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Closing Date:
Type of Position:
Academic (Non-Classified)
No
Job Type:
Regular
No
Institution Name:
Division of Agriculture of the University of Arkansas
The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture is a state wide campus, with faculty based on University campuses, at Research and Extension Centers and in every Arkansas county. It consists of the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station (AES) and the Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service (CES), and is home to more than 1400 employees. The Division was established in 1959 and is headed by the Vice-President for Agriculture. The Division headquarters is located in Little Rock with the rest of the University of Arkansas System Administration. As an employer, the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture offers a vibrant work environment and a workplace culture that promotes a healthy work-life balance.
Below you will find the details for the position including any supplementary documentation and questions you should review before applying for the opening. To apply for the position, please click the Apply link/button.
If you have a disability and need assistance with the hiring process and require reasonable accommodations, please contact the Division's Office of Program & Employment Compliance at compliance@uada.edu.
For general application assistance or if you have questions about a job posting, please contact Human Resources at 501-671-2219 or 479-502-9820.
Department:
Horticulture * Associate Professor
uada.edu
Summary of Job Duties:
The Food Systems and Food Safety Postdoctoral Associate is a full-time position (40 hrs/week) in the Department of Horticulture. This individual will serve as a project leader and collaborate with Dr. Amanda Philyaw Perez on the Local, Regional, and Safe Foods Team. The successful candidate will provide outreach, education, and technical assistance to Arkansas farms and food businesses, community stakeholders, and county extension agents regarding food safety regulation, practices, audits/inspections, value-added product development, and supply-chain coordination, while also supporting broader food systems development initiatives.
This position will play a key role in strengthening resilient food systems infrastructure across Arkansas by supporting local food supply chain coordination, value-added processing, and home-based food business startup efforts. The Post Doc will assist in developing and implementing training and technical assistance for stakeholders working across the food value chain, with an emphasis on small and beginning farms and food businesses and expanding access to local and regional markets.
Job Duties:
• Coordinate and host food safety and food system workshops.
• Lead implementation of project goals and objectives, including day-to-day operations, coordination with agencies, and reporting.
• Support development of resilient food systems infrastructure through technical assistance and stakeholder engagement.
• Provide guidance and resources for local food supply chain coordination and value-added product development.
• Assist entrepreneurs in navigating regulations and launching home-based food businesses under food freedom frameworks.
• Conduct applied research to understand client needs, practices, challenges, and knowledge gain.
• Prepare proposals for regional and national conferences related to food safety and food systems.
• Contribute to the development of Southern Center add-on curricula for produce safety and value-added startup (e.g., commodity-specific or production-type-specific training).
• Support current grants focused on food freedom and cottage food safety, fruit and vegetable value-added product development, and FSMA Produce Safety Rule grower training.
• Develop educational materials, web content, promotional materials, and press releases.
• Conduct survey research with clientele and prepare papers for scientific conferences and publication.
• Monitor program implementation, assist collaborators and county agents, and coordinate team activities.
• Assist in managing the Local, Regional, and Safe Foods Team.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, data management, and email programs.
• Strong technical competence in food safety, pathogens affecting produce and manufactured foods, and specialty crop production.
• Ability to develop and deliver high-quality presentations.
• Initiative, sound judgment, and ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Responsiveness to the needs of supervisors, subordinates, and clientele.
Qualifications:
Minimum Qualifications
Ph.D. in Food Science, Food Microbiology, Public Health, Food Safety, Horticulture, or a related field.
Demonstrated ability to independently manage programs.
Strong interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills.
Preferred Qualifications
On-farm or field experience with specialty crop growers or food manufacturing.
Understanding of current issues in the specialty crop industry and food safety.
Certifications in FSMA Produce Safety Rule or Preventive Controls for Human Food.
Experience in grants management and writing.
Proven track record in curriculum development, publications, presentations, and digital outreach.
Note: This position is grant-funded and continued employment is contingent upon securing future funding.
Position will be housed at the Vines 4-H Center, 1 4-H Way, Little Rock, AR.
Additional Information:
Commensurate
Required Documents to Apply:
Cover Letter/Letter of Application, List of three Professional References (name, email, business title), Resume, Unofficial/Official Transcript(s)
Special Instructions to Applicants:
Recruitment Contact Information:
Amanda Philyaw Perez, Associate Professor 501-671-2228
All application materials must be uploaded to the University of Arkansas System Career Site https://uasys.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/UASYS
Please do not send to listed recruitment contact.
Pre-employment Screening Requirements:
Motor Vehicle Reports Check
The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture may conduct pre-employment background checks on certain positions for applicants being considered for employment. The background checks may include a criminal background check and a sex offender registry check. Required checks are identified in the position listing. A criminal background check or arrest pending adjudication information alone shall not disqualify an applicant in the absences of a relationship to the requirements of the position. Background check information will be used in a consistent, non-discriminatory manner consistent with the state and federal law.
The University of Arkansas is an equal opportunity institution. The University does not discriminate in its education programs or activities (including in admission and employment) on the basis of any category or status protected by law, including age, race, color, national origin, disability, religion, protected veteran status, military service, genetic information, sex, sexual orientation, or pregnancy. Questions or concerns about the application of Title IX, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex, may be sent to the University’s Title IX Coordinator and to the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights.
Persons must have proof of legal authority to work in the United States on the first day of employment.
All application information is subject to public disclosure under the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act.
Constant Physical Activity:
Driving, Hearing, Lifting, Manipulate items with fingers, including keyboarding, Pulling, Pushing, Repetitive Motion, Sitting, Standing, Talking, Walking
Frequent Physical Activity:
Driving, Feeling, Hearing, Manipulate items with fingers, including keyboarding, Pulling, Pushing, Repetitive Motion, Sitting, Standing, Talking, Walking
Occasional Physical Activity:
Driving, Grasping, Hearing, Repetitive Motion, Sitting, Standing, Talking, Walking
Benefits Eligible:
Yes