Assistant Professor in Food Chemistry

The Pennsylvania State University•University Park, FL

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 food s and their impacts o n 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) s trengthen 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. Key Responsibilities: Research (75%) The successful candidate is expected to develop a nationally and internationally recognized research program in food chemistry with an emphasis on the i mpact of f oods on the gut-brain axis , and the role that these interactions play in driving eating behavior and long-term brain health/function. It is anticipated that the successful candidate will employ preclinical models and cutting edge molecular and biochemical approaches to address this topic. Research interests should complement existing Departmental research, for example, in food choice, sensory and consumer science, gut microbial metabolism, or food bioactivity. The successful candidate will benefit from collaboration with faculty members in the Department, College, and elsewhere at the University (e.g. the Penn State Neuroscience Institute , the Microbiome Center, and the Department of Nutritional Sciences), access to our three state-of-the-art pilot plants, and the excellent research core facilities available at the University. Candidates are expected to pursue extramural funding to support their research program, publish in high-impact journals, and collaborate with interdisciplinary teams across the university and industry. Teaching (25%) The successful candidate will be responsible for teaching FDSC 4 0 0 (“Food Chemistry & Analysis (I) ”) . This is a required 3-credit lecture and laboratory cl ass for third year Food Science majors . In addition, the candidate is expected to develop a graduate course in their area of expertise . The successful candidate is expected to participate in departmental, college, and university committees, professional organizations, and community outreach activities. The candidate will 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.

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 interd isciplinary, collaborative research on foods and health

Responsibilities

Develop a nationally and internationally recognized research program in food chemistry with an emphasis on the i mpact of f oods 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.
Responsible for teaching FDSC 4 0 0 (“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.

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