Assistant/Associate Professor & Extension Specialist– Food Microbiology and Food Safety (70% Extension / 30% Research)

Location: Knoxville, TN

Open Date: Jul 7, 2025

The Department of Food Science at University of Tennessee invites applications for a tenure-track faculty position at the rank of Assistant or Associate Professor with an emphasis in Food Microbiology and Food Safety. This position is a 70% Extension and 30% Research appointment and is based in Knoxville, Tennessee.

The successful candidate will lead a nationally recognized Extension and applied research program focused on microbial food safety across the food system, especially in relation to Tennessee’s agricultural and food processing industries. The faculty member will collaborate with stakeholders, academic colleagues, government agencies, and industry to improve food safety practices and reduce microbial risks in the food supply.

Key Responsibilities:

• Extension (70%):
• Develop and deliver science-based, stakeholder-responsive Extension programming in food microbiology and safety, including:
• Safe food production and handling practices for growers, processors, retailers, and consumers.
• FSMA (Food Safety Modernization Act) and HACCP training and technical assistance.
• Risk reduction strategies for emerging microbial threats in foods.
• Conduct Workshops, webinars, field days, and in-service training for Extension agents and stakeholders.
• Produce educational materials, bulletins, fact sheets, and digital resources for statewide and national distribution.
• Build collaborative partnerships with state agencies (e.g., TN Department of Agriculture), food industries, and Extension educators.
• Research (30%):
• Conduct applied research in food microbiology with a focus on relevant topics such as:
• Pathogen detection, survival, and control in food systems.
• Development and validation of microbial intervention technologies.
• Evaluation of microbial risks related to regional food products or processing practices.
• Factors that contribute to the survival/persistence of microorganisms.
• Microbial communities in processing environments and their impact on safety & quality.
• Seek extramural funding to support research and Extension activities.
• Mentor graduate students and contribute to scholarly publications and professional presentations.

Qualifications:

• Required:
• Ph.D. in Food Science, Food Microbiology, Microbiology, or closely related field.
• Evidence of expertise in microbial food safety relevant to Extension and applied research.
• Strong communication skills, both oral and written.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively in diverse teams.
• Preferred:
• Experience developing and delivering Extension or outreach programs.
• Track record of obtaining extramural funding.
• Knowledge of regulatory frameworks (e.g., FSMA, HACCP, GMPs).
• Experience working with food processors, producers, or public health agencies.

Application Instructions:

Submit the following materials electronically: 1. Cover letter addressing qualifications and interest in the position. 2. Curriculum Vitae. 3. Statement of Extension philosophy and experience (2 pages max). 4. Statement of research interests (2 pages max). 5. Contact information for three professional references.

Applications will be reviewed beginning August 11, 2025, and the position will remain open until filled.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment and admission without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, pregnancy, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, and parental status, or any other characteristic protected by federal or state law. In accordance with the requirements of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the University of Tennessee affirmatively states that it does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, or disability in its education programs and activities, and this policy extends to employment by the university.

Requests for accommodation of a disability should be directed to the ADA Coordinator at Equal Opportunity and Accessibility, 1840 Melrose Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37996-3560, by email to eoa@utk.edu, or by phone at 865-974-2498. Inquiries and charges of violation of Title VI (race, color, and national origin), Title IX (sex), Section 504 (disability), the ADA (disability), the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (age), sexual orientation, or veteran status should be directed to the Office of Investigation and Resolution, 216 Business Incubator Building, E J. Chapman Drive, Knoxville, TN 37996-3560, by email to investigations@utk.edu, or by phone at 865-974-0717.