Open Department Positions

1. Pet Food Science

• Leadership to drive innovation through basic and applied interdisciplinary research that transforms companion animal health and support pet food and allied industries.

2. Feed Technology and Manufacturing

• Leadership to drive innovation through basic and applied interdisciplinary research that transform animal health and performance and support the animal feed and allied industries.

3. Human Health and Wellbeing

• Leadership to drive innovation through basic and applied interdisciplinary research that transform animal health and performance and support the animal feed and allied industries.

4. Innovative Manufacturing Technologies

• Leadership in advanced technologies and timely solutions that create value for industry and consumers, and advance economic development.

5. Sustainable Food Systems

• Responsive innovations that improve resiliency and efficiencies in the food value chain.

6. Analytical Tools to Support Grain and Plant Component Chemistry

• Leadership in application of fundamental principles of chemistry to support food safety, ingredient functionality, and food quality and process improvements.

The successful individuals will contribute to the department’s land-grant missions in teaching and research, and K-State’s Plan for Economic Prosperity in Kansas. Among primary job expectations:

• Establish and maintain reputable scholarly research programs with extramural support from various sources including federal agencies, commodity organizations and industry partners.
• Teach undergraduate and / or graduate courses.
• Provide quality academic advising to undergraduate and graduate students, mentor students on setting academic and career goals, supervise undergraduate research and other high impact learning activities as needed, and assist with undergraduate student recruitment activities.
• Recruit and mentor graduate students.

• Serve on departmental, college, and university committees; and appropriate professional/industry associations.

• The candidate will perform other duties as assigned by the Department Head.
• The candidate is expected to foster a welcoming environment, support collegiality, and must have the ability to work in a multi-cultural and multi-disciplinary setting.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Postdoctoral experience.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate with faculty, university administration, and industry scientists and leaders.
• Demonstrated research experience and achievements in relevant areas.
• Experience in obtaining extramural grants.
• Desire and ability to work in a multi-disciplinary team environment and advance the university’s commitment to collegiality, diversity, and inclusivity.

Minimun Qualifications:

• Ph.D. degree in a relevant discipline, such as grain science, animal nutrition, agricultural or biological engineering, food science, human nutrition, biochemistry, chemistry, chemical engineering, polymer science etc.
• Ability to teach and advise undergraduate and graduate students.
• Ability to build a strong and impactful research program.
• Track record of scholarly publications.
• Commitment to the University’s land-grant mission.

The successful individuals will contribute to the department’s land-grant missions in extension and research, and K-State’s Plan for Economic Prosperity in Kansas. Among primary job expectations:

• Provide guidance and support to food companies, both new and existing, on food safety regulations and processing and handling practices, including serving as the process authority to food manufacturing enterprises in the state.
• Lead the operations of the food processing pilot facility by partnering with industry, faculty, and students to foster entrepreneurship and innovation, and ensure sustainable revenue stream and high impact student training.
• Develop and deliver continuing education to the food industry to meet both FDA and Kansas Department of Agriculture certification requirements, and ensure relevant manpower professional development. This includes, but is not limited to, developing relevant extension publications, webinars, workshops, and other modes of delivering education.
• Work collaboratively with faculty and external stakeholders to develop and deliver timely solutions to meet food industry needs.
• Assist regional, district, and county Extension Agents in working with constituents who want to produce food products for retail sale.
• Develop and lead a robust extramurally funded research program in area of specialization.
• Participate in professional society conferences and other activities as appropriate.
• Other job-related duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in food science, food engineering or a closely related field.
• Proficiency in modern food product development and processing techniques, applied food safety, food plant sanitation, current processing regulations, and food product labeling regulations.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Ability to interact effectively with food industry professionals, food manufacturing startups, and students.
• Demonstrated record (or potential) for securing competitive grants and external funding.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in a Land Grant University and/or prior work in the food industry.
• Experience in securing extramural grant funding.
• Background in client-driven research and technology transfer.
• Previous engagement in multidisciplinary research collaborations.