CALS- Extension Support Specialist IV- Department of Food Science (Remote

Extension Support Specialist IV

The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) is a pioneer of purpose-driven science and Cornell University's second largest college. We work across disciplines to tackle the challenges of our time through world-renowned research, education, and outreach. The questions we probe and the answers we seek focus on three overlapping concerns: achieving next-generation scientific breakthroughs, ensuring access to nutritious food and a healthy environment, and supporting local people and communities everywhere.

In keeping with Cornell's Land Grant Mission to create and apply knowledge with a public purpose, the Department of Food Science strives to apply the principles of science and engineering to ensure the nutritional value, safety, and quality of foods in the United States and around the globe. Our programs integrate the disciplines of chemistry, biology, nutrition, physiology, biotechnology, and engineering to ensure that all people have access to healthy, affordable food.

Our faculty, staff, and students are making a difference in the lives of people throughout the world.

New York State is the 4th largest milk producing state in the US with a sizeable dairy industry and proximity to major markets in the Northeastern US. Cornell University has a strong dairy foods research program with considerable traditional strength in fermented dairy foods and cheese. Cornell also works closely with a number of organizations in New York State and Northeastern US to strengthen and support the dairy industry.

The dairy extension program at Cornell currently includes two extension associates that support extensive extension programs in fluid milk, fermented dairy foods, and cheese as well as a regional dairy extension associate located in Western New York. The dairy extension program at Cornell also has a certificate program, which offers various workshops that lead to certificates in different areas of dairy processing, including fluid milk, cheese, and yoghurt and other fermented products.

This program is currently being expanded to incorporate workforce development in AI literacy.

This position is located in the Department of Food Science and will be part of the dairy extension program. A key responsibility of this position will be to provide leadership for the certificate program, including program oversight with a focus on marketing and development of strategic partnerships, and new programs, including, but not limited to, AI and sanitation. The goal for this position is to develop a sustainable financial model that provides full support for this position through the certificate program (e.g., through workshop income, grants, etc.)

and, if necessary, through development and submission of grants that will support this position. The incumbent is expected to develop this position so that 50% of funding comes from external sources by end of year 2 and 100% of funding comes from external sources by the end of year 3. The ideal candidate would have appropriate expertise in food safety, marketing to food companies, and AI.

The incumbent will also be expected to actively contribute to economic development activities focused in the dairy and food industry in New York.

This is a full-time position at 100% FTE. This is a one-year term appointment that is contingent upon available work, funding, and performance. There is the opportunity to work remotely within New York State 5 days a week. Additional on-site presence may be required to meet department needs.

While position responsibilities vary, every member of our community is expected to foster a culture of belonging and a healthy work environment by communicating across differences; being cooperative, collaborative, open, and welcoming; showing respect, compassion, and empathy; engaging and supporting others regardless of background or perspective; speaking up when others are being excluded or treated inappropriately; and supporting work/life integration of oneself and others.

Relocation assistance will not be provided for this position.

What We Need

• Bachelor's degree in Food Science or closely related discipline; with more than 5 but less than 7 year's experience and/or equivalent combination of both education and experience.
• Candidate must have strong knowledge of food industry and food safety as well as applications of AI and digital tools in the food industry
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Needs to be able to travel at least 25% of the time.
• Expertise in the development, delivery, and evaluation of training programs is a must.
• Must have and maintain a valid and unrestricted NYS driver's license and be cleared to drive for university business.
• Candidates need to be able to work in a fast-paced environment and to adjust quickly to change and changing priorities.
• Strong interpersonal skills with proven ability to work with diverse audiences in group and one-on-one settings; working effectively with industry, economic development groups,…