Assistant​/Associate Professor - Applied Food Safety Microbiologist

Assistant/Associate Professor - Applied Food Safety Microbiologist

Institution: University of Nebraska‑Lincoln (UNL), Daugherty Water for Food Global Institute, Department of Food Science & Technology

This 12‑month, tenure‑track appointment focuses on high‑impact research, extension, and teaching in applied food safety microbiology with an emphasis on meat science. The position is located in Lincoln, NE.

Research (.50 FTE) – Develop research addressing contemporary food safety problems, including post‑harvest safety of animal products. Potential areas include intervention strategies, epidemiological studies, new detection technologies, and pathogen persistence mechanisms. Collaboration with Meat Scientists and other interdisciplinary partners will be essential. Responsibilities include mentoring students, publishing high‑quality peer‑reviewed work, securing external funding, and engaging national and international networks.

Extension (.40 FTE) – Translate research findings into learning products and outreach programs. Develop innovative teaching tools, lead training such as HACCP and Preventive Controls, provide technical assistance to USDA FSIS, FDA, and State Food Code inspections, and measure program impact.

Teaching (.10 FTE) – Teach FDST 403/803 (Food Quality Assurance), FDST 908E (Reading in Food Microbiology), and contribute to related courses such as food sanitation, HACCP, and foodborne pathogens. Also support student recruitment, retention, and assessment.

• Ph.D. in Food Science, Animal Science, Meat Science, Microbiology, Food Engineering, or a closely related field.
• Demonstrated track record of academic accomplishments in food microbiology and/or food safety (peer‑reviewed publications, conference presentations).

• Post‑doctoral or additional post‑graduate experience in food microbiology or food safety.
• Evidence of potential to obtain external funding.
• Track record of supervising undergraduate and graduate students.
• Experience in outreach programs and workforce training.
• Teaching experience at the college level.
• Leadership in interdisciplinary program development.
• Excellent communication skills.

Lincoln, NE. Pre‑placement driving record and criminal history/background checks required.

12‑month appointment. Salary will be determined at the time of offer.

Applicants must submit:

• Letter of Interest describing qualifications, anticipated contributions, and desired rank.
• Curriculum Vitae.
• Contact information for three professional references.
• Statements describing philosophy and approach to research, extension, and teaching in applied food safety microbiology.
• Statement describing experience working in teams and contributions to inclusive environments (combined with the previous statement; max 2 pages). Please see (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). for instructions.

The University of Nebraska does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, or political affiliation. See .

Click “Apply for this Job”, then choose “Faculty Application”, and complete the application using the online portal.