Assistant​/Associate Professor - Chemistry of Food and Food Ingredients

Assistant/Associate Professor – Chemistry of Food and Food Ingredients

Job No: 539578

Work Type: Full Time

Location: Main Campus (Gainesville, FL)

Categories: Biology/Life Science, Agricultural Sciences

Department:  - AG-FOOD SCIENCE - HUMAN NUTR

The Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences is creating an environment that affirms community across all dimensions. This 9‑month tenure‑accruing position will be split 50% research (Florida Agricultural Experiment Station) and 50% teaching (College of Agricultural and Life Sciences). The assignment may be revised to meet the unit’s needs, but tenure will accrue in the Food Science and Human Nutrition Department.

Faculty will seek contract and grant funding to support their program.

The successful candidate will develop a research and teaching program related to the chemistry of food and food ingredients. Research areas may include sustainable food ingredients, sensory, allergens, toxicology, plant‑based ingredients, sustainably sourced food components (flavor, color, nutritive and bioactive compounds), microplastics, engineered nanoparticles, PFASs in the food chain, physicochemical tool development, shelf‑life extension, and food waste reduction through mechanistic studies of chemical changes during processing and storage.

Emphasis may be placed on designing next‑generation food materials and systems that minimize environmental impact while maintaining functionality and sensory quality. Research may involve AI‑augmented discovery and predictive modeling. The candidate will develop and teach courses (in‑person, hybrid, and/or online) related to food science and at least one additional food chemistry course such as Food Chemistry, Toxicology, Instrumental Analysis, or Flavor/Sensory Chemistry.

Participation in other related courses is expected. The candidate will develop an externally funded research program, advise undergraduate students, and mentor master’s and doctoral students.

Participation in faculty meetings, committees, graduate seminars, and related service work appropriate to faculty members is expected. Faculty members will collaborate with undergraduate and graduate students by chairing and serving on graduate committees, supervising theses, dissertations, and undergraduate research, and publishing research results alongside students. Faculty are encouraged to participate in professional development activities related to teaching and advising, and to engage in Extension activities related to the Land‑Grant mission.

• A doctorate (foreign equivalent acceptable) in Food Science or a closely related discipline is required (applicants will be considered if a doctoral degree will be earned by the date of appointment)
• Demonstrated skills in verbal and written communication, and interpersonal relationships
• Supportive of the mission of the Land‑Grant system
• Commitment to UF core values

• Postdoctoral experience is desirable
• Experience teaching in‑person and/or online
• Experience mentoring graduate and undergraduate students
• Demonstrated ability to procure extramural research funding
• Knowledge of the food industry and related organizations, activities and trends

• Cover letter (2‑page limit) that states applicant's interest, background, and qualifications relative to duties and qualifications listed above
• Statement of teaching and mentoring philosophy (2‑page limit)
• Statement of research activities and interests (2‑page limit)
• Current curriculum vitae
• Contact information for three individuals willing to write letters of recommendation
• Unofficial transcripts

Selected candidates will be required to provide an official transcript to the hiring department upon hire. Degrees earned outside the United States must be evaluated by a professional credentialing service provider approved by the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services.

The University of Florida is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. Hiring is contingent on eligibility to work in the U.S.