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.
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.
This position is On-site.
Minimum Qualifications:
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:
Sponsorship eligibility:
Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship
Please submit the following documents:
Applicants should complete the application process through K-State’s PageUp recruiting system and upload the following:
Applications close on:11/30/2025
Commensurate with Experience
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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.
Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States at the time of employment.
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.
Some positions are eligible for remote or hybrid working arrangements. An employee who is working in a remote or hybrid capacity for K-State must reside within the United States in order to comply with all federal and state laws, filings, or tax requirements. Remote and hybrid work arrangements are not available for anyone who resides in the state of Idaho.
Upon acceptance of a contingent offer of employment, a candidate may be subject to a background check per K-State’s background check policy.
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.
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