Food Science Tenure-Track Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist

Position Overview:

The Grain Science & Industry and Food Science programs at K-State recently merged into a new Department of Grain and Food Science and are investing in strategic initiatives to become the global leader in grain and food innovations. Through the upcoming Global Center (https://www.k-state.edu/ag-innovation/facilities/global-center-grain-food-innovation/ ), the department will lead collaborative partnerships to create impactful solutions that advance global food security, health, and sustainability.

The department invites applications for an extension and research tenure-track position in food processing and safety. The position is responsible for developing and leading outreach, applied research, and educational and training programs in the areas of food processing with an emphasis on food safety, regulations, and quality. The successful candidate will be expected to develop a strong extension and research program, secure external funding, and engage in client-driven projects that advance food quality, safety, and processing technologies. The candidate will lead the operations of departmental food processing pilot facility and the Kansas Value Added Foods Lab (KVAL), and collaboratively interact with campus faculty (including Olathe campus), statewide, regional, district and county extension agents, industry stakeholders, students, and professional organizations.

Position: Tenure-track Assistant Professor position, 80% extension and 20% research.

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

• Provide guidance and support to food companies, both new and existing, on food safety regulations and processing and handling practices, including serving as the process authority to food manufacturing enterprises in the state.
• Lead the operations of the food processing pilot facility by partnering with industry, faculty, and students to foster entrepreneurship and innovation, and high impact student training.
• Develop and deliver continuing education to the food industry to meet both FDA and Kansas Department of Agriculture certification requirements, and ensure relevant manpower professional development. This includes, but is not limited to, developing relevant extension publications, webinars, workshops, and other modes of delivering education.
• Work collaboratively with faculty and external stakeholders to develop and deliver timely solutions to meet food industry needs.
• Assist regional, district, and county Extension Agents in working with constituents who want to produce food products for retail sale.
• Develop and lead a robust extramurally funded research program in area of specialization.
• Participate in professional society conferences and other activities as appropriate.
• Other job-related duties as assigned by the Department Head.

Required Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in food science, food engineering or a closely related field.
• Proficiency in modern food processing techniques, applied food safety, food plant sanitation, and current food processing and labeling regulations.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to interact effectively with food industry professionals, food manufacturing startups, and students.
• Demonstrated record (or potential) for securing competitive grants and external funding.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in a Land Grant University and/or prior work in the food industry.
• Experience in securing extramural grant funding.
• Background in client-driven research and technology transfer.
• Previous engagement in multidisciplinary research collaborations.