Research Associate Food Science Jobs in Maine (NOW HIRING)

The School of Food and Agriculture (SFA) at the University of Maine seeks applicants for a full-time, 12-month, non-tenure-track Lecturer of Food Science and Coordinator of Food Science Teaching & Research Facilities and Programs. This is a 70% teaching and 30% administrative appointment. Responsibilities include teaching in SFA's Food Science & Human Nutrition program and coordinating operations and activities within the Food Science Teaching & Research Facilities. 

The successful candidate will teach undergraduate courses in the Food Science and Human Nutrition (FSN) program within SFA. Initial teaching responsibilities could include the Science of Food Preparation, Introduction to Food and Nutrition, Food Processing Lab, Research Learning Experiences, Foodservice Management, Field Experience, and Contemporary Issues in the Food Industry. Courses and teaching expectations may change based on School needs and faculty expertise. Additional teaching-related activities to be performed include preparation for lab courses that take place in the food science facilities, supervision of students to ensure safety and sanitation procedures are met, supervision of teaching assistants working within the facilities, and support of additional classes in SFA that involve food preparation, facility safety, and sanitation. This position includes an expectation to mentor students working on honors or capstone projects within the facilities and to participate in faculty meetings, curriculum committee meetings, and program assessments. The successful candidate will contribute to undergraduate recruiting efforts, attend open houses, and collaborate on youth summer educational programs for students interested in food science and human nutrition. 

In addition to teaching responsibilities, the successful candidate will coordinate operations in the Dr. Matthew Highlands Pilot Plant, Commercial Kitchen, and related teaching and research facilities in Hitchner Hall. Responsibilities include coordinating use of the space by students, faculty, and staff, and providing safety and sanitation training; hiring and supervising student workers in the facilities; communicating with Facilities Management and external contractors for scheduled maintenance and repairs; purchasing supplies and equipment for the facilities, including writing specs and obtaining bids; becoming proficient at operating and maintaining equipment in the facilities and establishing standard operating procedures; acting as the safety officer to train or facilitate training of all relevant facilities users on proper use and safety in the pilot plant, kitchen, and teaching and research labs; acting as point of contact for risk and safety management, maintaining safety records, and anticipating and responding to safety needs; working effectively, proactively, and cooperatively with members of SFA and other users of the facilities and managing agreements for facilities usage; and performing other reasonably related duties as assigned.

SFA offers a B.S. degree program in Food Science and Human Nutrition with three concentrations, of which the Human Nutrition and Dietetics option is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) and the Food Science concentration is approved by the Institute of Food Technologists. SFA also offers an M.S. degree in Food Science and Human Nutrition and a Ph.D. in Food and Nutrition Sciences. The University of Maine provides many resources to support the instructional needs of university faculty in 21st-century learning.
About the University:
The University of Maine is a community of more than 11,900 undergraduate and graduate students, and 2,500 employees located on the Orono campus, the regional campus in Machias, and throughout the state. UMaine is a land, sea and space grant university, and maintains a leadership role as the University of Maine System's flagship institution. UMaine is the state's public research university and a Carnegie R1 top-tier research institution, dedicated to providing excellent teaching, research and service for Maine, the nation and the world. More information about UMaine is at umaine.edu. 
The University of Maine offers a wide range of benefits for employees including, but not limited to, tuition benefits (employee and dependent), comprehensive insurance coverage including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and short and long term disability as well as retirement plan options. 
UMaine is located in beautiful Central Maine. Many employees report that a primary reason for choosing to come to UMaine is quality of life. Numerous cultural activities, excellent public schools, safe neighborhoods, high quality medical care, little traffic, and a reasonable cost of living make the greater Bangor area a wonderful place to live. Visit the Maine Office of Tourism to learn more about what the Bangor region has to offer.
Qualifications:
Required:

• An M.S. degree in food science or a closely related field.
• Knowledge and experience in food science and/or food safety.
• Demonstrated ability or potential to teach food science at the undergraduate level.
• Demonstrated ability to mentor students.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.

Preferred:

• A Ph.D., or an M.S. degree plus at least 2 years of relevant experience.
• Record or promise of high professional service and leadership capacity.
• Record of supervising programmatic activities in food science or a related field.
   

Other Information: 

To be considered for this position you will need to "Apply" and upload the documentation listed below:

1.) a cover letter which describes your experience, interests, and suitability for the position
2.) a resume/curriculum vitae

Candidates selected to proceed to the final stages of the search process will be requested to provide a list of names and contact information for references.

Incomplete application materials cannot be considered. Materials received after the initial review date will be reviewed at the discretion of the University.
For full consideration, materials must be submitted by 4:30 p.m. EST on July 15, 2025.

For questions about the search, please contact search committee chair, Jennifer Perry, at jennifer.perry@maine.edu or 207-581-2940.
The successful applicant is subject to appropriate background screening.