Senior Nutrition Research Specialist- Limited Term

Description

Senior Nutrition Research Specialist

The University of Notre Dame’s Global Center for the Development of the Whole Child is seeking a dedicated Senior Nutrition Research Specialist to join our implementation science team in Haiti. This position will make significant contributions to the understanding of nutritional issues affecting children and their families in Haiti, focusing on improving nutrition and health outcomes through research and community engagement. The successful candidate will work collaboratively with the Catholic Church, the University of Notre Dame Haiti, governmental agencies, and international organizations.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and evaluate research studies focused on the interplay between nutrition, food security, and educational outcomes in Haiti.
• Conduct fieldwork, including market / food basket analysis, dietary assessments, anthropometric measurements, and community surveys for demographics and health status.
• Ensure the monitoring and surveillance of the Bon Sel project to eradicate iodine deficiency and lymphatic filariasis in all parts of Haiti.
• Collect, process and analyze human samples for biochemical analysis of nutritional status.
• Analyze data using appropriate statistical methods and software, and prepare reports and publications to disseminate findings.
• Consistently evaluate research results and propose improvements to existing programs or new research were appropriate.
• Collaborate with local researchers and health practitioners to ensure cultural relevance and accuracy in research initiatives.
• Develop community-based interventions aimed at improving nutritional health and educating the public on healthy dietary practices.
• Provide training and support to local staff and community health workers on nutrition-related topics and research methodologies to promote capacity building and ensure knowledge transfer.
• Present research findings at conferences, workshops, and community meetings.
• Secure funding for ongoing research projects and initiatives through grant writing and partnerships

Qualifications

Ph.D. in Nutrition, Public Health, or Food Science, with a focus on community health and research methodologies.

• Proven experience in conducting research in low-resource settings, including Haiti.
• Strong knowledge of nutritional issues, food security, and public health challenges experienced in developing countries.
• Experience of laboratory analysis of human samples and experience in working with biohazards.
• Proficiency in statistical analysis and familiarity with data analysis software (e.g., SPSS, R, or Stata).
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to convey complex information to a diverse audience.
• Experience leading and working in interdisciplinary and international teams, and engaging with local communities.
• Experience of student supervision to PhD level.
• Fluency in English and French

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience living and working in Haiti or similar contexts.
• Ability to work autonomously and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Excellent knowledge of Good Clinical Practice guidelines, and commitment to ethical research practices and community-based participatory research approaches.
• A wide network in nutrition and public health in the US and globally.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

The University of Notre Dame seeks to attract, develop, and retain the highest quality faculty, staff and administration. The University is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, sex, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or age in employment. Moreover, Notre Dame prohibits discrimination against veterans or disabled qualified individuals, and complies with 41 CFR 60-741.5(a) and 41 CFR 60-300.5(a). We strongly encourage applications from candidates attracted to a university with a Catholic identity.

Background Check

This appointment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Applicants will be asked to identify all felony convictions and/or pending felony charges. Felony convictions do not automatically bar an individual from employment. Each case will be examined separately to determine the appropriateness of employment in the particular position. Failure to be forthcoming or dishonesty with respect to felony disclosures can result in the disqualification of a candidate. The full procedure can be viewed at https://facultyhandbook.nd.edu/?id=link-73597.