Researcher–Health and Nutrition
Working Title:
Researcher–Health and Nutrition
Classification:
Researcher5 (9742R5)
Program Area:
Extension Center for Family Development
Office Location:
St. Paul Campus
Application Deadline: February 5, 2016; position will remain open until filled
ABOUT EXTENSION
The University of Minnesota Extension is a major outreach arm of the University of Minnesota, a
land grant institution with a mission to serve the public through applied research and education.
The mission of the University of Minnesota Extension is: Making a difference by connecting
community needs and University resources to address critical issues in Minnesota.
As one of four centers, the Extension Center for Family Development helps families make
informed decisions leading to better health, financial security and well being. We accomplish
this by developing, delivering and evaluating credible, relevant and research-based education;
working closely with others across Minnesota to build the strengths of individuals and families of
all ages, ethnicities and backgrounds; conducting and collaborating on research projects;
recruiting and retaining expert faculty and staff passionate about families and their success;
increasing the understanding of our work among key stakeholders; securing resources to
sustain and grow programs that meet emerging needs and support strategic priorities.
Extension Center for Family Development programs currently focus on family relations, family
resource management, food safety, and health and nutrition, with special effort in the areas of
children’s health, families in transition, building healthy and strong families, and preparing for an
aging Minnesota.
Health and Nutrition (H&N) in the Extension Center for Family Development is a statewide
program that provides community-based nutrition education programming in all Minnesota
counties. The Health and Nutrition program implements the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance
Education (SNAP-Ed) program and the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program
(EFNEP), as well as other H&N-related educational programs. Healthy food access, food
literacy, obesity prevention, and increased physical activity continue to be identified as key
components for prevention of obesity and other nutrition-related chronic diseases. Extension’s
statewide reach, centralized structure, and capacity for programming across the Spectrum of
Prevention, including policy, systems, and environmental approaches (PSE), position us well for
consistent support and programming for Minnesotans. For more information on Health and
Nutrition programs, visit http://www.extension.umn.edu/family/health-and-nutrition/. For more
information the Spectrum of Prevention approaches being used by Health and Nutrition, visit
http://www.extension.umn.edu/family/research/spectrum-of-prevention/.
ABOUT THIS POSITION
The Extension Center for Family Development is seeking a Researcher 5 for its Applied
Research and Evaluation Unit, focusing primarily on conducting applied research and evaluation
of various programs offered through the Health and Nutrition program area programs and
projects. This Researcher 5 position will conduct qualitative and quantitative research and data
analysis, and write and disseminate reports of findings. The incumbent of this position will
support, conduct, analyze, and report on research that examines elements of the current food
environment across Minnesota. Additionally, this person will provide evaluation support to
existing signature programs within Health and Nutrition. This person will specifically develop and
execute evaluation plans and data collection instruments to collect information on existing food
systems, access to healthy foods, program delivery, and cultural relevance of curricula being
delivered in childcare settings, schools, healthcare settings, community settings, and
proximities. The research will also include developing novel approaches to gauging community
readiness and community capacity to create changes in the food environment. General support
of Family Development will include developing evaluation plans for Policy, Systems, and
Environmental change. This position works in cooperation with other members of the Applied
Research and Evaluation Unit, as well as campus-based and community-based educators
within the University of Minnesota Extension Center for Family Development.
This is a full-time position. It will report to the Director for Urban Family Development and
Evaluation. While statewide travel will happen occasionally, this position is housed on the St.
Paul campus.
QUALIFICATIONS
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
 Master's degree in public health, health/nutrition or social science related discipline.
 Three years experience working in the field of research and evaluation.
 Experience in qualitative research design and implementation, particularly in informing or
conducting interviews.
 Quantitative research experience, including data management skills.
 Experience conducting applied research, community-level assessments, and/or program
evaluations in community settings.
 Demonstrated ability to work successfully with a variety of multi-disciplinary and multi-sector
research teams, as well as a variety of partners (internal staff, grad students, educators,
faculty, volunteers, external partners, etc.).
 Demonstrated ability to work effectively with individuals, organizations, and/or communities
representing new, culturally diverse, economically diverse, and underserved audiences.
 Respectful and professional communication style, with excellent written and verbal
communication skills.
 Mastery with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint), as well as a range of
qualitative and quantitative evaluation tools (e.g., SPSS, SAS, Stata, R, NVivo, Atlas.ti etc.).
 Demonstrated skills in organizing, planning, problem solving, and handling multiple tasks
under pressure of deadline.
 Valid driver's license and reliable vehicle with required liability insurance, to be utilized for
frequent travel within Minnesota and infrequent travel outside Minnesota.
 Personal cell phone that can be used, as needed, for work purposes.
 Ability to maintain a flexible work schedule, including an occasional evening or weekend
work, to meet the special needs of programs.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
 Demonstrated knowledge evaluating innovative public health approaches to promote policy,
system, and environmental (PSE) changes related to improving nutrition and increased
physical activity.
 Three years experience working in community health, or working with community
organizations.
 Experience supervising staff, including hiring, training, managing performance, coaching,
and leading efforts to foster team building.
 Commitment to social justice and addressing health disparities.
 Demonstrated interest in and commitment to rural health and community and economic
development.
 Familiarity with the Extension or the University of Minnesota.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Provide Evaluation Support to Statewide SNAP-Ed PSE Efforts (40%)
 Work with database developers to ensure SNAP-Ed PSE efforts are being adequately and
comprehensively captured and managed.
 Work with Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) and SNAP-Ed staff to update
and implement community readiness tool, identify need for secondary data, and map
opportunities for mutually beneficial partnerships.
 Provide evaluation support and assistance to statewide grantees of SNAP-Ed Community
Partnership funds.
Provide Evaluation Support to Metro EFNEP Staff (25%)
 Support the design, development and implementation of an internal evaluation of MN
EFNEP programming.
 Support the development of new and cultivate existing community partnerships.
 Support EFNEP staff in continuing to move forward recommendations made in the Full
Scale 2014 EFNEP Assessment.
 Conduct follow-up surveys with EFNEP participants
Facilitate the Advancement of Scholarly Publications and Presentations (10%)
 Compile existing data, findings in the literature, national presentations, and resources to
build a cohesive story about the value of H&N programming.
 Write and submit reports of internal assessments.
 Write and edit novel journal articles and conference presentation that demonstrate program
effectiveness and successes.
 Create and present findings at national conferences.
 Create and deliver conference presentations that contribute to H&N programs' scholarly and
professional presence.
Analyze Cultural Adaptations to Curricula (10%)
 Develop and implement process for adapting curricula.
 Observe classes being offered through Health and Nutrition that have been adapted to be
culturally relevant.
 Systematically document what changes were made to which curriculum, for what audience,
to what end, and how it was received by participants.
 Conduct lit review on other cultural adaptations made to nutrition curricula.
Provide Technical Assistance (10%)
 Support evaluation website development and maintenance.
 Provide evaluation support to regional and community partners (i.e., MFANS Land Access
survey).
 Provide support to H&N Extension Educators and Associate Program Directors in their
research and scholarship.
 Provide evaluation support for the rollout of the H&N plan.
Supervision (5%)
 Supervise the day-to-day work of multiple graduate student Research Assistants working
within the Applied Research and Evaluation team, adjusting the team’s work as needed to
maximize efficiencies and impacts
Other Responsibilities Assigned as Needed
APPOINTMENT
This is a 1.0 FTE Professional and Administrative appointment at the level of Researcher 5. This
position will be annually renewable based on performance, funding, and program needs. This
position may eventually increase in time based on performance, funding, and program needs.
Salary is commensurate with qualifications and experience. This is a University of Minnesota
appointment and benefits, including health and life insurance, are listed on the University of
Minnesota Human Resources web page: www.umn.edu/ohr/eb. This position will be located in a
cubicle on St. Paul campus.
BENEFITS
University of Minnesota benefits apply including medical, dental, and life insurance, are listed on
the University of Minnesota Human Resources web page:
http://www1.umn.edu/ohr/prod/groups/ohr/@pub/@ohr/documents/asset/ohr_56712.pdf
SALARY
Commensurate with experience and education.
TRAVEL
Reimbursement for travel and subsistence is available in accordance with University policy.
(Must provide own means for traveling throughout the county/state and legally required vehicle
insurance.)
TO APPLY
Job Opening ID: 306963
Please apply online: http://www.extension.umn.edu/about/employment/
Include the following attachments with your online application:
1. Resume or vitae.
2. Cover letter which:
a. Describes your qualifications for the position based upon the job requirements
and position responsibilities.
b. Includes examples of your proven ability to perform this job.
3. List of three professional references with complete phone and email contact information.
4. Transcripts for all college work.
Instructions for how to submit your transcript(s) and list of three professional references are online
at:
www.umn.edu/ohr/
Click on Employment
Click on “Using the Job Application System” (5th bullet on the left hand side of the screen)
Click on “My Activity” under “Application Activities”
First apply online and submit your cover letter and resume.
After you apply online on top of the screen you will see “My Activities”. Click on “My Activities” and
attach your transcripts and three professional letters of reference.
For questions about applying online, contact:
Naaz Babvani
Extension Human Resources
260 Coffey Hall, 1420 Eckles Ave.
University of Minnesota
St. Paul, MN 55108
Telephone: 612-624-3717
Fax: 612-624-7749
babva001@umn.edu
For questions about this position, contact Emily Becher, Research Associate
(bech0079@umn.edu; 612-624-3335).
University of Minnesota Extension shall provide 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.