Assistant/Associate Professor - Food Microbiology and Food Safety

The Department of Food and Animal Sciences in the College of Agriculture at Tennessee State University is seeking a highly qualified, full-time, 12-month tenure-track Research Faculty member with expertise in Virology, Food Microbiology, and Food Safety, particularly in detection methods for identifying and quantifying microorganisms and toxins that pose food safety risks.

The successful candidate will lead innovative research in the detection, characterization, and control of foodborne viruses, bacteria, and other microbial pathogens in food products and dynamic food environments. The ideal candidate should demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of foodbome disease transmission and food safety, contributing to advancements in public health and the food industry. The successful candidate will be responsible for establishing an independent, extramurally funded research program and fostering collaboration with academic institutions, government/federal agencies (e.g., NSF, NIH, USDA), private foundations, and the food industry. Responsibilities also include mentoring and supervising students, postdoctoral fellows, and research assistants in laboratory and field-based studies, providing guidance on research projects, data analysis, and publishing findings in high-impact scientific journals. The candidate should also disseminate research findings at state, national, and international conferences. As needed, the role also includes teaching undergraduate and graduate courses in food microbiology, food safety, virology, and microbial pathogenesis, incorporating current research and industry standards. The candidate should be proficient in developing and delivering lectures, laboratory sessions, and online or hybrid courses. The individual will actively participate in departmental, College, and university committees and contribute to professional service by reviewing research proposals and manuscripts. The candidate will engage in the community to educate stakeholders, including policymakers, food producers, and the public, on foodborne pathogens and safety practices as needed. The successful candidate is expected to actively participate in departmental, College, and University committees, contributing to the institution's governance and development. The successful candidate will capitalize on cross-disciplinary collaboration among faculty in food science and related areas to enhance student training and mentorship, and research initiatives. The successful candidate must demonstrate the ability to work in a multicultural setting, fostering an environment of collegiality, diversity, and teamwork.