The Washington, D.C. office of the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) seeks an Assistant Director of Science and Technology to develop and implement policies and programs focused on food and feed safety on behalf of U.S. pork producers. The Assistant Director will report to the Chief Veterinarian.
The Assistant Director joins an established team of government relations professionals. As a member of the Science and Technology unit, the Assistant Director is expected to contribute strong intellectual leadership and strategic vision in the science and technology mission area. The Assistant Director will:
- Be primarily responsible for the daily management of food and feed safety issues such as: FSIS food safety and animal welfare activities, FDA Food Safety Modernization Act, and development of dietary guidelines.
- Liaison with USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service and FDA’s Office of Foods and Veterinary Medicine on all regulatory actions relative to food safety including; residues, animal feed safety, pathogens and animal welfare issues at the plant. Analyzes proposed regulatory actions and develops comments on those proposals and technical support to the government relations team on food safety legislation.
- Provide scientific and technical support, as needed, on international trade matters related to the safety of US pork as it relates to obtaining and maintaining market access for U.S. pork exports.
- The Assistant Director also provides technical support to the Chief Veterinarian, and will represent NPPC on the National Pork Board’s Food Safety, Pork Quality and Human Nutrition Committees.
- Perform liaison and representation functions to explain and advocate NPPC policies and programs to industry stakeholders, other livestock and agricultural groups and consumer organizations, as well as state, federal and international regulatory authorities. The Assistant Director liaisons with industry meat associations (AMI, NAMA) to address management of food safety issues.
Position requirements: DVM and relevant expertise and experience in industry, private practice or in a government/regulatory body; excellent written and verbal communication skills; the ability to make cogent and relevant presentations. A MPH or other relevant graduate degree would be desirable. A PhD in an appropriate field with applicable experiences in food safety and/or animal welfare would be considered. A new graduate with appropriate internship experience will also be considered. This position requires some travel.
NPPC offers a competitive salary structure based on experience and qualifications, with a competitive benefits package.
Interested candidates should submit in writing a cover letter and comprehensive resume confirming the required experience and skills along with references by e-mail to jobs@NPPC.org. No telephone calls please. Further information about NPPC can be found at http://www.nppc.org.