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POSITION SPECIFICS
Position: Assistant Professor in Food Chemistry
(Tenure Track)
Responsibilities: 75% Research / 25% Resident Instruction Teaching
Tenure home: Department of Food Science
The Department of Food Science at the Pennsylvania State University seeks a tenure track faculty member in Food Chemistry with expertise in use of preclinical models to study the relationship between the chemical composition of foods and their impacts on gut-brain axis, including signaling, eating behavior, and long-term brain health/function. This appointment will be filled at the rank of Assistant Professor. The position will (1) strengthen and expand the Department’s strategic interest in Food-Based Solutions to Enhance Health and (2) address growing consumer demand for foods with improved health-related functionality. The position also aligns with Penn State’s mission of fostering cutting-edge research, promoting economic growth, and providing education that directly benefits the agricultural and food sectors in Pennsylvania and beyond.
Key Responsibilities:
Research (75%)
The successful candidate is expected to develop a nationally and internationally recognized research program in food chemistry with an emphasis on the impact of foods on the gut-brain axis, and the role that these interactions play in driving eating behavior and long-term brain health/function. It is anticipated that the successful candidate will employ preclinical models and cutting edge molecular and biochemical approaches to address this topic. Research interests should complement existing Departmental research, for example, in food choice, sensory and consumer science, gut microbial metabolism, or food bioactivity. The successful candidate will benefit from collaboration with faculty members in the Department, College, and elsewhere at the University (e.g. the Penn State Neuroscience Institute, the Microbiome Center, and the Department of Nutritional Sciences), access to our three state-of-the-art pilot plants, and the excellent research core facilities available at the University. Candidates are expected to pursue extramural funding to support their research program, publish in high-impact journals, and collaborate with interdisciplinary teams across the university and industry.
Teaching (25%)
The successful candidate will be responsible for teaching FDSC 400 (“Food Chemistry & Analysis (I)”). This is a required 3-credit lecture and laboratory class for third year Food Science majors. In addition, the candidate is expected to develop a graduate course in their area of expertise.
The successful candidate is expected to participate in departmental, college, and university committees, professional organizations, and community outreach activities. The candidate will engage with Penn State's stakeholders, including students, alumni, and industry partners, to promote the mission of the Food Science Department and Penn State Extension.
Required Qualifications:
Ph.D. in Food Science, Nutrition, or a closely related field.
Postdoctoral experience or prior faculty experience in food science, neuroscience, or related discipline.
A record of high-quality research in food chemistry, eating behavior, and gut-brain axis signaling, with demonstrated potential for, or evidence of, securing extramural funding.
Strong commitment to teaching excellence at both undergraduate and graduate levels.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary environment.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience in innovative teaching methods.
Interest in food valorization, novel food ingredient development, or interdisciplinary, collaborative research on foods and health
Applicants must upload (1) letter of application, (2) curriculum vitae, (3) academic transcripts, (4) statement of research interests, (5) teaching philosophy, and (6) names of at least three professional references (including address, telephone and e-mail address) to the Penn State Jobs system (https://hr.psu.edu/careers). System limitations allow for a total of 5 documents (5mb per document) as part of your application. Please combine materials to meet the 5-document limit.
Please contact Dr. Joshua Lambert, Search Committee Chair at jdl134@psu.edu with questions. Applications will be reviewed beginning immediately and continue until a suitable candidate is found. The anticipated start date is Fall Semester 2026 or as negotiated.
BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES
Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.
BENEFITS
Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional wellbeing. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children.
For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page. (Note: For Postdoctoral benefits, please see our Postdoctoral Benefits page.)
CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS
Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.
EEO IS THE LAW
Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.