The Department of Grain and Food Science at Kansas State University invites applicants for an extension and research tenure-track faculty member in food processing and safety. This position holds an 80% extension and 20% research appointment.
The Grain Science & Industry and Food Science programs at K-State recently merged into a new Department of Grain and Food Science and are investing in strategic initiatives to become the global leader in grain and food innovations. Through the upcoming Global Center, the department will lead collaborative partnerships to create impactful solutions that advance global food security, health and sustainability (https://www.k-state.edu/ag-innovation/facilities/global-center-grain-food-innovation/).
The position is responsible for developing and leading outreach, applied research, and educational and training programs in the areas of food processing with an emphasis on food safety, regulations, and quality. The successful candidate will be expected to develop a strong extension and research program, secure external funding, and engage in client-driven projects that advance food quality, safety, and processing technologies. The candidate will lead the operations of departmental food processing pilot facility and the Kansas Value Added Foods Lab (KVAL) and collaboratively interact with campus faculty (including Olathe campus), statewide, regional, district and county extension agents, industry stakeholders, students, and professional organizations.
Responsibilities: The successful individuals will contribute to the department’s land-grant missions in extension and research, and K-State’s Plan for Economic Prosperity in Kansas (https://www.k-state.edu/research/economic-prosperity/).
Among primary job expectations:
• Provide guidance and support to food companies, both new and existing, on food safety regulations and processing and handling practices, including serving as the process authority to food manufacturing enterprises in the state.
• Lead the operations of the food processing pilot facility by partnering with industry, faculty, and students to foster entrepreneurship and innovation, and high impact student training.
• Develop and deliver continuing education to the food industry to meet both FDA and Kansas Department of Agriculture certification requirements and ensure relevant manpower professional development. This includes, but is not limited to, developing relevant extension publications, webinars, workshops, and other modes of delivering education.
• Work collaboratively with faculty and external stakeholders to develop and deliver timely solutions to meet food industry needs.
• Assist regional, district, and county Extension Agents in working with constituents who want to produce food products for retail sale.
• Develop and lead a robust extramurally funded research program in area of specialization.
• Participate in professional society conferences and other activities as appropriate.
• Other job-related duties as assigned by the Department Head.
The Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Food Science was established at K-State since 1965, and the Undergraduate Program in 1972. The programs recently merged with the Grain Science and Industry Department, which has a long-standing reputation for outstanding student training and cutting-edge research. The Department is home to one-of-a-kind degree programs in Milling Science, Bakery Science, and Feed and Petfood Science. The highly reputed K-State online Food Science Master’s degree program is the most recognized program of its kind in the nation, with an enrolment of more than 100 students. The department currently has approx. 340 students and 23 faculty and expects to hire 7 additional faculty in the next year.
The Global Center for Grain and Food Innovations under construction will house the new department, and will include a food processing pilot plant, a petfood processing pilot plant, bakery and milling teaching facilities, KVAL, and grain and food science research laboratories. In addition, we are home to unique world class facilities including pilot flour and feed mills; pilot bakery facility; International Grains Program (IGP), a dedicated professional manpower training facility; and the Bioprocessing Industrial Value-Added Products Center (BIVAP). We also work closely with other departments, giving us access to other facilities, including dairy and meat processing pilot facilities (Animal Science and Industry), and sensory testing facility (Olathe Campus), among others.
About Kansas Food Industry:
Kansas food manufacturing is a growing sector that currently represents 21% of the state’s manufacturing industry, with an economic impact of $5.2 billion. The closely related pet food manufacturing within the KC Animal Health Corridor represents 61% of pet food sold in the US. Additionally, the growth of locally produced foods in Kansas includes food manufacturing operations that are expected to enhance economic development as part of the K-State 105 and Next-Gen initiatives. An extension specialist will support food manufacturing industry to improve operational efficiencies using sound science, navigate safety and regulatory requirements at the state and federal levels, and support small enterprise technical needs to ensure a thriving food and beverage manufacturing sector.
This position is On-site.
All employees must reside in the United States when they begin working to comply with state law. K-State is unable to provide remote or hybrid work opportunities for residents of the state of Idaho.
Minimum Qualifications:
• Ph.D. in food science, food engineering or a closely related field.
• Proficiency in modern food processing techniques, applied food safety, food plant sanitation, and current food processing and labeling regulations.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to interact effectively with food industry professionals, food manufacturing startups, and students.
• Demonstrated record (or potential) for securing competitive grants and external funding.
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:
• Experience in a Land Grant University and/or prior work in the food industry.
• Experience in securing extramural grant funding.
• Background in client-driven research and technology transfer.
• Previous engagement in multidisciplinary research collaborations.
Sponsorship eligibility:
Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship
Please submit the following documents:
Interested candidates should submit:
1. A cover letter detailing qualifications and experience relevant to the position.
2. A curriculum vitae (CV).
3. An extension (1 page) and research (1 page) statement.
4. Copies of unofficial academic transcripts.
5. Contact information for three professional references.
Applications close on: December 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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