Assistant or Associate Professor - Pet Food Science

The Department of Grain Science and Industry at Kansas State University is seeking a 9-month, tenure-track Assistant or Associate Professor in Pet Food Science. This position includes 60–80% research and 20–40% teaching responsibilities. The succe...

  • 520553
  • Manhattan
  • Grain Science & Industry
  • Academic / Faculty - 9 month
  • Closing on: Nov 30 2025
  • On-site

About This Role

The Department of Grain Science and Industry at Kansas State University is seeking a 9-month, tenure-track Assistant or Associate Professor in Pet Food Science. This position includes 60–80% research and 20–40% teaching responsibilities. The successful candidate will contribute to the department’s revitalization efforts aimed at establishing global leadership in grain and food innovation, with a strong focus on pet food that promotes animal health, feed and food safety, and environmental sustainability.

Position: Tenure-track Assistant /Associate Professor of Grain Science and Industry


Responsibilities
The successful candidate will contribute to the department’s land-grant missions in teaching and research, and K-State’s Plan for Economic Prosperity in Kansas (https://www.k-state.edu/research/economic-prosperity/).

Among primary job expectations:
Establish and maintain a reputable scholarly research program with extramural support focused on one of three core emphasis areas:

1) Pet food Safety and Biosecurity
Lead innovations that address microbial and chemical hazards in ingredients and pet food products, integrating both applied and fundamental research approaches. Appropriate research areas may include but are not limited to: development of rapid sensor technologies for real-time hazard detection; development of predictive microbiology, modeling, and risk assessment tools to inform safety management decisions and optimize preventive controls; development of novel physical, chemical, and biological interventions to inactivate pathogens and extend product shelf life.


2) Pet Food Quality and Technology
Lead initiatives to advance innovations in both traditional and emerging technologies used to manufacture ingredients and pet food products, as well as interventions (e.g., antioxidants, preservatives, packaging strategies) aimed at enhancing nutritional integrity, safety, and product quality. Appropriate research areas may include, but are not limited to novel processing strategies, ingredient innovations, and technological tools that enhance product quality, shelf life, safety, and nutritional integrity, while minimizing waste and improving process efficiencies.

3) Pet nutrition and health
Collaborate with a cross-functional team to conduct basic and applied research utilizing in silico, in vitro and/or in vivo approaches to improve the health and well-being of companion animals. Appropriate research areas may include but are not limited to: nutrition, metabolism, immunology, gut health, geroscience, metabolic network modeling, epidemiology, and application of cell culture and dynamic in vitro digestion models applicable to both companion animals and humans.

• Teach undergraduate and / or graduate courses.
• Mentor undergraduate students on setting academic and career goals, supervise undergraduate research and other high impact learning activities as needed, and assist with undergraduate student recruitment activities.
• Recruit and mentor graduate students.
• Serve on departmental, college, and university committees; and appropriate professional/industry associations.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Department Head.
• The candidate is expected to demonstrate professionalism and the ability to work effectively with colleagues across a range of disciplines.

About Us

The Department of Grain Science and Industry at Kansas State University has a long-standing reputation for outstanding students, global industry influence, and cutting-edge research. The department of Grain Science & Industry is in the middle of an exciting revitalization process to position itself as the global leader in grain and plant-based product innovations to enhance health and promote environmental sustainability. Through the Global Center for Grain and Food Innovation (https://www.k-state.edu/ag-innovation/facilities/global-center-grain-food-innovation/ ), which is expected to be completed in 2026, the department will lead collaborative partnerships with both the public and private sector to create impactful solutions that advance our global food security, health, and sustainability. 

Worksite Description

This position is On-site.

What You'll Need to Succeed

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Ph.D. degree in a relevant discipline, such as grain/food science, food microbiology, meat science, animal nutrition, veterinary science, agricultural or biological engineering, biochemistry, chemistry, chemical engineering, etc.
    Ability to teach and advise undergraduate and graduate students
    Ability to build a strong and impactful research program
    Track record of scholarly publications
    Commitment to the University’s land-grant mission

The degree requirement is necessary for accreditation purposes and to ensure candidates possess the specialized knowledge, skills, and abilities that can only be attained through a formal educational program at this level.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Postdoctoral experience
    Demonstrated research experience and achievements in one of the listed pet food emphasis areas.
    Demonstrated ability to collaborate with faculty, university administration, and industry scientists and leaders
    Experience in obtaining extramural grants
    Desire and ability to work effectively in a multi-disciplinary team environment and contribute to a collegial and collaborative workplace.

Sponsorship eligibility:

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship

How to Apply

Please submit the following documents:

Applicants should complete the application process through K-State’s PageUp recruiting system and upload the following:

  • Cover letter explaining how your expertise aligns with the position
  • Statement of teaching philosophy and statement of research philosophy
  • Curriculum vitae
  • Copies of unofficial academic transcripts
  • Name and contact information for three professional references

Application Window

Applications close on:11/30/2025

Anticipated Hiring Pay Range

Commensurate with Experience

 

 

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Why Join Us:

Kansas State University offers a supportive and inclusive community, dedicated to your professional growth. While specific benefits may vary by position, many roles come with comprehensive packages that support your well-being and work-life balance, including health and life insurance, retirement plans, and generous paid time off. To learn more about benefits that are available for various positions, visit our benefits overview page.

Work Authorization: 

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States at the time of employment.

Equal Employment Opportunity:

Kansas State University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, age, national origin, disability or status as a protected veteran.

Background Screening Statement:

Upon acceptance of a contingent offer of employment, a candidate may be subject to a background check per K-State’s background check policy.

Interview Preferences:

Kansas State University honors interview preferences for qualified applicants who are veterans or individuals with disabilities. Eligible applicants who meet the minimum qualifications, submit all required application materials, and submit required preference documentation by the closing date on the job advertisement will be granted a first-level interview.

The disability and veteran interview preferences do not apply to student employment positions, temporary positions, athletics positions, academic and administrative department heads*, positions that require licensure as a physician, and positions that require that the employee be admitted to practice law in Kansas.

*Heads of Departments refers to any individual holding a primary leadership role responsible for the overall strategic direction, management and operational oversight of a recognized academic or administrative unit within the university.

To learn more about interview preferences at K-State, please visit our interview preferences page.

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