Assistant / Associate Professor – Food Science Extension Specialist

Posting Number : F2453P

Working Title :

Assistant / Associate Professor – Food Science Extension Specialist

Department :

CAES-Food Science & Technology

About the University of Georgia :

Since our founding in 1785, the University of Georgia has operated as Georgia’s oldest, most comprehensive, and most diversified institution of higher education (https : / / www.uga.edu / ) . The proof is in our more than 235 years of academic and professional achievements and our continual commitment to higher education. UGA is currently ranked among the top 20 public universities in U.S. News & World Report. The University’s main campus is located in Athens, approximately 65 miles northeast of Atlanta, with extended campuses in Atlanta, Griffin, Gwinnett, and Tifton. UGA employs approximately 3,100 faculty and more than 7,700 full-time staff. The University’s enrollment exceeds 41,000 students including over 31,000 undergraduates and over 10,000 graduate and professional students. Academic programs reside in 19 schools and colleges, including our newly formed School of Medicine.

About the College / Unit / Department :

The university is recognized as a research-intensive and community-engaged institution by the Carnegie Foundation. The Department of Food Science and Technology ( http : / / www.foodscience.caes.uga.edu / ) is a unit of the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences. Athens offers a rich cultural environment interconnected with the university and is perennially identified as one of America’s most livable cities ( http : / / www.visitathensga.com / about-athens / ).

Posting Type : External

Employment Type : Employee

Benefits Eligibility :

Benefits Eligible

Anticipated Start Date :

05 / 01 / 2026

Job Posting Date : 08 / 20 / 2025

Open until filled : Yes

Special Instructions to Applicants :

Applicants must submit : (1) a letter of application; (2) curriculum vitae; (3) graduate transcripts; (4) names, addresses, telephone numbers, and e-mail addresses of four professional references that the search committee may contact; and (5) one-page summaries outlining their Extension and Research visions. Inquiries should be addressed to Dr. William Kerr (wlkerr@uga.edu). The selected candidate will be required to submit to a background investigation demonstrating eligibility for employment with the University.

Applications received by November 1, 2025, will receive full consideration. Review of applications will continue until a suitable candidate is identified. The preferred start date is May 1, 2026.

Location of Vacancy :

Athens Area

EEO Statement :

The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or veteran status or other protected status. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR ( hrweb@uga.edu ).

USG Core Values Statement :

The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 26 institutions of higher education and learning, as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found online at https : / / www.usg.edu / policymanual / section8 / C224 / #p8.2.18_personnel_conduct .

Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found online at https : / / www.usg.edu / policymanual / section6 / C2653 .

Classification Title :

Open Rank

Faculty Rank : Open Rank

Contract Type : Academic (9 mo.)

Tenure Status : Tenure Track

Minimum Qualifications :

A Ph.D. in food science, food microbiology, food safety, food engineering, agricultural engineering, or a closely related field is required.

Position Summary :

The Department of Food Science and Technology at UGA is seeking a highly motivated and creative individual to develop an Extension and research program in the area of food safety with a focus on process engineering and the influence of product formulation.

The successful candidate will support and advance Georgia’s food and beverage industries through expertise in processing and preservation technologies and extension of science-based information to relevant stakeholders, and develop a complementary research program with the capacity to sustain itself through extramural funding. This position will involve developing a nationally recognized Extension program that addresses the needs of Georgia’s established food industries and supports emerging food businesses. The program will include in-person and / or online workshops, applied and collaborative research addressing industry challenges, and partnerships with faculty in business and marketing to assist food entrepreneurs, including process approvals for manufactured foods. The University of Georgia values interdisciplinary collaboration, and the successful candidate will be encouraged to engage with faculty across the Colleges of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Engineering, and Family and Consumer Sciences as they build their Extension and research programs.

Given the growth of food manufacturing in Georgia, this role offers significant engagement opportunities through Extension and research, and the expectation that the selected candidate will develop and deliver unique Extension programing, serve as a conduit between academia and industry when exploring scientific and technical innovations, and provide foundational food safety training (e.g. Preventive Controls, Better Process Control School) that drive industry success. Potential research areas include thermal and non-thermal processing, beverage production, fermentation, and packaging.

Additional Requirements :

For the rank of Assistant Professor, candidates do not need a minimum number of years in a lower rank unless the initial appointment was at the instructor level at the University of Georgia. To be considered at the rank of Associate Professor, candidates must have at least 5 full years in rank at the Assistant Professor level before the start date. Appointment, Promotion, & Tenure of Academic Rank Faculty can be found here : https : / / provost.uga.edu / wp-content / uploads / appointment-promotion-tenure-guidelinesacademic-rank-faculty.pdf .

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and / or Competencies :

• The successful candidate will demonstrate : 1) a strong potential to secure external funding to support Extension and research efforts; 2) excellent oral and written communication skills; 3) proven capacity to engage constructively with colleagues and stakeholders; and 4) a commitment to collaborative, multidisciplinary work.
• Expertise in the food / beverage industry is highly desirable.
• Expertise in areas such as packaging systems, ingredient technology, and regulatory compliance is highly desirable.

Is this a Position of Trust? :

Yes

Does this position have operation, access, or control of financial resources? :

No

Does this position require a P-Card? :

No

Is having a P-Card an essential function of this position? :

No

Is driving a responsibility of this position? :

Yes

Does this position have direct interaction or care of children under the age of 18 or direct patient care? :

No

Does this position have Security Access (e.g., public safety, IT security, personnel records, patient records, or access to chemicals and medications) :

Yes

Credit and P-Card policy :

Be advised a credit check will be required for all positions with financial responsibilities. For additional information about the credit check criteria, visit the UGA Credit Background Check website .

Background Investigation Policy :

Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including, a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with the University of Georgia; confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials (including reference checks) as they relate to the job-based requirements of the position applied for; and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. You may also be subject to a pre-employment drug test for positions with high-risk responsibilities, if applicable. Please visit the UGA Background Check website .