Extension Associate - Dairy Foods Extension Program

The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) is a pioneer of purpose-driven science and Cornell University's second largest college. We work across disciplines to tackle the challenges of our time through world-renowned research, education, and outreach. The questions we probe and the answers we seek focus on three overlapping concerns: We believe that achieving next-generation scientific breakthroughs requires an understanding of the world's complex, interlocking systems. We believe that access to nutritious food and a healthy environment is a fundamental human right. We believe that ensuring a prosperous global future depends on the ability to support local people and communities everywhere. By working in and across multiple scientific areas, CALS can address challenges and opportunities of the greatest relevance, here in New York, across the nation, and around the world.

Working Title: Extension Associate in Dairy Foods

Basic Functions and Responsibilities:

• Work collaboratively with other members of the Cornell Dairy Foods Extension Team to develop and administer an educational program providing expert training, consulting and advisory services in the area of dairy foods. These programs are aimed at a broad constituency including New York State dairy producers and processors, retailers, consumers, state and federal regulatory agencies, instructors as well as academic partners.
• Work collaboratively with other members of the Cornell Dairy Foods Extension Team to develop and administer specific extension-oriented research and evaluation programs to assist the NY State dairy and food industry in providing safe, wholesome and nutritious foods. While this position is expected to support and serve all sectors of the dairy industry, this position is expected to have a specific focus on fluid milk and yoghurt processing.

Characteristic Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develop and administer statewide and regional outreach and educational programs, conferences and workshops including researching and preparing course curricula, training, supervising and evaluating the effectiveness of extension efforts and activities. 20%
• Develop, administer and implement seminars, short courses, and workshops as well as on-line programs for training and updating dairy industry personnel and regulatory officials in the areas of processing, quality, safety, sanitation, laboratory technology, microbiology and regulations. 10%
• Supply expert advice, support and consultation to the dairy industry, regulatory personnel and consumer audiences based on current needs and trends. 15%
• Support the field component of the Milk Quality Improvement Program, a dairy quality evaluation and assurance program aimed at the improvement of milk and dairy product quality and safety in New York and the Northeastern US including plant visitations, sample collection, troubleshooting, and reporting and interpreting laboratory and shelf-life analyses to dairy processors involved in the program. 15%
• Coordinate and participate in extension activities with other state and national dairy and food quality/safety organizations, including government and institutional agencies. Take on leadership roles in regional, national, and international organizations relevant to the dairy industry (e.g., NMC, ADSA, IAFP, NCIMS) 5%
• Develop, write, design and evaluate research-based educational materials to meet dairy foods extension and research program needs, including audio-visual training aids, printed materials, including peer-reviewed manuscripts and extension publications. 5%
• Contribute to applied research in dairy science; analyze and interpret data and prepare manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed journals and other appropriate media. 20%
• Take primary responsibility to identify external funding opportunities and prepare grant and funding proposals to support dairy foods outreach and applied research projects; prepare and administer operating and program budgets. Contribute to grant and funding proposals developed by other members of the dairy foods research and extension team. 5%
• Confer with agencies, organizations, faculty and extension personnel to identify educational needs and generate program support; develop or assist in developing and implementing appropriate programs, research projects and related activities. 5%

Supervision Received:

Operates independently. Direction is received from Dr. Martin Wiedmann, director of the Cornell Dairy Extension team.

Supervision Exercised:

Overall responsibility for training for program personnel involved in different dairy foods related studies. No formal supervisory responsibilities.

Required Qualifications:

• Master's degree in Microbiology or Food Science, with two or more years of experience in related fields is necessary.
• Extensive experience in a technical, educational and/or administrative role in dairy food or related appropriate field is necessary; expertise in microbiology is essential.
• Ability to work as part of diverse and multidisciplinary teams and willingness to embrace and drive constant change
• Must have and maintain a valid and unrestricted NYS driver's license and have the willingness and ability to travel both within and outside of NY State, approximately 10-20% of the time.
• Expertise in publishing scientific studies in peer-reviewed journals
• Outstanding oral and written communication skills
• Ability to lift 50 lbs.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's Degree with 6-8 years of experience or Ph.D.
• Comprehensive understanding of the dairy industry from raw milk production to processing and consumer demands and behavior
• Expertise with modern distance-based training approaches

To apply:

Qualified candidates should submit a short cover letter, curriculum vitae, and contact information for three references via the website. Applications will be reviewed as received, continuing until a suitable applicant is identified. CALS hiring rate for this position is $82,500.