GRA, Meat Processing Bottleneck

Title: GRA, Meat Processing Bottleneck

Job code: 9529, PhD Candidate Research Asst

Employee Group: Graduate student

Full/Part Time (FTE): 25%; 10 hours per week

Regular/Temporary: Fall semester appointment. Potential for spring semester based on funding and performance

Office location: Twin Cities Campus with some flexibility

Salary: $28.93/hr

Apply by: September 22, 2026

About the Job

The University of Minnesota Extension’s Regional Sustainable Development Partnerships (RSDP) in partnership with the Minnesota Farmers Union (MFU) seeks an advanced PhD student to help investigate opportunities to institutionalize the project through transferring project control and ownership to an interested established entity that specializes in workforce development in the agricultural sector, immigrant rights, sustainable agriculture, or other related topics. The graduate student will also engage in project outreach and grant writing opportunities. Read more: https://extension.umn.edu/rsdp-happenings/helping-minnesota-livestock-farmers-access-markets

Location and Work Environment 

St. Paul or Minneapolis campus with some flexibility

Work Schedule 

The majority of the work hours are flexible, based on the student and project schedules. The position will require some evening and weekend events that will be scheduled in advance. The candidate must communicate with the project team via telephone, email, and video conference calls. Some travel (10%) will be required and travel expenses will be covered.

Primary Responsibilities

60% Project Support 

• Conduct internal assessment of current programming, capacity, and organizational structure.
• Engage RSDP-supported subject matter experts to advise on organizational structure, workforce development models, and sustainability strategies.
• Look up and share options for legal structure, governance, staffing, and funding diversification.
• Under the direction of the project team, refine a strategic plan, including implementation roadmap and priority actions.
• Assist in transferring project control and ownership to an interested established entity or new 501c3 structure.

30% Stakeholder Outreach

• Conduct targeted outreach with community partners, and help host engagement opportunities.
• Facilitate stakeholder interviews and engagement sessions with processors, workers, and partners.
• Attend relevant stakeholder meetings as a representative of the MFU Bottleneck Team and report back.
• Drive to stakeholder meetings and events (up to 2 hours/week).

10% Grant Writing

• Assist project staff in identifying and writing grants.

Required Qualifications

• Must be enrolled as an advanced status PhD Candidate at the University of Minnesota, in the fall of 2026 (bachelor’s degree, 24 semester xxxx-888 doctoral thesis credit requirement is complete).
• Must be registered for the required number of credits for fall term.
• Background or pursuing a degree in sustainable agriculture or food systems, workforce development, urban and regional planning, public affairs, environmental policy, applied economics, public health, nonprofit management, business management, or a related field.
• Excellent project management, communication, and writing skills.
• Strong work ethic and ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Access to a computer, internet, and phone.
• Ability to work with Microsoft Office Suite, Microsoft Teams, Zoom, and Google Workspace.

Additional Requirements

• Work may include events or meetings on some evenings or weekends to be scheduled in advance.
• Valid driver’s license and own means of transportation with required liability insurance.
• Ability to pass a background check for use of Fleet Services vehicles or own vehicle due to travel for this position.

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with rural or small-town economic development.
• Previous experience in program development, developing case studies, developing business plans, communicating findings clearly and concisely for a non-academic audience, developing and conducting interviews, developing and maintaining community partnerships and relationships, experience working in community settings.
• Grant writing experience.

University of Minnesota Extension is a major outreach arm of the University of Minnesota with a mission to serve the public through applied research and education. Our mission is to make a difference by connecting community needs and University resources to address critical issues in Minnesota. Extension strives to attract and retain high-quality, passionate employees. Find further information on the Extension website. 

University of Minnesota Extension’s Regional Sustainable Development Partnerships (RSPD) advance the environmental, economic, and social sustainability of Greater Minnesota through authentic community-University partnerships and co-creation of innovative solutions to community challenges. RSDP is composed of a statewide office and five regional partnerships across Greater Minnesota. Southwest RSDP’s community-driven board of directors supports projects in four focus areas: sustainable agriculture and food systems, resilient communities, natural resources, and clean energy.

Pay Range: $28.93; depending on education/qualifications/experience

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.

Application Deadline: Sept 22, 2026

Student positions are a form of financial support while pursuing an education at the University of Minnesota.

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 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.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail [email protected].

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.