What are the responsibilities and job description for the Assistant Professor in Food Chemistry position at The Pennsylvania State University?
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POSITION SPECIFICS
Position: Assistant Professor in FoodChemistry
(Tenure Track)
Responsibilities: 75% Research / 25% Resident Instruction Teaching
Tenure home: Department of Food Science
The Department of Food Science at the Pennsylvania State University seeks a tenure track faculty memberin Food Chemistrywithexpertisein use of preclinical models to study therelationship betweenthe chemical composition offoods and their impacts ongut-brain axis, includingsignaling,eating behavior,andlong-termbrain health/function.This appointment will be filled attherank of Assistant Professor. The positionwill(1)strengthen andexpand the Department'sstrategic interest inFood-Based Solutionsto EnhanceHealthand(2)address growing consumer demand forfoods with improved health-related functionality.The positionalsoaligns with Penn State's mission of fosteringcutting-edgeresearch, promoting economic growth, and providing education that directlybenefitsthe agricultural and food sectors in Pennsylvania and beyond.
Key Responsibilities:
Research (75%)
The successful candidate is expected to develop a nationally and internationally recognized research program infood chemistry with an emphasis on the impact of foodson thegut-brain axis, and the role that these interactions play indriving eating behavior and long-term brain health/function.It isanticipatedthatthe successful candidate will employ preclinical models andcutting edgemolecular and biochemical approaches to addressthis topic.Research interests should complement existing Departmental research, for example, infood choice,sensoryand consumerscience, gut microbial metabolism,orfood bioactivity. The successful candidate will benefit from collaboration with faculty members in the Department, College, and elsewhere at the University (e.g. thePenn State Neuroscience Institute, the Microbiome Center, and the Department of Nutritional Sciences), access to our three state-of-the-art pilot plants, and the excellent research core facilities available at the University.Candidates are expected to pursue extramural funding to support their research program, publish in high-impact journals, and collaborate with interdisciplinary teams across the university and industry.
Teaching (25%)
The successful candidate willbe responsible forteaching FDSC 400 ("FoodChemistry &Analysis (I)").This is arequired3-creditlectureand laboratoryclass for third year Food Science majors. In addition, the candidate is expected to develop a graduate course intheirarea ofexpertise.
The successful candidate is expected toparticipatein departmental, college, and university committees, professional organizations, and community outreach activities. The candidate will engage with Penn State's stakeholders, including students, alumni, and industry partners, to promote the mission of the Food Science Department and Penn State Extension.
Required Qualifications:
Ph.D. in Food Science,Nutrition, or a closely related field.
Postdoctoral experience or prior faculty experience in food science, neuroscience, or related discipline.
A record of high-quality research in foodchemistry,eating behavior, and gut-brain axis signaling, withdemonstratedpotential for, or evidence of, securing extramural funding.
Strong commitment to teaching excellence at both undergraduate and graduate levels.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary environment.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience in innovative teaching methods.
Interest in food valorization,novel food ingredient development, or interdisciplinary, collaborative research on foods and health
Applicants must upload (1) letter of application, (2) curriculum vitae, (3) academic transcripts, (4) statement ofresearch interests, (5) teaching philosophy, and (6) names of at least three professional references (includingaddress, telephone and e-mail address) to the Penn State Jobs system (https://hr.psu.edu/careers). System limitations allow for a total of 5 documents (5mb per document) aspart of your application. Please combine materials to meet the 5-document limit.
Please contact Dr.Joshua Lambert, Search Committee Chair atjdl134@psu.eduwith questions. Applications will be reviewed beginningimmediately andcontinue until a suitable candidate is found. Theanticipatedstart date isFallSemester 2026 or as negotiated.
BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES
Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.BENEFITS
Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional wellbeing. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children.For more detailed information, please visit ourBenefits Page. (Note: For Postdoctoral benefits, please see our Postdoctoral Benefits page.)
CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS
Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.
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Penn State is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer, and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.