Dairy Processing Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.
POSITION SPECIFICS
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.
Key Responsibilities
Extension (75%)
Training and Education

• 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

Industry/Stakeholder Engagement and Support

• 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.

Research (25%)
The research program will depend on the expertise of the successful candidate but may include for example:

• 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.

The successful candidate will be expected to secure external funding to support their research initiatives, to publish research findings in peer-reviewed journals, present at scientific conferences, and to mentor graduate students and supervise their research projects.
Required Qualifications

• 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.

Desired Qualifications

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

Applicants must upload (1) letter of application, (2) curriculum vitae, (3) academic transcripts, (4) a statement summarizing the applicant's philosophy and plan for establishing a successful research and extension program, and (5) names of at least three professional references (including address, telephone and e-mail address) to the Penn State Jobs system. System limitations allow for a total of 5 documents (5 MB per document) as part of your application. Please combine materials to meet the 5-document limit.
Please contact Dr. Josephine Wee, Search Committee Chair, at jmw970@psu.edu with questions. Applications will be reviewed beginning January 12, 2026, and will continue until a suitable candidate is found. The anticipated start date is 1 July, 2026, or as negotiated
BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES
Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.
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.
For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page.
CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS
Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.
EEO IS THE LAW
Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.
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