About UMass Amherst

UMass Amherst, the Commonwealth's flagship campus, is a nationally ranked public research university offering a full range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees. The University sits on nearly 1,450 acres in the scenic Pioneer Valley of Western Massachusetts and offers a rich cultural environment in a bucolic setting close to major urban centers. In addition, the University is part of the Five Colleges (including Amherst College, Hampshire College, Mount Holyoke College, and Smith College), which adds to the intellectual energy of the region.

Job Summary

The Postdoctoral Research Associate position will contribute to integrated research and extension activities related to food safety practices, with an emphasis on good manufacturing practices (GMP) and Preventive Controls for Human Food.

Essential Functions

• Conduct bench-top research related to best practices for food processing applications.
• Use knowledge of bacteriological methodology to design studies to assess risks and mitigation strategies that may improve food safety practices.
• Develop, manage, and deliver extension-based program materials to provide technical support to processors, including technical training, written program materials, and other adult learning tools.
• Work and guide undergraduate and graduate team members in conducting integrated extension research in the Kinchla group.

Other Functions

• Work collaboratively and effectively to promote teamwork, diversity, equality, and inclusiveness.
• Work with colleagues within the CNS community and across the campus to support the Dean's strategic priorities.
• Perform other duties as assigned in support of the mission and goals of the College of Natural Sciences.

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)

• PhD in Food Science or related field must be completed before start date.
• Valid U.S. driver's license.
• Potential to cooperate with diverse stakeholder groups.
• Potential to teach and engage in public education.

Preferred Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)

• Experience in extension or public outreach.
• Experience with industrial applications of food science.
• Trained in food safety management systems such as Preventive Controls for Human Food, Seafood HACCP, Juice HACCP, or Meat & Poultry HACCP.

Physical Demands/Working Conditions

• Must be able to work in the laboratory with pathogenic bacteria.

Work Location & Schedule

• This is an in-person position located at the University of Massachusetts Amherst Campus.
• Monday - Friday. Scheduled hours can be flexible to accommodate scientific studies and extension-based programming.

Salary Information

• Annual Salary: $52,024.00.

Special Instructions to Applicants

Along with the application, please submit a letter of application, resume, and contact information for three (3) professional references.

As part of a commitment to their own multicultural community, CNS seeks an individual with a demonstrated commitment to diversity and one who will understand and embrace university initiatives and aspirations. (https://www.umass.edu/natural-sciences/diversity-equity-and-inclusion/our-commitment-diversity)

UMass Amherst is committed to a policy of equal opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, caste, creed, sex, age, marital status, national origin, disability, political belief or affiliation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related condition(s), veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, genetic information, natural and protective hairstyle and any other class of individuals protected from discrimination in employment, admission to and participation in academic programs, activities, and services, and the selection of vendors who provide services or products to the University. To fulfill that policy, UMass Amherst is further committed to a program of affirmative action to eliminate or mitigate artificial barriers and to increase opportunities for the recruitment and advancement of qualified minorities, women, persons with disabilities, and covered veterans. It is the policy of UMass Amherst to comply with the applicable federal and state statutes, rules, and regulations concerning equal opportunity and affirmative action.