Assistant/Associate Professor in Food Systems (Tenure Track)

Position Announcement: Assistant/Associate Professor in Food Systems (Tenure Track), University of Vermont

Summary
The University of Vermont is a world leader in the transdisciplinary field of food systems scholarship, teaching, and outreach.  We seek candidates to join us in building our capacity to understand the interconnected aspects of the modern food system and to develop creative models for sustainable food systems. Candidates should have a demonstrated record of collaborative, transdisciplinary work and a desire to engage with colleagues across UVM colleges and departments. Anticipated start date is within the 2014-2015 academic year, subject to negotiation.
Position details
Applicants should demonstrate a record of food systems scholarship and expertise, a strong understanding of and experience with a systems approach to food and sustainability issues, and experience working with a variety of research methods. Potential areas of scholarly interest include, but are not limited to, sustainable food production, nutrition and health, behavior and culture, and public policy.

Candidates should also demonstrate a track record of collaborative, transdisciplinary research undertaken from a systems perspective. The ideal candidate for this position will help lead the institutional efforts to develop a strong, internationally-recognized research, teaching and outreach program in sustainable food systems.

Position responsibilities include food systems scholarship, instruction, and outreach. Specific expectations regarding requirements for funded research, outreach, and instruction will be informed by the appropriate departmental home to be determined based on the specialization of the successful candidate.

Candidates with a PhD (or equivalent received by start date) in the natural sciences, social sciences, health sciences or humanities who are interested in food systems and transdisciplinary approaches to creating and sharing knowledge are encouraged to apply.

A strong commitment to meet the Land Grant mission of extending knowledge and research to the people of the State, and thereby contribute to the sustainable and long-term social and economic development of communities within and beyond the state, is required.

The University expects the successful candidate to meet the education, scholarship, and service requirements of reappointment based on his/her academic appointment. Candidates must communicate effectively in both public and academic forums. Candidates must possess strong leadership and collaboration skills.

The University of Vermont is especially interested in candidates who can contribute to the diversity and excellence of the academic community through their research, teaching, and outreach. Applicants must describe in their cover letter how they will further this goal. The University of Vermont is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. Applications from women and people from diverse racial, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds are encouraged.

UVM Food Systems Initiative
Vermont is a small, rural state that is a leader in the sustainable and local foods movement. The University of Vermont is committed to advancing food systems research, teaching, and outreach through the Transdisciplinary Research Initiative for Food Systems. The Food Systems Initiative is a community of university professionals, researchers, students, and local partners who generate, teach, and apply new knowledge while contributing to the present and future viability and scalability of food systems. The Food Systems Initiative is one of three Transdisciplinary Research Initiatives at the University of Vermont.

Setting
The University of Vermont is located in Burlington, the largest city in Vermont, with an ethnically and culturally diverse population.

Salary and Appointment Level
This is a represented, 9 month, 1.0 FTE position, excluding the College of Medicine. Salary and level of appointment will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. Minimum beginning salary levels for UVM colleges and schools other than the College of Medicine can be found in Article 18, Section 8, of the United Academics Agreement on the UVM website. Anticipated start date is within the 2014-2015 academic year, subject to negotiation.

To Apply
Review of applications will begin on February 28, 2014, and will continue until the position is filled. Applicants should submit the following materials online at the UVM jobs website (posting #0041117): 1) curriculum vita (including list of publications and research grants), 2) cover letter outlining their interest and relevant experiences that will support the goal of building diversity and transdisciplinary excellence within their teaching, scholarship, and service, and 3) 300-500 word statement on vision of transdisciplinary scholarship in food systems, 4) names and contact information for three references. For further information, contact the Search Committee Chair, Dr. Douglas O. Lantagne, Director, UVM Food Systems Initiative, at doug.lantagne@uvm.edu. Phone: 802-656-8679.