Assistant/Associate Professor of Food Science-Dairy Foods Safety, Manufacturing, and Quality

POSITION SPECIFICS

The Department of Food Science at Penn State, a nationally recognized leader in dairy educational programs and research, invites applications for a tenure-track faculty position specializing in Dairy Foods Safety, Manufacturing, and Quality. This position will be filled as an Assistant/Associate Professor of Food Science-Dairy Foods Safety, Manufacturing, and Quality and is designed to address critical needs in the dairy industry through a combination of Extension and research activities. The successful candidate will develop and deliver educational programs and conduct research to enhance the safety, manufacturing processes, and quality of dairy products.

Pennsylvania has a robust dairy processing sector, with over 100 dairy processing plants across the Commonwealth. These plants produce a wide range of dairy products, including cheese, yogurt, ice cream, and butter. This position will address industry demands by providing critical support and education to dairy processors.

The integration of research and Extension will foster innovation in dairy food safety, manufacturing, and quality practices. The successful candidate will lead research projects that address current challenges and develop new solutions, advancing the field and supporting the dairy industry.

Key Responsibilities
Extension (75%)
Training and Education

• Provide technical support and training on dairy food safety regulations, manufacturing best practices, and quality control.
• Assume responsibility for a portfolio of existing successful short courses and workshops, including for example the Pasteurizers Operators Short Course, Cultured Dairy Products Short Course, Preventive Controls (PCQI/FSMA) for Dairy Manufacturers, and others.
• Contribute to other dairy focused short courses and workshops.
• Organize events such as workshops, seminars and webinars to engage with the dairy processing community.
• Provide professional development to Extension educators on dairy safety, manufacturing, and quality

Industry/Stakeholder Engagement and Support

• Assess the needs of small, medium and large dairy processors in PA. Develop new training in person, on-line or hybrid programs to address identified gaps and emerging needs.
• Provide support to large and small processors seeking to develop value added dairy products.
• Collaborate with Extension educators, industry partners, and regulatory agencies to disseminate research findings and promote best practices.
• Interact with Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture and other regulatory authorities to provide necessary trainings and technical support.

Research (25%)
The research program will depend on the expertise of the successful candidate but may include for example:

• Investigation of innovative methods to detect and control human pathogens (e.g., Listeria, Salmonella) in dairy processing facilities.
• Exploration of natural preservatives or packaging technologies to enhance the shelf life of dairy products.
• Development of novel processing systems
• Development of methods to reduce water and energy consumption and valorize waste in dairy manufacturing operations.
• Develop and assess ways of implementing AI and other advanced analytics in quality assurance and safety program effectiveness in dairy manufacturing facilities.

The successful candidate will be expected to secure external funding to support their research initiatives, to publish research findings in peer-reviewed journals, present at scientific conferences, and to mentor graduate students and supervise their research projects.

Required Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Food Science, Dairy Science, Microbiology, or a related field.
• Demonstrated expertise in dairy food safety, manufacturing, and quality.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Proven track record of research and publication.

Desired Qualifications

• Post doctoral experience.
• Experience in Extension education and outreach
• Experience working with the dairy/food industry.

Applicants must upload (1) letter of application, (2) curriculum vitae, (3) academic transcripts, (4) a statement summarizing the applicant's philosophy and plan for establishing a successful research and extension program, and (5) names of at least three professional references (including address, telephone and e-mail address) to the Penn State Jobs system. System limitations allow for a total of 5 documents (5 MB per document) as part of your application. Please combine materials to meet the 5-document limit.

Please contact Dr. Josephine Wee, Search Committee Chair, at [email protected] with questions. Applications will be reviewed beginning January 12, 2026, and will continue until a suitable candidate is found. The anticipated start date is 1 July, 2026, or as negotiated

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.

BENEFITS

Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional wellbeing. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children.


For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page.

EEO IS THE LAW

Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.

The Pennsylvania State University is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university's teaching, research, and service mission.

Apply online at https://psu.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/PSU_Academic/job/Penn-State-University-Park/Assistant-Associate-Professor-of-Food-Science-Dairy-Foods-Safety--Manufacturing--and-Quality_REQ_0000073292-1

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS: For more about safety at Penn State, and to review the Annual Security Report which contains information about crime statistics and other safety and security matters, please go to http://www.police.psu.edu/clery/, which will also provide you with detail on how to request a hard copy of the Annual Security Report.







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