Tenure Track, Assistant Professor in Dairy Foods Microbiology

Posted on September 29, 2026

The successful candidate will establish an innovative, nationally and internationally recognized program addressing microbiological challenges and opportunities across the dairy foods system. Research may take a farm-to-table systems approach and advance the safety, microbial quality, functionality, and sustainability of dairy foods. Research addressing farm-level practices that influence the microbiological quality, safety, or suitability of milk for processing is within scope;however, research focused primarily on farm-level microbiology without a clear connection to milk or dairy product outcomes is not a primary focus of this position.

Appropriate research areas may include, but are not limited to: physiology, genetics, and ecology of microorganisms important to dairy food safety and quality;microbial interactions and their effects on the quality, flavor, and shelf-life of dairy products;methods to improve the safety and quality of milk and dairy products;development of dairy foods with probiotic, fermented, or other health-promoting properties;application of emerging technologies to understand and control microorganisms in dairy systems;and

development of predictive, computational, or data-driven tools for dairy quality and safety assurance. The successful candidate is expected to develop collaborative research relationships with colleagues in Food Science and across Cornell in areas such as microbiology, molecular biology and genetics, veterinary medicine, animal science, engineering, and related disciplines.

The successful candidate will establish an innovative, nationally and internationally recognized program addressing microbiological challenges and opportunities across the dairy foods system. Research may take a farm-to-table systems approach and advance the safety, microbial quality, functionality, and sustainability of dairy foods. Research addressing farm-level practices that influence the microbiological quality, safety, or suitability of milk for processing is within scope;however, research focused primarily on farm-level microbiology without a clear connection to milk or dairy product outcomes is not a primary focus of this position.

Appropriate research areas may include, but are not limited to: physiology, genetics, and ecology of microorganisms important to dairy food safety and quality;microbial interactions and their effects on the quality, flavor, and shelf-life of dairy products;methods to improve the safety and quality of milk and dairy products;development of dairy foods with probiotic, fermented, or other health-promoting properties;application of emerging technologies to understand and control microorganisms in dairy systems;and

development of predictive, computational, or data-driven tools for dairy quality and safety assurance. The successful candidate is expected to develop collaborative research relationships with colleagues in Food Science and across Cornell in areas such as microbiology, molecular biology and genetics, veterinary medicine, animal science, engineering, and related disciplines.

This position has effort in research (50%) and extension (50%). A strong record or demonstrated potential for outstanding peer-reviewed scholarship, external funding, translation of knowledge, and engagement with stakeholders is expected. The successful candidate will advise and mentor graduate and undergraduate students and contribute to a vibrant culture of collaboration and inclusive excellence within the Department of Food Science and across Cornell.

Research (50%):
The successful candidate will be expected to develop an…