Veterinary Public Health and Preventive Medicine (VPHPM) Resident

The University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine seeks a full-time Veterinary Public Health and Preventive Medicine (VPHPM) Resident. Under the mentorship of faculty and public health professionals, the resident engages in supervised experiential learning that progressively builds competencies in preventive medicine, epidemiology, surveillance, risk analysis, and applied public health practice, with an emphasis on animal health, zoonotic diseases, and food safety.

Residents spend approximately 75% of their time on applied projects, teaching, and training activities, and approximately 25% on Master of Public Health (MPH) coursework and training. The residency is designed so that residents complete all requirements to qualify for the American College of Veterinary Preventive Medicine (ACVPM) board examination, including ACVPM's competency-based training requirements. Residents assume increasing responsibility over time, moving from supervised participation to independent project leadership.

Key competencies for success include strong analytical and scientific skills, clear oral and written communication with scientific, governmental, and public audiences, initiative and accountability, and the ability to manage multiple projects in a collaborative, interdisciplinary One Health environment.

Location and Work Environment

• Location: Andrew Boss Laboratory of Meat Science (ABLMS), Suite 136 (Office 136F), University of Minnesota St. Paul campus.
• Work arrangement: Hybrid, with 2-3 days per week in the office and the remainder remote.
• Travel: Occasional domestic and international travel is required for meetings, conferences, field investigations, surveillance programs, training workshops, and capacity-building activities with governmental, academic, and international partners.
• Physical requirements: Standard office duties, including extended periods of computer work, reading and reviewing documents, and verbal and written communication.

Appointment Term

• 12 months

Essential Employee Designation

• Non-Essential Employee

Job Responsibilities

45%- Conduct Applied Public Health Practice and Research

• Participate in, and progressively lead, applied public health projects that respond to new and emerging issues and deliver public practice services in animal health and food safety.
• Contribute to applied epidemiologic investigations, surveillance activities, and preventive medicine initiatives addressing animal health, zoonotic diseases, and food safety.
• Participate in the design, implementation, and evaluation of animal health programs, including surveillance systems, risk-based monitoring strategies, and disease control interventions.
• Analyze and interpret epidemiologic and surveillance data using appropriate quantitative and qualitative methods to inform risk assessment, policy development, and decision-making.
• Contribute to technical reports, scientific manuscripts, and presentations for scientific, governmental, and professional audiences.
• Collaborate with faculty, governmental agencies, academic partners, and international organizations on veterinary public health and capacity-building initiatives, including field activities that may require domestic or international travel.

25%- Complete Graduate Public Health Coursework and Training

• Complete Master of Public Health (MPH) courses and related training that build the academic foundation for veterinary public health practice and ACVPM board eligibility.
• Enroll in and successfully complete MPH coursework through the University of Minnesota School of Public Health (for residents without a prior graduate degree in public health).
• Build expertise in epidemiologic methods, biostatistics and data analysis, risk analysis, and public health program design and evaluation.
• Apply coursework concepts directly to residency projects and applied public health practice.

15%- Teach and Mentor in the Veterinary Public Health Curriculum

• Contribute to the teaching and training mission of the veterinary public health curriculum in collaboration with Veterinary Public Health (VPH) faculty.
• Collaborate with VPH faculty to deliver curriculum content to veterinary students.
• Assist with teaching activities coordinated by the Ecosystem Health Division, including the second-year Veterinary Public Health course and fourth-year Veterinary Public Health clinical rotations.
• Mentor junior residents as they transition into advanced stages of the residency.
• Strengthen professional communication skills through formal and informal teaching, presentations, and mentoring.

10%- Prepare for ACVPM Board Certification

• Develop the core competencies defined by ACVPM and complete structured board examination preparation.
• Lead assigned review sessions, facilitate discussions, and deliver presentations to fellow residents as part of structured board preparation.
• Develop and apply ACVPM core competencies, including epidemiology, disease surveillance and outbreak investigation, risk analysis, biostatistics, preventive medicine and population health, food safety and zoonotic disease prevention, leadership, and One Health collaboration.
• Maintain accurate documentation of training activities and competency development to support board certification requirements.

5%- Manage Program Administration and Professional Responsibilities

• Fulfill residency administrative duties and uphold professional standards in a collaborative, interdisciplinary training environment.
• Perform residency-related administrative duties as assigned.
• Participate in program meetings, professional development activities, and training workshops.
• Maintain effective communication with supervisors, faculty mentors, and program leadership.
• Demonstrate professionalism, accountability, and initiative while effectively managing multiple concurrent projects.

Required Qualifications

• DVM degree (or equivalent foreign degree) by the start date.
• At least one year of experience in a private practice, corporate, or government setting in one of the following areas:
  • Wildlife or domestic animal preventive medicine
  • Infectious disease diagnosis and treatment
  • Food animal production, food safety, harvesting, or processing
  • Public health infectious disease surveillance and outbreak investigation
• Valid U.S. driver's license, or ability to obtain one within the first six months of the residency.
• Candidates without a graduate degree in public health must meet the academic qualifications for admission to the University of Minnesota School of Public Health.

Preferred Qualifications

• MPH degree completed prior to hire.
• Two or more years of relevant experience (in the areas listed above) in a private practice, corporate, or government setting.
• Excellent oral and written communication, leadership, and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in teams.
• Strong time management skills, including managing multiple concurrent projects.
• High level of proficiency with a variety of computer software programs.

Established in 2001 as part of the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine, the Center for Animal Health and Food Safety (CAHFS) builds veterinary public health capacity to protect people from animal diseases and food-borne illnesses. CAHFS has been designated as a reference center by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and a collaborating center by the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH) for capacity-building of veterinary services. Through research, training, and outreach, CAHFS partners with veterinary services, public health agencies, and academic and industry stakeholders in over 50 countries to strengthen veterinary and food safety systems and risk-based decision-making worldwide.

Pay Range: $44,000 annually

Please visit the Office of Student Health Benefits website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

Student workers are eligible to participate in the Student Health Benefit Plan, if they maintain 6 or more eligible course credits within a given semester. The same applies for Undergraduate Students, Graduate Assistants, Residents, Fellows and Interns.

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 or CV.

This position will remain open until filled.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail jobcentr@umn.edu.

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, 2025, 2026), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.