Assistant Professor – Food Science

Assistant Professor Position

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.

• 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 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.

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.

Along with the online application, please attach:

• Resume/CV to be uploaded at the beginning of your application in the Candidate Profile under "Resume/CV"
• Cover Letter to be uploaded at the beginning of your application in the Candidate Profile under "Documents 1-10"
• 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"
• 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.**

Commensurate with…