Michael T. Osterholm Endowed Chair in Infectious Disease Research and Policy

About the Job

The University of Minnesota is seeking an Associate/Full Professor to hold the Michael T. Osterholm Endowed Chair in Infectious Disease Research and Policy. This tenured position is based within the Division of Environmental Health Sciences (EnHS) at the School of Public Health (SPH) and includes a leadership role within the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy (CIDRAP). The successful candidate will advance the field of infectious disease research and public health policy with a focus on emerging threats, zoonotic and vector-borne diseases, antimicrobial resistance, vaccine policy, priority pathogens with pandemic and epidemic potential, and public health preparedness. The position includes a blend of research, teaching, and policy development, and it offers the opportunity to collaborate across the University and with external stakeholders in the public and private sectors. The Michael T. Osterholm Endowed Chair will also serve as a strategic leader and member of CIDRAP's executive team, contributing to CIDRAP's mission and direction.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and conduct innovative research on infectious diseases with a focus on public health policy, emerging infectious diseases, antimicrobial resistance, and vaccine policy.
• Advance the mission of the School of Public Health and CIDRAP by translating research into real-world policy applications and providing expertise on global infectious disease challenges.
• Maintain a strong, externally funded research program.
• Teach graduate-level courses and mentor students in the field of infectious disease research and policy.
• Collaborate with internal and external partners, including academic institutions, government agencies, and industry stakeholders.
• Serve as a member of CIDRAP's Executive Team, including program development, staff supervision and career development, and leadership and oversight of CIDRAP initiatives.
• Serve as a liaison between SPH, CIDRAP and other University units, external partners, and governmental organizations.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• PhD, MD, or DVM with expertise in epidemiology or a related field.
• At least 10 years of experience in epidemiologic research and/or public health practice at the state, national, or international level.
• Proven expertise in infectious disease epidemiology and/or public health policy.
• Strong record of externally funded research, including NIH or similar support.
• Experience working with national and international public health agencies (e.g., CDC, WHO).
• Expertise in epidemiologic research methods, including surveillance, outbreak investigations, and data analysis.
• Experience in program leadership, including building and supervising diverse teams, tracking progress, and ensuring high-quality deliverables.
• Experience in risk communication, particularly related to infectious disease threats.
• National recognition in the field through leadership roles, publications, and collaborations.
• Commitment to teaching and mentoring a diverse student body.
• Cultural competency and experience working with diverse or underserved populations.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's in Public Health (MPH) if holding an MD or DVM.
• Experience with laboratory practices related to infectious disease diagnosis.
• Public outreach experience, including media appearances or expert opinion contributions.
• Demonstrated leadership in public health program development, management, and evaluation.

About the Department

About the University of Minnesota School of Public Health (SPH)

The School of Public Health (SPH) is one of the premier schools of public health in the world. For more than 80 years, SPH has trained some of the most influential leaders in the field, informing and transforming the way public health is practiced. The school is recognized for its excellence in research and education and for advancing policies and practices that both create and sustain health equity for all. SPH academic programs include 15 master's programs, four doctoral programs, and a newly established undergraduate program. SPH is also a leader in public health scholarship and discovery with $95 million in research funding in fiscal year 2024. SPH holds the highest level of research funding per faculty member at the University. SPH sits within a constellation of academic and clinical health sciences schools at the University of Minnesota, which is the third largest and most comprehensive public land-grant university and one of only a few located in a major metropolitan area. The University's infrastructure of six health sciences schools (Public Health, Dentistry, Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy, and Veterinary Medicine)-one of four of such models in the country-gives students, faculty, and staff many opportunities to collaborate and think boldly and broadly about leveraging all our disciplines to improve the health of populations. SPH researchers and educators also collaborate with UMN schools and colleges including the Humphrey School of Public Affairs, the College of Science and Engineering, the College of Liberal Arts, and the College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences. Health departments, communities, and policymakers collaborate with SPH faculty and staff to provide the information and guidance needed to make the best and most informed decisions about population health.

About the Division of Environmental Health Science

The Division of Environmental Health Sciences (EnHS) improves the health of individuals and communities by conducting rigorous and collaborative research to identify risks, reduce hazards, and inform public health policies, and by providing outstanding interdisciplinary education to prepare future environmental health practitioners and leaders. EnHS has 26 faculty with expertise in infectious and non-infectious disease, epidemiology, exposure science, toxicology, injury and violence prevention, and health impacts of climate change in community and workplace settings. Several specialty centers are housed in or closely affiliated with the division, including the Upper Midwest Agricultural Safety and Health Center, the Midwest Center for Occupational Health and Safety, the Mni Sota Center for Climate Change and Health, the Minnesota Food Safety Center of Excellence, the Masonic Cancer Center, and the Midwest Consortium for Hazardous Waste Worker Training. The division offers MPH, MS, and PhD degrees that allow students to specialize in a range of subjects.

About CIDRAP

The mission of the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy (CIDRAP), which is part of the Research and Innovation Office (RIO), is to prevent illness and death from targeted infectious disease threats through research and the translation of scientific information into real-world, practical applications, policies, and solutions. CIDRAP addresses a variety of international and national public health policy issues related to the prevention and control of infectious diseases through various projects, including vaccines and vaccine-preventable diseases; emerging infectious disease threats; development of R&D roadmaps for vaccines, diagnostics, and therapeutics for pathogens with epidemic potential; antimicrobial resistance and stewardship; chronic wasting disease; and epidemic emergency preparedness. CIDRAP has a strong Web and communication presence through the CIDRAP website, CIDRAP daily newsletters, podcasts, and webinars. National and international experts alike turn to CIDRAP for the latest information on COVID-19, influenza, One Health and other crucial emerging infectious diseases.

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: $150,000-$225,000; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 75%-100% Appointment

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

How To Apply

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will have 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.

This position requires that you attach your CV, cover letter, and a statement of research and teaching interests.

This position will remain open until filled. Applications received prior to June 8, 2025 will be given full consideration by the committee. After June 8, 2025, interested applicants should contact Search Committee Chair, Dr. Nancy Sherwood at sherw005@umn.edu.

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

Additional Information:

• The position is based in the Twin Cities area. Candidates must either reside in or be willing to relocate to this area upon hire.
• The successful candidate will join a dynamic, interdisciplinary team committed to addressing global health challenges through impactful research and public health policy.

Diversity

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

Employment Requirements

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.

About University of Minnesota

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 nations 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 the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).