Assistant/Associate Professor, Food Process Engineering

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POSITION SPECIFICS

The Department of Food Science at The Pennsylvania State University seeks a tenure track faculty member at the rank of Assistant or Associate Professor with a specialization in Food Process Engineering. The position supports the Food Science strategic plan and addresses growing demands from the food industry for engineering solutions that enhance food quality, safety, and sustainability. We seek to expand and strengthen our existing capacity in food process engineering, one of the cornerstones of the discipline of Food Science. The position aligns with Penn State's mission of fostering cutting-edge research, promoting economic growth, and providing education that directly benefits the 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 in food process engineering with an emphasis on innovative solutions to modern challenges in the food industry.

Areas of interest include, but are not limited to:

• Novel food processing technologies (e.g., nonthermal, extrusion, 3D printing, fermentation engineering).

• Machine learning for predictive modeling in food safety. Including real-time monitoring and quality assurance systems for identifying pathogens, allergens, spoilage, and contamination.

• Automation, robotics, and artificial intelligence in food processing.

• Machine learning to enhance efficiency and reduce waste in the food supply chain, improve logistics, and enhance traceability.

• Sustainable food production systems and waste reduction.

• Food structure and rheology in relation to texture and sensory quality.

• Food safety engineering solutions.

• Bioprocessing and bioengineering of functional food ingredients.

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 will be responsible for teaching FDSC 405 ("Elements of Food Engineering") to senior students in the Food Science major.This is a 3-credit class with two laboratory sections. In addition, the candidate is expected to develop a graduate course in her/his area of expertise or assume responsibility for FDSC 411 ("Managing Food Quality").

The successful candidate is expected to participate in 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, Food Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a closely related field.

• A record of high-quality research in food engineering, with demonstrated potential 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

• Postdoctoral experience or prior faculty experience in food science, food engineering, or related discipline.

• A track record of industry engagement or technology transfer.

• Experience in innovative teaching methods.

Applicants must upload (1) letter of application, (2) curriculum vitae, (3) academic transcripts, (4) statement of research interests, (5) teaching philosophy, and (6) names of at least three professional references (including address, telephone and e-mail address) to the Penn State Jobs system (https://hr.psu.edu/careers; job requisition No. REQ_0000069210). System limitations allow for a total of 5 documents (5mb per document) as part of your application. Please combine materials to meet the 5-document limit.

Please contact Dr. Federico Harte, Search Committee Chair at fede@psu.edu with questions. Applications will be reviewed beginning October 15, 2025, and continue until a suitable candidate is found. The anticipated start date is Spring Semester 2026 or as negotiated.

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