Term Research Assistant Professor - Food Safety & Food Product Development

Responsibilities

The University of Alaska Fairbanks is seeking a dedicated individual to join our team in improving Alaska’s food security through research and community programming and outreach. This position focuses on food safety, food preservation, and food product development and community needs in family and consumer science topic areas. The ideal candidate will have expertise in Alaska's wild, commercially harvested, and cultivated foods, and will be able to collaborate with food safety agencies and other university faculty to assess and address needs in food preservation, storage, safety, and product development.

This position will work with UAF’s Institute of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Extension and partner faculty and the public, including industry. The primary duties of this position include identifying needs and collaborating with other faculty, agencies and the public to improve Alaska food security. Staff and faculty in these programs take seriously our mission of working to improve Alaskans’ lives through our research and expertise and programming and measure what we do through this lens.

Are you a self‑directed person who enjoys finding ways to build healthy communities? UAF is seeking a highly collaborative, motivated, and technically skilled individual with a strong commitment to public service – a self‑starter who is equally comfortable conducting research (food science/safety/product development) and engaging directly with diverse communities across Alaska to deliver practical, impactful educational programs. The successful candidate must be flexible and possess excellent leadership and communication skills to juggle multiple projects, secure grant funding, and effectively bridge the gap between academic research and Alaska’s urban, rural and remote community needs.

• Ph.D. in Food Science, Food Technology or Microbiology (with specialization in food product development).
• M.S. in Food Science, Food Technology or Microbiology (with specialization in food product development) with 3 years experience in an academic research environment.
• M.S. Degree in Family and Consumer Sciences or related field with significant experience or coursework in food science and food safety.

This position is located on the Troth Yeddha campus in Fairbanks, Alaska. It is a full‑time, term‑funded, exempt faculty position with both a competitive salary and a full employee benefits package. UA provides a generous compensation package that includes retirement options, annual leave, 12 paid holidays per year, tuition waivers for employees and family members, and affordable medical, dental and vision care coverage.

Salary is negotiable based on education and experience.

Applicants must be able to obtain an Alaska Driver’s License and have a clean driving record in compliance with UA Safe Driving Criteria.

Applications will be accepted for review on February 2, 2026. Please apply by 11:55 PM, Alaska Standard Time on February 1, 2026. Submission of an application does not guarantee review or a job offer.

Contact:
Kenna Metivier, Signers’ Business Office at kjmetivier or 907‑474‑1847.

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States without restriction. Applicants who currently require or may in the future require visa sponsorship are not eligible.

This position is represented by United Academics (UNAC).

This position is term‑funded and is reviewed annually for contract renewal at the University’s discretion.

The University of Alaska is responsible for providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities throughout the applicant screening process. If assistance is needed in completing this application or during any phase of the interview process, please contact UA Human Resources by phone at 907‑450‑8200.

The University of Alaska is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access Employer and Educational Institution. The University is committed to a policy of non‑discrimination against individuals on the basis of any legally protected status.

The successful applicant is required to complete a background check. Any offer of employment is contingent on the background check.

Your application for employment with the University of Alaska is subject to public disclosure under the Alaska Public Records Act.

All employees at the University of Alaska are expected to uphold the highest standards of ethics and professionalism when conducting or engaged in university business.