The School of Food and Agriculture at the University of Maine seeks applicants for a full-time, academic-year, tenure-track, Assistant Professor position in the program area of Food Science and Human Nutrition (FSN). The candidate will teach and advise in the undergraduate and graduate food science programs, and establish an independent, externally-funded research program in Food Science or Food Engineering. This is a 50% research and 50% teaching position. The position carries an expectation to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion within the University and the discipline.
Initial teaching responsibilities of this position include: FSN 485 Introduction to Food Engineering Principles; FSN 486 Food Engineering Lab; FSN 502 Food Preservation; and a graduate level class in Food Science and/or Engineering to meet curricular needs for the MS and PhD programs in Food Science. The teaching load will average 9 credits a year. Graduate supervision is an important part of this position. Responsibilities will include research, teaching, student advising, and providing expertise to the state and UMaine community in the areas of Food Science and Food Engineering.
The position will conduct research to support food innovation and enhance the Maine Food and Bioproducts Industry, in areas such as novel food processing techniques, food applications of cellulose nanofibrils, nano- delivery of food bioactives, and commercialization of emerging technologies. Applicants are expected to build a robust, externally-funded research program with the potential to create collaborations within the School, Cooperative Extension, Advanced Manufacturing Center, Graduate School of Biomedical Science and Engineering, farmers, food and beverage manufacturers, and with other organizations such as Maine Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MMEP), The Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association, Maine Potato Board, Wild Blueberry Commission of Maine, New England Food Processors Community of Practice, Alliance for Maine’s Marine Economy, and Maine Seaweed Alliance. The position would help to develop solutions for establishing processing infrastructure that is lacking in the state. This position will provide mentorship to Doctoral and Master’s students, and provide research opportunities for undergraduates.
This position is a part of a cluster titled Rural Community Wellbeing that includes positions in Nursing, Communication Sciences and Disorders, and Food Science. Consistent with the intent of this cluster, this position will benefit Maine’s rural communities through increased food quality, safety, and security. The position is in direct support of a proposed Center for Food Innovation, and allied to initiatives in the Health Sciences. It will support economic growth of Maine’s food system in rural communities, while benefiting Maine’s food producers, and educating students to enter Maine’s diverse and expanding food and beverage industry.
About the University:
The University of Maine is a community of more than 11,700 undergraduate and graduate students, and 2,500 employees located on the Orono campus, the regional campus in Machias, and throughout the state. UMaine is the state land and sea grant university and maintains a leadership role as the System’s flagship university. As a result, it is dedicated to providing excellent teaching, research, and service at the university, state, and national levels. Further information about UMaine can be found at https://umaine.edu/
The University of Maine offers a wide range of benefits for employees including, but not limited to, tuition benefits (employee and dependent), comprehensive insurance coverage including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and short and long term disability as well as retirement plan options. As a former NSF ADVANCE institution, the University of Maine is committed to diversity in our workforce and to dual-career couples.
UMaine is located in beautiful Central Maine. Many employees report that a primary reason for choosing to come to UMaine is quality of life. Numerous cultural activities, excellent public schools, safe neighborhoods, high quality medical care, little traffic, and a reasonable cost of living make the greater Bangor area a wonderful place to live. Learn more about what the Bangor region has to offer here.
The University of Maine System is considered a federal contractor and therefore required to comply with the directives of civil authorities regarding COVID vaccinations. As of January 4, 2022, new hires are required to be fully vaccinated or have submitted a request for a religious or medical exemption on or prior to their start date. Further information can be found here.
Qualifications:
Required:
PhD or equivalent in Food Science, Food Engineering or a closely-related field by the time of appointment. Documented experience in food processing. Promise to succeed in disciplinary research as demonstrated by peer-reviewed publications and/or external funding Capacity for excellence in university-level teaching and mentoring Commitment to enhancing diversity, equity, and inclusion within the discipline and institution Excellent written and oral communication skills
Preferred:
Postdoctoral experience Success in securing competitive external funding Evidence of a collaborative research approach Disciplinary and institutional leadership Experience interacting with and advising government agencies and policy-makers Experience with curriculum development Other Information:
Materials must be submitted via "Apply For Position" below. You will need to create a profile and application; upload:
1.) a cover letter which describes your experience, interests, and suitability for the position
2.) a resume/curriculum vitae
3.) contact information for three professional references
4.) research statement
5.) teaching philosophy
You will also need to submit the affirmative action survey, the self-identification of disability form, and the self-identification of veteran status forms. Incomplete application materials cannot be considered. Materials received after the initial review date will be reviewed at the discretion of the University.
Search Timeline is as follows:
Review of applications to begin: February 18, 2022
Screening interviews to begin no earlier than: February 25, 2022
On-site interviews to begin no earlier than: March 14, 2022
Tentative start date: August 29, 2022
For questions about the search, please contact search committee chair Denise Skonberg at 207-581-1639.
Appropriate background checks are required.
The University of Maine is an EEO/AA employer, and does not discriminate on the grounds of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, transgender status, gender expression, national origin, citizenship status, age, disability, genetic information or veteran’s status in employment, education, and all other programs and activities. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies: Amie Parker, Director of Equal Opportunity, 101 North Stevens Hall, University of Maine, Orono, ME 04469-5754, 207.581.1226, TTY 711 (Maine Relay System).
Length: Academic Year (Sept-May)