Assistant Professor in Food Chemistry

Penn State University • University Park, IL

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About The Position

The Department of Food Science at the Pennsylvania State University seeks a tenure track faculty member in Food Chemistry with expertise in use of preclinical models to study the relationship between the chemical composition of foods and their impacts on gut-brain axis, including signaling, eating behavior, and long-term brain health/function. This appointment will be filled at the rank of Assistant Professor. The position will (1) strengthen and expand the Department’s strategic interest in Food-Based Solutions to Enhance Health and (2) address growing consumer demand for foods with improved health-related functionality. The position also aligns with Penn State’s mission of fostering cutting-edge research, promoting economic growth, and providing education that directly benefits the agricultural and food sectors in Pennsylvania and beyond.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Food Science, Nutrition, or a closely related field.
• Postdoctoral experience or prior faculty experience in food science, neuroscience, or related discipline.
• A record of high-quality research in food chemistry, eating behavior, and gut-brain axis signaling, with demonstrated potential for, or evidence of, securing extramural funding.
• Strong commitment to teaching excellence at both undergraduate and graduate levels.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary environment.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in innovative teaching methods.
• Interest in food valorization, novel food ingredient development, or interdisciplinary, collaborative research on foods and health

Responsibilities

• Develop a nationally and internationally recognized research program in food chemistry with an emphasis on the impact of foods on the gut-brain axis, and the role that these interactions play in driving eating behavior and long-term brain health/function.
• Employ preclinical models and cutting edge molecular and biochemical approaches to address this topic.
• Pursue extramural funding to support their research program, publish in high-impact journals, and collaborate with interdisciplinary teams across the university and industry.
• Be responsible for teaching FDSC 400 (“Food Chemistry & Analysis (I)”).
• Develop a graduate course in their area of expertise.
• Participate in departmental, college, and university committees, professional organizations, and community outreach activities.
• Engage with Penn State's stakeholders, including students, alumni, and industry partners, to promote the mission of the Food Science Department and Penn State Extension.

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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees