The Department of Grain Science and Industry at Kansas State University is seeking a 9-month, tenure-track Assistant or Associate Professor in Pet Food Science. This position includes 60–80% research and 20–40% teaching responsibilities. The successful candidate will contribute to the department’s revitalization efforts aimed at establishing global leadership in grain and food innovation, with a strong focus on pet food that promotes animal health, feed and food safety, and environmental sustainability.

Responsibilities
The successful candidate will contribute to the department’s land-grant missions in teaching and research, and K-State’s Plan for Economic Prosperity in Kansas (https://www.k-state.edu/research/economic-prosperity/).

Among primary job expectations:
Establish and maintain a reputable scholarly research program with extramural support focused on one of three core emphasis areas. Previous experience with pet food is not required.

1) Pet food Safety and Biosecurity
Lead innovations that address microbial and chemical hazards in ingredients and pet food products, integrating both applied and fundamental research approaches. Appropriate research areas may include but are not limited to: development of rapid sensor technologies for real-time hazard detection; development of predictive microbiology, modeling, and risk assessment tools to inform safety management decisions and optimize preventive controls; development of novel physical, chemical, and biological interventions to inactivate pathogens and extend product shelf life.

2) Pet Food Quality and Technology
Lead initiatives to advance innovations in both traditional and emerging technologies used to manufacture ingredients and pet food products, as well as interventions (e.g., antioxidants, preservatives, packaging strategies) aimed at enhancing nutritional integrity, safety, and product quality. Appropriate research areas may include, but are not limited to novel processing strategies, ingredient innovations, and technological tools that enhance product quality, shelf life, safety, and nutritional integrity, while minimizing waste and improving process efficiencies.

3) Pet nutrition and health
Collaborate with a cross-functional team to conduct basic and applied research utilizing in silico, in vitro and/or in vivo approaches to improve the health and well-being of companion animals. Appropriate research areas may include but are not limited to: nutrition, metabolism, immunology, gut health, geroscience, metabolic network modeling, epidemiology, and application of cell culture and dynamic in vitro digestion models applicable to both companion animals and humans.

• Teach undergraduate and / or graduate courses.
• Mentor undergraduate students on setting academic and career goals, supervise undergraduate research and other high impact learning activities as needed, and assist with undergraduate student recruitment activities.
• Recruit and mentor graduate students.
• Serve on departmental, college, and university committees; and appropriate professional/industry associations.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Department Head.
• The candidate is expected to demonstrate professionalism and the ability to work effectively with colleagues across a range of disciplines.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Ph.D. degree in a relevant discipline, such as grain/food science, food microbiology, meat science, animal nutrition, veterinary science, agricultural or biological engineering, biochemistry, chemistry, chemical engineering, etc.
  Ability to teach and advise undergraduate and graduate students
  Ability to build a strong and impactful research program
  Track record of scholarly publications
  Commitment to the University’s land-grant mission

The degree requirement is necessary for accreditation purposes and to ensure candidates possess the specialized knowledge, skills, and abilities that can only be attained through a formal educational program at this level.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Postdoctoral experience
  Demonstrated research experience and achievements in one of the listed pet food emphasis areas.
  Demonstrated ability to collaborate with faculty, university administration, and industry scientists and leaders
  Experience in obtaining extramural grants
  Desire and ability to work effectively in a multi-disciplinary team environment and contribute to a collegial and collaborative workplace.