IFMA Foodverse

The Food Science and Nutrition Department in the College of Agriculture, Food, and Environmental Sciences at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, CA, is seeking a full-time, academic year, tenure?track Assistant, Associate, or Full Professor starting September 16, 2024.  Rank and salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.

The successful candidate is expected to have a Food Safety and/or Microbiology background and demonstrate expertise in the application of these topics to address industry or government needs to ensure a safe food supply. The candidate’s primary teaching contribution will be in courses related to Food Safety, Food Microbiology, Quality, Prerequisite Programs, Sanitation, and other related courses.  

In addition to teaching, the successful candidate is expected to lead research teams, coordinate and build integrated multidisciplinary projects engaging campus-wide collaborators, governmental, industry, community partners including commodity boards. Advising, mentoring and involving undergraduate and graduate students in hands-on-learning and research activities, and publishing results in peer reviewed journals will be expected. Service activities will include participation in and leading effort in department, college, and university committees and instructionally related activities. The candidate will be expected to participate in curriculum development and program assessment and development. The candidate will contribute effectively to food safety-related professional societies at the local and national levels.

At California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, we believe that cultivating an environment that embraces and promotes diversity is fundamental to the success of our students, our employees and our community. Bringing people together from different backgrounds, experiences and value systems fosters the innovative and creative thinking that exemplifies Cal Poly’s values of free inquiry, cultural and intellectual diversity, mutual respect, civic engagement, and social and environmental responsibility. Cal Poly's commitment to diversity informs our efforts in recruitment, hiring and retention. California Polytechnic State University is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Earned doctorate in Food Science, Microbiology, Dairy Science, or other closely related field to Food Safety. Candidates nearing completion of the doctorate (ABD) may be considered, but must provide proof that the doctorate was completed prior to the start of appointment.
• Knowledge and expertise in the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA).  Ability to teach the curricula developed by the Produce Safety Alliance and the Food Safety Preventive Controls Alliance. 
• Experience and commitment to quality student-centered hands-on teaching and learning, both undergraduate and graduate.
• Evidence of potential to develop a successful academic research program at Cal Poly involving undergraduate and graduate students (MS level), including external funding and publications.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, with proficiency in the use of the English language.
• Demonstrated ability to collaboratively work in multidisciplinary settings.
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in teaching, research, and/or service.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Post-doctoral research experience in research related to Food Safety
• Experience in post-harvest Food Safety
• Experience in integrating modern molecular tools and genomic analysis to develop novel research that can be blended into the curriculum
• Food Safety relevant industry experience
• Publications in peer-reviewed journals as lead or corresponding author
• Teaching experience at a university as the instructor of record
• Evidence of funded grants as PI or Co-PI for university research

Preference will be given to those with experience in working with diverse populations and fostering a collaborative, supportive and inclusive environment.  Preference will also be given to those with relevant work experience and those who bring professional capabilities.