Risk Analyst for the Secure Food System Team

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% - 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.

Qualifications

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 and Benefits

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.

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 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.

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), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026,

we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards

recognition for employee appreciation and work-life

flexibility.