Assistant/Associate Professor of Food Science-Microbiological Food Safety, Food Quality, and Industrial Food Processing

Penn State University•University Park, PA

61d

About The Position

The Department of Food Science at The Pennsylvania State University seeks a tenure track faculty member to build an Extension program in an area related to microbiological food safety, food quality, or industrial food processing. This position will be hired as an Assistant/Associate Professor of Food Science-Microbiological Food Safety, Food Quality, and Industrial Food Processing. Agriculture in Pennsylvania accounts for approximately $83.8 billion in direct economic output and more than 280,500 jobs. Within the agriculture sector, food processing and manufacturing is the largest sub-sector, accounting for nearly 60% of the economic output and 32% of the total direct employment. Penn State's land-grant mission is to provide education, research, and public service to all people in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The Food Science Department is uniquely positioned in the College of Agricultural Sciences to provide expertise needed to meet the food safety and quality needs of food production and processing professionals.

Requirements

Ph.D. in Food Science, Microbiology, or a closely related field with a focus on food microbiology, food safety or food processing.
Strong record of research in areas such as microbial food safety, foodborne pathogens, or industrial food processing. Experience with advanced microbial detection methods or risk analysis.
Experience working with diverse teams, including academic, industry, and government stakeholders.
Excellent verbal and written communication abilities to effectively teach, mentor, and collaborate.

Nice To Haves

Post doctoral experience.
Experience working with the food industry.

Responsibilities

Conduct short courses and workshops, including online programs, offered through the Department of Food Science.
Develop and deliver new workforce training programs to meet the current and emerging needs of small and large food processors in PA.
Develop and maintain relationships and provide expertise to regulatory agencies including the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, The Food and Drug Administration, and the USDA-FSIS.
Provide expertise and direction to Cooperative Extension Food Safety and Quality program team in the areas of food production, processing, food service, and retail, and home food safety and preservation.
Develop programs and processes that provide support to people interested in starting or scaling up a food manufacturing business. This approach could include facilitating access to laboratory services and assisting with product formulation and equipment scale-up.
Provide professional development to Extension educators on food safety topics.
Respond to questions from the public about food safety topics.
Food safety process validation studies for small and large organizations.
Development of processes and procedures to enhance food quality.
Conducting regular needs assessments to determine education and research gaps.
Evaluation of educational programs.

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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