at Kansas State University in Manhattan, Kansas, United States
Job Description
Assistant Professor
Kansas State University
About This Role
The Department of Grain and Food Science at Kansas State University invites applicants for an extension and research tenure-track faculty member in food processing and safety. This position holds an 80% extension and 20% research appointment.
The Grain Science & Industry and Food Science programs at K-State recently merged into a new Department of Grain and Food Science and are investing in strategic initiatives to become the global leader in grain and food innovations. Through the upcoming Global Center, the department will lead collaborative partnerships to create impactful solutions that advance global food security, health and sustainability (https://www.k-state.edu/ag-innovation/facilities/global-center-grain-food-innovation/).
The position is responsible for developing and leading outreach, applied research, and educational and training programs in the areas of food processing with an emphasis on food safety, regulations, and quality. The successful candidate will be expected to develop a strong extension and research program, secure external funding, and engage in client-driven projects that advance food quality, safety, and processing technologies. The candidate will lead the operations of departmental food processing pilot facility and the Kansas Value Added Foods Lab (KVAL) and collaboratively interact with campus faculty (including Olathe campus), statewide, regional, district and county extension agents, industry stakeholders, students, and professional organizations.
Responsibilities: 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 (https://www.k-state.edu/research/economic-prosperity/).
Among primary job expectations:
About Us
The Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Food Science was established at K-State since 1965, and the Undergraduate Program in 1972. The programs recently merged with the Grain Science and Industry Department, which has a long-standing reputation for outstanding student training and cutting-edge research. The Department is home to one-of-a-kind degree programs in Milling Science, Bakery Science, and Feed and Petfood Science. The highly reputed K-State online Food Science Master's degree program is the most recognized program of its kind in the nation, with an enrolment of more than 100 students. The department currently has approx. 340 students and 23 faculty and expects to hire 7 additional faculty in the next year.
The Global Center for Grain and Food Innovations under construction will house the new department, and will include a food processing pilot plant, a petfood processing pilot plant, bakery and milling teaching facilities, KVAL, and grain and food science research laboratories. In addition, we are home to unique world class facilities including pilot flour and feed mills; pilot bakery facility; International Grains Program (IGP), a dedicated professional manpower training facility; and the Bioprocessing Industrial Value-Added Products Center (BIVAP). We also work closely with other departments, giving us access to other facilities, including dairy and meat processing pilot facilities (Animal Science and Industry), and sensory testing facility (Olathe Campus), among others.
About Kansas Food Industry:
Kansas food manufacturing is a growing sector that currently represents 21% of the state's manufacturing industry, with an economic impact of $5.2 billion. The closely related pet food manufacturing within the KC Animal Health Corridor represents 61% of pet food sold in the US. Additionally, the growth of locally produced foods in Kansas includes food manufacturing operations that are expected to enhance economic development as part of the K-State 105 and Next-Gen initiatives. An extension specialist will support food manufacturing industry to improve operational efficiencies using sound science, navigate safety and regulatory requirements at the state and federal levels, and support small enterprise technical needs to ensure a thriving food and beverage manufacturing sector.
Worksite Description
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.
What You'll Need to Succeed
Minimum Qualifications:
The degree requirement is necessary for accreditation purposes and to ensure candidates possess the specialized knowledge, skills, and abilities that can only be attained through a formal educational program at this level.
Preferred Qualifications:
Sponsorship eligibility:
Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship
How to Apply
Please submit the following documents:
Interested candidates should submit:
1. A cover letter detailing qualifications and experience relevant to the position.
2. A curriculum vitae (CV).
3. An extension (1 page) and research (1 page) statement.
4. Copies of unofficial academic transcripts.
5. Contact information for three professional references.
Application Window
Applications close on: December 30, 2025
Anticipated Hiring Pay Range
Commensurate with experience
To apply, please visit: https://careers.k-state.edu/jobs/assistant-professor-manhattan-kansas-united-states-d3f7c895-0237-47fd-a18d-f449ce42fd25
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