Research Scientist in Food Systems

Title: Research Scientist in Food Systems and Informatics
Job code: 9791IN - Informatics Multidiscipline
Employee Group: P&A
Full/Part Time (FTE): Full Time (100% FTE)
Regular/Temporary: Regular

About the Job:
The research scientist in food systems and informatics will support the research of the Food System Supply-chain Sustainability platform (FoodS3). They will support backend data and model code, streamline data management, assist with company-specific supply chain projects, develop new and innovative ways of visualizing model outputs, assist with communicating FoodS3 information to the public, support and lead research grants and publications, and maintain the FoodS3 website. Previous experience with integrated modeling and skills in python, R, github, and GIS required.

Overall, the research scientist is expected to balance multiple tasks and manage time efficiently to ensure project activities and research activities are rigorous and completed in an organized and efficient manner for incorporation into stakeholder outputs, website content, and peer-reviewed publications. Research outcomes are also co-produced with non-academic project partners to support the implementation of research findings into operations and environmental decision-making, which requires thoughtful partner engagement, regular briefings, and recommendation memos. The position is annually renewable with continuation dependent on performance and external funding for two years.

Location and Work environment: This position has been designated as work profile 2. Profile 2 is expected to work on-site more than 50% of the time (at least 3 days per week). Your office will be located at IonE in St. Paul, MN. IonE management retains the right to modify flexible work arrangement agreements on a temporary or permanent basis for any reason at any time.

Work Schedule: Work hours are typically 9-5, M-F. However, IonE endorses a "work with flexibility" approach that offers a welcoming and flexible work environment where everyone is inspired to do their best. Employees are encouraged to work with their supervisors to adjust their work schedule if needed.

Primary Responsibilities:
* 25% Data management and model improvement
Streamline data management by automating, simplifying, and standardizing data inputs and model outputs.
Work with research faculty leads to create methodological improvements and advancements to FoodS3 supply chain optimization and scenario analysis capabilities.
Participate in collaborative team code development via github.
* 50% Data-intensive Research
Develop new and innovative ways of visualizing FoodS3 model outputs as graphs and maps.
Use FoodS3 to model stakeholder-specific supply-sheds.
Research and implement new data and methodologies to improve the FoodS3 platform and impact categories.
Write and collaborate on new FoodS3 related research and grant proposals
* 15% FoodS3 Website
Maintain the FoodS3 website, adding and updating content as needed.
Build and support a web based API for model visualization and outputs.
* 10% Team Science and Professional Development
Attend staff meetings, IonE events, and participate in staff activities and programming of the Institute on the Environment, including required attendance at IonE KI Deep Engagement Weeks three times per year
Adopt IonE research software, data, and metadata best practices related to archiving, documentation, and accessibility.
Organize, document, and share work in Basecamp, Google suite collaborative products, and team file organization structure
Professional development to improve your skills relevant to the job and/or disseminate work through conferences or other ways of reaching scientists and practitioners

Required Qualifications:
* Advanced degree in a food systems related interdisciplinary field with one or more years of research training.
* Three or more years experience developing integrated sustainability models in food and agriculture systems.
* Three or more years experience independently developing computational and analytical workflows with python, R, github, and GIS.
* Three or more years experience with web application visualization software such as RShiny.
* Two years experience working with FoodS3 model, data, and code repositories.
* Experience with participatory modeling and working alongside stakeholders to collect data, build models, and produce outputs and deliverables.
* Willingness to work regularly in-person at IonE on the UMN St. Paul campus.
* Candidates must be currently U.S. work eligible; visas will not be sponsored for this position.

Preferred Qualifications:
* Three or more years postdoc experience in food systems or agricultural sustainability research.
* Experience writing technical reports and communicating model outputs to a variety of stakeholders.
* Experience in data collection from a diverse set of sources using a variety of methods.
* Professional experience in incorporating aspects of diversity, equity, inclusivity, justice, and accessibility into your research or a desire to learn as part of these research projects.

This position will be based in the Knowledge Initiatives (KI) unit of the Institute on the Environment (IonE), which hosts the portfolio of interdisciplinary sustainability research and scholarly activity for IonE. The Institute on the Environment (IonE) seeks to lead the way toward a future in which people and the planet prosper together. IonE is accelerating the transition to this future by supporting breakthrough research across disciplines, developing the next generation of global leaders and building transformative partnerships across the state, region and globe. IonE prides itself on not being academia as usual. At IonE, we go out of our way to collaborate with external partners while bringing different academic fields of expertise together within the University - all with an eye towards being responsive, agile and entrepreneurial in the face of a changing world. For more information about IonE, see http://www.environment.umn.edu

Pay Range: $86,300-$92,000 annually; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Time Appointment

Work Profile: This position has been designated as Work Profile 2 - Hybrid schedule. The employee is expected to work at least 3 days in the office per week and 1-2 days remotely. The primary office will be located on the St Paul campus of the University.

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.

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

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

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.

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.