns areas of research strength with the state's key and emerging industries to address grand challenges. MnDRIVE receives $22 million annually from the state to support research in five strategic areas including Global Food. The State of Minnesota ranks fifth in agriculture-producing states and the swine industry ranks second within the U.S.

The successful candidate will join a vibrant group of faculty at the College of Veterinary Medicine Veterinary Population Medicine Department that works collaboratively and interdisciplinarily to address existing and emerging challenges that threaten the sustainability and productivity of the swine industry. The successful candidate is expected to establish an independent, extramurally funded applied research program in addition to the collaborative research efforts with current members of the College's faculty and fostering partnerships with key industry players. Individuals with research interests focused on advancing and protecting the health and productivity of swine across a broad range of areas, including emerging diseases, biosecurity, infectious diseases, disease preparedness, production economics, sustainability, animal genetics, animal welfare, or precision agriculture, are encouraged to apply for this position. While expertise in these areas is suggested, candidates with research interests in additional relevant topics are also welcome to apply. The candidate is also expected to participate in teaching in the DVM curriculum and contribute to graduate education and mentoring. Distribution of effort will be determined in accordance with the candidate's expertise, academic priorities, and administrative and service needs.

Qualifications

Candidates must have:

• Advanced research degree (PhD, or equivalent; or DVM/MSc with strong demonstrated ability to conduct independent research) at the time of appointment.
• Evidence of experience conducting research related to advancing and protecting swine health and production.
• Knowledge and experience in applied research in swine.
• Understanding of swine production systems.
• Strong interpersonal and organizational skills.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to work in a collaborative research and teaching environment.

Candidates meeting the following criteria are preferred:

• DVM or equivalent degree with experience in North American swine practice.
• Evidence of procuring research funding or conducting independent research
• Experience with formal or informal DVM teaching

The successful candidate will be presented with a competitive start-up package to launch their research program. In addition, the faculty hire will have access to state-of-the-art facilities, including small and large animal BSL2 and BSL3 facilities, the UMN Genomic Center, the Center for Metabolomics and Proteomics, the Minnesota Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, the Minnesota Supercomputer Institute, the University Imaging Centers, the University Flow Cytometry Resource, as well as other facilities and resources.

The starting salary will be dependent upon experience and qualifications. The University of Minnesota offers a highly competitive benefits package. The starting date is negotiable based on the availability of the successful applicant and program needs. The review of applications will begin on July 1, 2024 and will continue until a suitable candidate is identified.

To Apply

Qualified applicants should apply online at https://hr.myu.umn.edu/jobs/ext/361013 (Job ID: 361013) and include a cover letter, curriculum vitae, statements of research and teaching, a diversity and inclusion statement (see below), and contact information of three references.

The University of Minnesota's College of Veterinary Medicine seeks to recruit qualified applicants who will benefit from interactions with peers of different backgrounds and who have different life experiences, perspectives, and goals in order to prepare professionals for dealing effectively in an increasingly diverse and global workforce. The College is especially interested in candidates who can contribute to the diversity and inclusive excellence of the academic community and support the College's efforts to embrace principles of inclusion, equity, justice, and diversity.

Applicants with demonstrated participation in diversity and inclusion issues are strongly encouraged to apply. 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 University: http://diversity.umn.edu and at the College: https://vetmed.umn.edu/about-us/diversity-equity-and-inclusion/diversity-equity-and-inclusion-overview. To be considered for this position, applicants are to submit a separate written statement about why diversity and inclusion are important to them and offer specific examples of how they have demonstrated this commitment.

Questions?

For inquiries about this position, please contact Dr. Luciano Caixeta, Chair of the Search Committee at lcaixeta@umn.edu.

The University of Minnesota is an equal-opportunity educator and employer.