Overview

Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, is searching for a community-engaged scholar to support the Chronic Disease Prevention and Management working group within the Department of Family and Community Health Sciences (FCHS) in Somerset County. 

This 12-month, 100% Extension-funded position offers an exciting opportunity for applied research in chronic disease management and prevention and for developing new strategic and innovative initiatives in the areas of nutrition, health, and wellness. Reporting to the Chair of the Department of Family and Community Health Sciences (FCHS), this position will provide leadership as a liaison between campus-based researchers at Rutgers University, the New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station, and Rutgers Cooperative Extension, and clientele and colleague groups such as local and state stakeholders. The Department has a strong interest in attracting diverse faculty and providing excellence in community engagement in accordance with the Rutgers Diversity Strategic Plan (https://diversity.rutgers.edu/university-plan) which is why we encourage candidates from diverse, underrepresented communities to apply.  

Representative responsibilities of this position will also include:  

Applied Research (Extension Practice):  

Coordinate, conduct, and publish the results of applied research related to: 

  • Improve health equity in access, quality, and outcomes of care in a broad range of populations and settings. 
  • Effective strategies to improve community, family, and individual health outcomes or other creative activities designed to address nutrition-related health problems in the community. 
  • Areas of emphasis may include any of the following: nutrition intervention programs focused on equitable food access and their impact on health status in populations disproportionately affected by food insecurity, communication and impact of science-based nutrition and health education programs on chronic disease risk factors among vulnerable populations, or differential impact of nutrition interventions on diverse and underrepresented populations. 
  • Strengthening relationships across Rutgers University to build and deliver innovative, cross-departmental, and cross-disciplinary health and wellness educational programs aligned with state and community-identified priorities.
  • Share principles of evidence-based best practices with peers. 

Teaching (Extension Teaching): 

  • Create, teach, and evaluate programs for public and professional audiences using both direct and indirect methods and a variety of delivery methods.  
  • This includes providing information through print publications, web-based resources, and in-person presentations and serving as a resource for other cooperative extension academics. 
  • Apply community-engaged learning opportunities for students and interns. Responsibilities include recruitment, training, supervising, and supporting University efforts to expand opportunities for students, interns, and volunteers to gain hands-on, real-world experience. 
  • Recruit, train, and support volunteers, organizational partners, and others to assist in program delivery and support. 

Service: 

  • Contribute to the effective operation and impact of the assigned county cooperative extension office. 
  • Actively explore and contribute to opportunities to expand the statewide visibility and impact of Rutgers Cooperative Extension.  
  • Participate in professional society activities, including presenting papers at national and international meetings. 
  • Review manuscripts and grant proposals in areas of expertise. 
  • Establish productive working relationships with scientists and extension personnel in other states.
  • Participate in appropriate Somerset County, FCHS Department, Cooperative Extension, and University committees or working groups.  
  • Cultivate collaborations and partnerships with community organizations throughout Somerset County. 
  • Continually seek professional development opportunities to enhance competency in the subject matter area. 

 Additional position requirements include: 

  • Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively as a team member with external and internal stakeholders. 
  • Ability to adapt as circumstances warranted.   
  • Willingness to actively promote diversity, equity, and inclusion. 
  • Demonstrated cultural sensitivity and humility and ability to share complex information in a manner tailored to the audience.
  • Experience working with diverse audiences and communities  
  • Experience establishing, leading, and/or serving partnerships and coalitions 
  • Experience and/or coursework in conducting community needs assessments, addressing social determinants of health, grant writing, and management, and applied research 
  • Local, regional, and (limited) statewide travel is required; personal transportation is required. 
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