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

Penn State University•University Park, PA

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About The Position

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.

Requirements

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.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

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
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.
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.
Secure external funding to support their research initiatives
Publish research findings in peer-reviewed journals
Present at scientific conferences
Mentor graduate students and supervise their research projects.

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.

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