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Assistant Professor - Food Processing

University of Arkansas

University of Arkansas

Fayetteville, AR, USA
Posted on Tuesday, October 18, 2022

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Type of Position:

Faculty - Tenure/Tenure Track


Workstudy Position:

No


Job Type:

Regular


Work Shift:


Sponsorship Available:

Yes


Institution Name:

Division of Agriculture of the University of Arkansas

The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture is a state wide campus, with faculty based on University campuses, at Research and Extension Centers and in every Arkansas county. It consists of the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station (AES) and the Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service (CES), and is home to more than 1400 employees. The Division was established in 1959 and is headed by the Vice-President for Agriculture. The Division headquarters is located in Little Rock with the rest of the University of Arkansas System Administration. As an employer, the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture offers a vibrant work environment and a workplace culture that promotes a healthy work-life balance.

Below you will find the details for the position including any supplementary documentation and questions you should review before applying for the opening. To apply for the position, please click the Apply link/button.

If you have a disability and need assistance with the hiring process and require reasonable accommodations, please contact the Division's Office of Inclusion, Access, and Compliance at bbatiste@uada.edu.

For general application assistance or if you have questions about a job posting, please contact Human Resources at 501-671-2219 or 479-502-9820.


Department:

FDSC | Food Science


Department's Website:

https://food-science.uark.edu


Summary of Job Duties:

Research (45%): Develop a nationally competitive and independent research program in food processing to support growing local and regional food systems. Focus areas may include fruits and vegetables processing, innovative processing, and packaging technologies to extend product shelf-life and enhance safety of low-acid and acidified food products, enhanced utilization of agricultural crops by converting them to value-added products, and reduction of post-harvest losses and food waste. The candidate will be expected to recruit and advise graduate students; supervise undergraduate research; and secure extramural funding from a variety of other sources including federal, state, commodity, private and industry sources.

Extension (35%): The candidate will be responsible for coordinating and conducting food processing and safety extension activities for the state that would enhance the value of Arkansas agricultural crops and support local food systems initiatives in the region
(https://www.waltonfamilyfoundation.org/northwest-arkansas-food-systems). The candidate is expected to work closely with other Extension colleagues in Arkansas and neighboring states, the Arkansas Department of Agriculture, Arkansas growers, farmers and other stakeholders to advance and support food processing efforts and activities particularly for value-added food products. Some of the duties may include:
1. Act as the Process Authority that will serve food manufacturers in Arkansas by reviewing, guiding, and issuing process review letters for new food products for commercial markets that meet state and federal licensing requirements for the production of safe food (or work with other faculty to offer joint trainings). Product categories would include acid and low-acid foods with potential challenge studies.
2. Assist, as needed, in development and delivery of training and education programs that are related to the Food Safety and Modernization Act, including Preventative Controls for Human and Animal Foods and Produce Safety Rules, and the ISO 22000 Food Safety Management System (or work with other faculty to offer joint trainings).
3.Develop formulations, processing guidelines and nutrition labeling guidelines for new food products manufactured by Arkansas food processors and entrepreneurs.
4. Support local food industries via Arkansas Food Innovation Center (https://afic.uada.edu/) in various activities, including but not limited to, providing fee-for-services to food manufacturers to confirm that industry, state and federal requirements are met, and responding to food manufacturer inquiries or questions related to food processing and safety.
5. Provide expertise to support the Market Center for the Ozarks, a food hub in Springdale, AR that will support farmers, food entrepreneurs and Northwest Arkansas communities
6. Work with the Arkansas Department of Health to provide food producers expertise on the Arkansas Food Freedom Act that allows for direct sales of homemade food.

Teaching (20%): Responsibilities will include teaching one undergraduate course a year and one graduate course every other year to meet departmental teaching needs. The candidate is expected to advise undergraduate and graduate students and supervise undergraduate research.


Qualifications:

Required Qualifications: An earned doctorate in Food Science or a closely related field. Candidates should possess excellent written and oral communication skills and a demonstrated ability to work effectively with other researchers and clientele groups.

Desired Qualifications: Experience in successful grant‐writing and extension experiences such as working in the food industry and/or regulatory/governmental agencies is highly desirable. Post-doctorate experience in a Food Processing related area will be considered a plus.


Additional Information:


Salary Information:

Commensurate with education and experience


Required Documents to Apply:

Cover Letter/Letter of Application, Curriculum Vitae, Diversity Statement, List of three Professional References (name, email, business title), Statement of Research Philosophy, Statement of Teaching Philosophy


Optional Documents:


Special Instructions to Applicants:

Salary and Benefits: Commensurate with qualifications and experience. This is a full-time twelve-month, tenure-track appointment.

Application Deadline: Review of applications will begin on January 2, 2023 and will continue until a qualified candidate is identified.

Application: Applicants should submit: 1) a letter of application, 2) a curriculum vitae detailing education background qualifications, experience, and publications, 3) a one-page statement of research plans and goals, 4) a one-page statement of extension plans and goals, 5) a one-page statement of teaching philosophy, 6) a diversity statement that includes their understanding of prior and/or ongoing experiences engaging with individuals from a broad range of backgrounds, and plans to attract, teach, and mentor a diverse group of students, and 7) names and contact information (including e-mail addresses) of three individuals who will serve as references.

Who to contact: Inquiries should be addressed to the search committee chair, Dr. Renee Threlfall at rthrelf@uark.edu or the Department Head, Dr. Jeyam Subbiah at jsubbiah@uark.edu.


Recruitment Contact Information:

Jeyam Subbiah, Department Head, jsubbiah@uark.edu


All application materials must be uploaded to the University of Arkansas System Career Site https://uasys.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/UASYS

Please do not send to listed recruitment contact.


Pre-employment Screening Requirements:

Criminal Background Check, Motor Vehicle Reports Check

The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture may conduct pre-employment background checks on certain positions for applicants being considered for employment. The background checks may include a criminal background check and a sex offender registry check. Required checks are identified in the position listing. A criminal background check or arrest pending adjudication information alone shall not disqualify an applicant in the absences of a relationship to the requirements of the position. Background check information will be used in a consistent, non-discriminatory manner consistent with the state and federal law.

The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture commits itself to policies of affirmative action and diversity with respect to both employment opportunities and program participation. The Division complies with these policies not merely because of legal requirements, but because we believe that such practices are basic to human dignity. As such, the Division welcomes all applicants to apply without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital or veteran status, genetic information, or any other legally protected status. Candidates must have proof of legal authority to work in the United States on the first day of employment. All applicant information is subject to public disclosure under the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act.


Constant Physical Activity:

Hearing, Manipulate items with fingers, including keyboarding, Sitting, Standing, Talking, Walking


Frequent Physical Activity:

Driving, Feeling, Grasping, Pulling, Pushing, Reaching, Repetitive Motion


Occasional Physical Activity:

N/A


Benefits Eligible:

Yes