Extension Associate

About This Role

This position provides leadership in the development, implementation, and evaluation of research-based food safety extension programming, training, and outreach initiatives. The role collaborates with faculty, staff, and stakeholders to translate applied research findings into practical education programs and technical resources. The position also directs the management, compliance, and operational oversight of the Kansas Value Added Foods Lab (KVAFL), supporting applied research, product development, and industry engagement activities.

The department is committed to providing high-quality education, advancing innovation in grain and food science research, and building strong industry partnerships to meet the evolving needs of global food systems.

Our faculty includes several current and former Grain and Food Science members who are ranked among the world’s top 2% of researchers in a 2020 Stanford University study.

For more than 110 years, Kansas State University has been a global leader in flour milling and industry-focused education. Since 1951, it has remained one of the few institutions worldwide to offer four-year bachelor’s degrees in Bakery Science and Management, Feed and Pet Food Science, Food Science, and Milling Science and Management.

This position is On-site.

All employees must reside in the United States when they begin working to comply with state law. K-State is unable to provide remote or hybrid work opportunities for residents of the state of Idaho.

• Bachelor’s degree
• Three years of relevant experience.
• Valid driver's license

Education beyond the minimum degree requirement may count toward required experience if deemed relevant by the hiring manager. This degree requirement ensures candidates possess foundational knowledge in agricultural systems, cooperative management and public outreach. These competencies are typically developed and rigorously validated only through the comprehensive curriculum and intensive experiential learning inherent in a formal degree program.

• M.S. in Food Science or closely related field
• Five or more years of relevant experience
• Demonstrated excellence and expertise in food safety extension and outreach programs
• Knowledge of and /or experience performing methods for food analysis
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Knowledge or experience in laboratory administration, including budget, oversight and management
• Demonstrated experience in developing and updating organizational webpages and use of social media.

Sponsorship eligibility:
Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship.

Please submit the following documents:

• K-State online Page Up application
• Resume
• Contact information for three references

Applications close on:06/07/2026

$61,591.00-$81,000