Food Science Faculty Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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POSITION SPECIFICS
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.
Key Responsibilities
Extension (75%): The successful candidate will build a nationally recognized Extension education program to provide support to food industry stakeholders in Pennsylvania and beyond in the following ways:

• 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.

Research (25%): The successful candidate will conduct problem-solving food safety and quality research in critical issues and disseminate the findings through publications in scientific journals and public stakeholders. The candidate will seek internal and external collaboration opportunities with faculty members within the Food Science Department and other departments/units at Penn State, and with regional, national, and international partners. Research areas of interest will vary depending on the expertise of the successful candidate; these include but are not limited to:

• 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.

Qualifications:

• 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.

Desired Qualifications:

• Post doctoral experience.
• Experience working with the 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. All documents need to be uploaded on the same page.
Please contact Dr. Jasna Kovac, Search Committee Chair, at jzk303@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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