"Assistant Professor - Food Science"

Job Details

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Position Title: Assistant Professor - Food Science

Job Category: Faculty

Employment Type: Regular

Job Profile: Assistant Professor

Job Duties:

The Department of Biology in the College of Science and Health at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse (UWL) invites applications for an academic year, tenure-track Assistant Professor position in Food Science. Our potential colleague will teach in the new interdisciplinary Food and Nutrition Sciences major and the Nutrition minor. Depending on expertise, this individual may also teach other undergraduate or graduate Biology courses and/or develop an elective course that complements our existing curriculum. We seek an engaging teacher/scholar with a strong commitment to excellence in teaching and mentoring, with the potential to develop an externally funded research program involving undergraduate and graduate (M.S.) students.

Under general supervision of the Biology Department chair, a person in this position is responsible for teaching undergraduate and/or graduate courses and advising students. In addition to preparing for and holding classes, teaching involves maintaining currency in the content area related to the teaching assignment, evaluating students’ work, assessing student outcomes, maintaining appropriate records, and holding office hours. The individual is expected to maintain an active, on-going program of scholarship appropriate to their discipline. In addition, this individual will provide service to the department, college, and university and is likely expected to provide service to the community and/or the profession. Other duties may be assigned by the chair or dean.

The Biology Department at UWL values diversity in its faculty, staff, and students. We are seeking a colleague who will be a dedicated teacher, active scholar, and inspirational mentor for students with varied backgrounds, preparation, and career goals. Our department’s achievements in teaching and undergraduate research have been recognized through a University of Wisconsin System Regents Teaching Excellence Award, as well as several national and state teaching awards to individuals. Additionally, the faculty members in our department have had strong success in obtaining external and internal funding to develop productive research programs that involve both undergraduate and graduate students. We work closely with local and regional partners, including the Mayo Clinic, Gundersen Health Systems, and food companies (e.g., Kwik Trip). Our highly productive and collegial faculty and staff create an exceptional atmosphere for professional and personal achievement.

The College of Science & Health (CSH) is the largest academic unit at the University of Wisconsin–La Crosse, bringing together diverse disciplines across the natural, physical, computational, and health sciences. Home to 11 academic departments and nationally recognized professional programs, CSH is known for its strong tradition of faculty mentorship, hands-on undergraduate research, and graduate education that prepares students for leadership in science, healthcare, and industry. Faculty and students benefit from state-of-the-art facilities such as the Prairie Springs Science Center and the Health Science Center, which support innovative teaching, collaborative research, and community engagement. The college also hosts interdisciplinary centers and institutes that connect scholarship with real-world challenges, ranging from river studies to disability health. With robust instrumentation, collaborative partnerships—including ties with the Mayo Clinic Health System—and potential start-up support, CSH provides new faculty with an environment that fosters both scholarly excellence and student success.

The review of applications starts on October 19, 2025. Applications received on or before October 19th are prioritized and review will continue until the position(s) is/are filled. Initial interviews will be conducted virtually, with shortlisted candidates invited to campus.

Key Job Responsibilities:

Department: Biology

Required Qualifications:

• Doctorate degree in food science or a closely related field. ABD will be considered, degree must be earned by the end of the first academic year.
• Ability to teach courses in the Food and Nutrition Sciences major and Nutrition minor
• Ability to establish a research program involving undergraduate and graduate students (M.S.)

Preferred Qualifications:

• Prior university teaching experience, especially in food science or food safety

How to Apply:

Provide CV

Cover letter

Three References with contact information

Contact Information: Adam Schneider aschneider2@uwlax.edu

Special Notes:

Application deadlines TO ENSURE CONSIDERATION: Priority consideration is given to those candidates who apply by the listed ‘First Review Date’. Applications received after that date may be considered at the discretion of the search committee. Application materials will be evaluated, and the most qualified applicants will be invited to participate in the next step of the selection process. Incomplete and/or late application materials may not receive consideration. If you have questions regarding this recruitment, or if you are not able to complete the application online due to a disability or system problem, please contact the Office of Human Resources.

Confidentiality of Applicant Materials UWL is a state agency and subject to Wisconsin’s Open Records Law. UWL will not, however, reveal the identities of applicants who request confidentiality in writing except as may be required by Wisconsin’s Open Records law. In certain circumstances, the identities of “final candidates” and/or the identity of the appointed applicant must be revealed upon request.

CBC & Reference Check Policy All candidates for employment are subject to a pre-employment screening which includes a criminal background check, work authorization, and verification of education. It will also require you and your references to answer questions regarding sexual violence and sexual harassment.

Annual Security and Fire Safety Report (Clery Act) For the UWL Annual Security and Fire Safety Reports (i.e., Clery Report), which includes statistics about reported crimes and information about campus security policies, see http://www.uwlax.edu/student-life/student-resources/annual-security-report/ or contact the University Police Department at 608.785.9000.

INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR BENEFITS Your benefits add an additional 40%+ to the overall financial package from the university. Highlights include: paid vacation for 12-month positions, excellent flexible health insurance with low co-pays and good coverage, paid holidays and sick days after 5 years of employment, you become vested in our retirement system which ensures income post-career, benefits at UWL are highly competitive with local industry and some of the strongest in state and nation. Benefit eligibility is determined at the point of hire. This information is provided for illustrative purposes only. Benefits are also pro-rated based on the appointment percentage.

EEO Statement Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, status as a protected veteran, or other bases as defined by federal regulations and UW System policies. We are committed to building a workforce that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills, and encourage all qualified individuals to apply.