Research Associate Food Science Jobs in Utah (NOW HIRING)

Overview
The Department of Nutrition, Dietetics, and Food Sciences at Utah State University seeks dynamic applicants with outstanding research and teaching experience for a 9-month, tenure-track faculty position at the rank of Assistant Professor (50% research, 45% teaching, 5% service). The successful applicant will be expected to build on a long history of food science excellence at USU by establishing an extramurally funded and nationally recognized research program that contributes to the department's mission of identifying innovative science-driven solutions to food-related problems that affect people and communities.
We are seeking a candidate with research expertise in the development of advanced food manufacturing technologies that complement the agriculture and food processing in the Intermountain West of the USA. Areas of interest include but are not limited to: processing technologies; sustainable food packaging materials and designs; high-speed automation, industrial robotics, and smart systems; nonosensory and detection devices for food safety and quality; technologies to enhance shelf-life, reduce food waste, and improve nutritional value; and innovations that improve energy and water efficiency in food production.
In addition, the candidate will be expected to develop programs to train the next generation of food scientists for employment in an industry increasingly relying on automated processes to produce foods.
The successful applicant will have a passion for, and experience in teaching and will be expected to contribute to the expansion of our undergraduate program and online graduate food science program. The teaching responsibilities will include a three course load that may include 1) overseeing the statewide teaching of an online introductory food science class and integration into Utah high schools, and 2) teaching graduate courses in the in-person MS/PhD program and online Masters of Food Safety and Quality program. To meet the needs of students across the USU statewide system, the teaching formats may include both in-person and on-line delivery.
Review of applications will begin February 1, 2026, but applications will be accepted and considered after the date until the position is filled. The anticipated start date is August 1, 2026.
Responsibilities

• Teach courses as assigned by the Department Head according to the needs of the department.
• Develop and contribute to the implementation of strategies to grow our our undergraduate program and online graduate food science degrees.
• Pursue research in the area of advanced food manufacturing technologies that relates to industry and federal funding priorities.
• Publish in peer-reviewed journals appropriate to the discipline.
• Secure external funding to support a strong research and student training program.
• Mentor undergraduate and graduate students.
• Collaborate with a wide range of food and other scientists in the department and university, and food industry.
• Contribute to the department, college, and university through service.

Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications:

• D. in Food Science or related field.
• Research experience in advanced food manufacturing technologies.
• Demonstrated experience in teaching at the university level, with evidence of a high potential for teaching excellence.
• Record of publication in peer-reviewed academic journals.
• Evidence of ability to pursue and obtain competitive funding to support an independent research program.
• Strong written and oral communication skills, with the ability to convey complex technical concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences, including faculty, staff, and students and external stakeholders.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working in the food industry.
• Demonstrated experience in teaching, advising, and mentoring undergraduate and graduate students.
• Demonstrated record of funding from competitive federal and industry sources.
• Post-doctoral research experience.
• Demonstrated experience in both in-person and and online teaching.

Required Documents
Along with the online application, please attach:

1. Resume/CV to be uploaded at the beginning of your application in the Candidate Profile under "Resume/CV"
2. Cover Letter to be uploaded at the beginning of your application in the Candidate Profile under "Documents 1-10"
3. 1-2 page Research Statement We are looking for a summary of your past, present, and future research with an explanation of how your work contributes to the field, advances knowledge, and aligns with the mission of the department and institute. This document will be uploaded at the beginning of your application in the Candidate Profile under "Documents 1-10"
4. 1-2 page Teaching Statement We are looking for evidence of a purposeful approach to teaching that is grounded in examples from your experience. This document will be uploaded at the beginning of your application in the Candidate Profile under "Documents 1-10"

**Document size may not exceed 10 MB.**
Advertised Salary
Commensurate with experience, plus excellent benefits
ADA
Employees typically work indoors and are protected from weather and/or contaminants, but not, necessarily, occasional temperature changes.
University Highlights
Founded in 1888, Utah State University is Utah's premier land-grant, public service university. As an R1 research institution, Utah State is dedicated to advancing knowledge and serving the public good through innovative research and scholarly activities that are grounded in reciprocal engagement with local, regional, and global communities. USU prepares students to be active, civically engaged leaders who are prepared to address critical societal challenges. Dedicated to providing a high-quality and affordable education, USU remains a leader in research, discovery, and public impact.
USU enrolls over 29,800 students, both online and in person at locations throughout the state. Utah State's 30 locations include a main campus in Logan, Utah, residential campuses in Price and Blanding, and six additional statewide campuses, along with education centers serving every county. USU educates students from all 50 states and more than 80 countries. For over 100 years, USU Extension has served and engaged Utahns, serving every county in the state.
Competing at the NCAA Division I level in 16 sports, USU is a proud member of the Pac-12 Conference, officially joining on July 1, 2026. The Aggies capped a historic final season in the Mountain West by capturing nine combined regular-season and tournament titles in 2025-26, with five teams advancing to postseason play. This tradition of excellence extends to the classroom, where 232 student-athletes earned academic honors, and to the community, where USU ranked second nationally in Division I service hours, with nine teams placing in the top 10 for community service.
Utah State is dedicated to fostering a community where all individuals feel respected, valued, and supported and where diversity of thought and culture are cultivated. We seek to recruit, hire, and retain people from all walks of life who will champion excellence in education, research, discovery, outreach, and service. We believe that promoting a strong sense of community and belonging empowers and engages all members of USU to thrive and be successful. Forbes recognized our commitment to employees when they named Utah State the best employer in Utah in 2023. Learn more about USU.
The university provides a Dual Career Assistance Program to support careers for partners who are also seeking employment. Additionally, USU is committed to providing access and a reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities. To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability, contact the university's ADA Coordinator in the Office of Human Resources at (435) 797-0122 or hr@usu.edu.
*updated 07/2026
Notice of Non-discrimination
In its programs and activities, including in admissions and employment, Utah State University does not discriminate or tolerate discrimination, including harassment, based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by University policy, Title IX, or any other federal, state, or local law.
Utah State University is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate or tolerate discrimination including harassment in employment including in hiring, promotion, transfer, or termination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by University policy or any other federal, state, or local law.
Utah State University does not discriminate in its housing offerings and will treat all persons fairly and equally without regard to race, color, religion, sex, familial status, disability, national origin, source of income, sexual orientation, or gender identity. Additionally, the University endeavors to provide reasonable accommodations when necessary and to ensure equal access to qualified persons with disabilities.
In all circumstances, Utah State University follows state and federal laws related to sex-segregated spaces.
The following office has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the application of Title IX and its implementing regulations and/or USU's non-discrimination policies:
Civil Rights & Title IX Office
Old Main Room 405
1475 Old Main Hill, Logan UT 84322
titleix@usu.edu
(435) 797-1266
For further information regarding non-discrimination, please visit crtix.usu.edu or contact:
U.S. Department of Education
Denver Regional Office
303-844-5695| OCR.Denver@ed.gov
U.S. Department of Education
Office of Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights
800-421-3481 | OCR@ed.gov
*updated 08/2026