Open Rank Professor in Food, Nutrition, and Public Health

Open Rank Professor in Food, Nutrition, and Public Health

University of California Los Angeles

Requisition Number: JPF09846

The Department of Community Health Sciences at the UCLA Fielding School of Public Health invites applications for an Open-Rank faculty member at the assistant, associate, or full professor level with a focus on food and nutrition, and public health.

We are seeking a dedicated individual with a strong research background and a passion for advancing knowledge in how to improve the food system and nutritional status to reduce health inequities. The successful candidate will be expected to contribute to the school's mission through high-impact, transdisciplinary research, quality teaching, and service to the academic and public health communities. In addition, they will have the opportunity to direct the interdisciplinary Graduate Certificate Program in Food Studies, and actively engage in UCLA's Semel Healthy Campus Initiative Center and Rothman Family Institute for Food Studies.

We are interested in scholars who are knowledgeable about the science of food and nutrition and its relationship to wellbeing, have expertise in examining the impact of food and nutrition policies and programs with an interdisciplinary lens, and are experienced in engaging communities in research. Additionally, candidates should know how to engage in public health research, practice, and teaching, with an equity-oriented lens and the goal of having population impact through programs and policies. Opportunities in teaching include leading core course instruction, as well as teaching courses in nutrition; food policy, systems and sustainability; social determinants of health with an emphasis on nutrition; and public health.

Strong applicants will have a demonstrated history (or demonstrated potential) of developing research focused on food and nutrition and community/population health and engaging in or leading interdisciplinary research involving partners from multiple sectors. Applicants would draw from these experiences to teach public health graduate and undergraduate courses with emphasis on nutrition, community, policy, and/or programmatic-level intervention and evaluation. Priority content areas for this faculty position include but are not limited to Behavioral Nutrition, Food Environments, Food Security, Food Systems and Sustainability, Food Policy, Maternal and Child Nutrition, Geriatric Nutrition and Global Nutrition. Leadership and/or experience working with underserved communities, including people with disabilities, women, or people from minoritized groups, and having a working knowledge of implementation science are plusses.

Candidates must hold a doctoral degree in public health, social and behavioral sciences, or related disciplines (e.g., PhD, ScD, MD, DrPH or equivalent) by the time of appointment. They must also demonstrate: (1) independent research and peer-reviewed publications in areas central to food and nutrition; (2) documented (or potential for) success in obtaining extramural funding; (3) interdisciplinary research collaborations; and (4) a commitment to excellence in teaching and mentorship.

The posted UC Salary Scales set the minimum pay determined by rank and/or step at appointment. The salary range for this position is $78,200-$205,400, negotiable based on experience. Salaries must be approved by the Chancellor. Consistent with recent hires, and based on experience, it is expected that this base amount will be supplemented by an additional 50-55% off-scale rate, equal to a maximum off-scale range of $121,200 to $318,400.

To be considered for this position, applicants must submit the following documents no later than November 17, 2024:

1. Curriculum Vitae (C.V.): Your most recently updated C.V.
2. Cover Letter: Letter addressed to the search committee, which highlights your interest in, qualifications for, and fit with this position.
3. Statement of Research: A research statement highlighting scholarly contributions of recent research and plans for the near future.
4. Statement of Teaching: Teaching statement outlining your teaching philosophy, classroom and/or mentorship experience, and description of courses you would like to teach at UCLA. You may also choose to include previous teaching evaluations.
5. Statement of Contributions to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion: Statement addressing past, current, and/or potential contributions to diversity through research, teaching, and/or service.
6. References: Contact information for at least three professional references. Please complete and upload the Reference Check Authorization Release Form.

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The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status.