Assistant Professor - Food Safety

Position Title:
Assistant Professor - Food Safety

Appointment Type:
Faculty

Job Description:
Summary of Duties and Responsibilities:

The Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition at Iowa State University seeks applications for a 12-month, full-time, tenure-track faculty position in food safety. The position is 55% research, 40% Extension, and 5% service.

The successful candidate is expected to develop a nationally recognized research program with a focus on applied issues related to food safety. This will include leading research teams and coordinating integrated multidisciplinary projects engaging campus-wide collaborators, governmental, industry, and community partners, mentoring graduate students, and publishing results in peer reviewed journals. Multidisciplinary collaborative opportunities in food safety exist within the ISU faculty in the departments of Agronomy; Animal Science; Horticulture; Apparel, Events, & Hospitality Management; Plant Pathology, Entomology & Microbiology; and in the College of Veterinary Medicine.

This position will lead food safety Extension programs within Ag & Natural Resources Extension, including the Safe Produce Team. The candidate's responsibilities will include developing high-impact educational programs and short courses, with supporting educational materials for FDA, USDA, and state-regulated safety programs addressing the needs of producers and related industries. This role also includes assessing stakeholders' needs, evaluating and measuring impact, reporting programs, contact numbers, and impact for Extension reports. The candidate is expected to develop strong relationships with Iowa's food industry in their production, processing, and marketing segments. The research program is expected to complement and support the Extension programming for stakeholders. It is expected that the candidate will secure extramural support from federal/state agencies and/or industry groups to support their research and Extension efforts.

The candidate is expected to participate in multi-institutional programs within the North Central Region Center for FSMA Training, Extension, and Technical Assistance (NCRFSMA) (https://www.ncrfsma.org/ ). Other opportunities exist to engage with The Center for Food Security and Public Health (http://www.cfsph.iastate.edu ), and the Center for Industrial Research and Service (CIRAS) (https://www.ciras.iastate.edu/ ).

Iowa State University is a global and culturally diverse university committed to providing an inclusive, equitable, and diverse environment for both learning and employment. We know that diversity in experience and perspective is vital to advancing innovation, critical thinking, solving complex problems, and building an inclusive academic community. At Iowa State, we translate these values into action by seeking individuals who have experience working with diverse students, colleagues, and constituents. The university has an expectation that all employees will demonstrate a contribution to diversity and inclusion as embodied in Iowa State University's Principles of Community . We are committed to the retention of new faculty and as such the successful candidate will be provided with a faculty mentor within the home unit, benefit from peer/mutual mentoring opportunities, and have access to university programs such as the External Mentor Program.

Required Minimum Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in Food Science, Microbiology, Toxicology, or a closely related area.

• Experience with microbiology and/or toxicology research related to food safety

Preferred Qualifications:

• Post-doctoral research or equivalent industry experience in food safety

• Demonstrated excellence in independent research, including experimental design and statistical analysis

• Successful grant writing experience

• Demonstrated record of peer-reviewed publications of original research

• Demonstrated excellence in written, verbal, and information technology communication skills

• Experience as a member of multidisciplinary teams including external stakeholders

• Evidence of Extension or adult educational program development

Department Description:

Food Science and Human Nutrition https://fshn.hs.iastate.edu/   is a comprehensive academic program with undergraduate majors in dietetics, nutritional science, food science, culinary food science, and nursing. The department is supported by the College of Human Sciences and the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. Our graduate programs include MS and Ph.D. options in both Nutritional Sciences and Food Science and Technology, concurrent BS/MS in Diet and Exercise, and BS in Food Science/MBA as well as an online Master in Dietetics. Inter-professional educational opportunities are valued and promoted. FSHN values student-centered learning and provide professional development opportunities related to instructional pedagogy, educational technology, and distance learning. The department hosts excellent facilities including BSL-2 laboratories and supporting microbiological equipment, access to pilot-scale processing facilities, and a wide range of biological analytical equipment and resources https://www.research.iastate.edu/for-industry/iowa-state-bioscience-platforms/ .

 

Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Description:

ISU Extension and Outreach builds a strong Iowa by engaging all Iowans in research, education, and extension experiences to address current and emerging real-life challenges.

ISU Extension and Outreach site:  https://www.extension.iastate.edu/

ISU Agriculture and Natural Resources Extension site: https://www.extension.iastate.edu/ag/

 

College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) Description:

The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) https://www.cals.iastate.edu/ at Iowa State University is one of the world's leading institutions of agriculture, with more than 160 years of leadership in science, education, and extension. The College educates future leaders, conducts mission-oriented research, and shares new knowledge for the betterment of Iowa and the world. Iowa State plays a leading role in meeting the ever-growing demand for highly qualified students who will become the next generation of industry leaders and educators in Iowa, the nation, and the world.

Proposed Start Date:
January 1, 2024

Number of Months Employed Per Year:
12 Month Work Period

Time Type:
Full time

Application Instructions:

The review of applicants will begin on August 1, 2023 and applications must be received before then for guaranteed consideration. However, the position will remain open until filled.

To apply for this position, please click on “Apply” and complete the Employment Application. Please be prepared to enter or attach the following:
1) A cover letter addressing the required and preferred qualifications
2) Copy of official graduate transcripts
3) Statement of Extension interests

4) Statement of research interests and plans for extramural funding

5) A curriculum vitae, including names and complete contact information for three references

If you have questions regarding this application process, please email [email protected] or call 515-294-4800 or Toll Free: 1-877-477-7485.
Why Choose ISU?
Iowa State University is committed to fostering a workplace of belonging, where diversity is celebrated and equity is a core value. Our Iowa State Employees enjoy comprehensive health and work-life benefits, including medical and dental; as well as:
• Retirement benefits, including defined benefit and defined contribution plans;
• Generous leave plans;
• Onsite childcare (Ames, Iowa);
• Life insurance and long-term disability;
• Flexible Spending Accounts;
• Various voluntary benefits and discounts;
• Employee Assistance Program;
• Wellbeing program.

Original Posting Date:
May 24, 2023

Posting Close Date:

Job Requisition Number:
R11932