Montgomery County Maryland
Assistant or Associate Professor - Pet Food Science
Montgomery County Maryland, Manhattan, Kansas, United States, 66506
About This Role
The Department of Grain Science and Industry at Kansas State University is seeking a 9-month, tenure-track Assistant or Associate Professor in Pet Food Science. This position includes 60–80% research and 20–40% teaching responsibilities. The successful candidate will contribute to the department’s revitalization efforts aimed at establishing global leadership in grain and food innovation, with a strong focus on pet food that promotes animal health, feed and food safety, and environmental sustainability. Position: Tenure-track Assistant / Associate Professor of Grain Science and Industry Responsibilities
Among primary job expectations: Establish and maintain a reputable scholarly research program with extramural support focused on one of three core emphasis areas: Pet food Safety and Biosecurity — Lead innovations addressing microbial and chemical hazards in ingredients and pet food products, integrating both applied and fundamental research approaches. Potential research areas include: development of rapid sensor technologies for real-time hazard detection; development of predictive microbiology, modeling, and risk assessment tools to inform safety management decisions and optimize preventive controls; development of novel physical, chemical, and biological interventions to inactivate pathogens and extend product shelf life. Pet Food Quality and Technology — Lead initiatives to advance innovations in traditional and emerging technologies used to manufacture ingredients and pet food products, as well as interventions (e.g., antioxidants, preservatives, packaging strategies) to enhance nutritional integrity, safety, and product quality. Potential research areas include: novel processing strategies, ingredient innovations, and technological tools that enhance product quality, shelf life, safety, and nutritional integrity while minimizing waste and improving process efficiencies. Pet nutrition and health — Collaborate with a cross-functional team to conduct basic and applied research using in silico, in vitro and/or in vivo approaches to improve the health and well-being of companion animals. Potential research areas include: nutrition, metabolism, immunology, gut health, geroscience, metabolic network modeling, epidemiology, and application of cell culture and dynamic in vitro digestion models applicable to both companion animals and humans. Teach undergraduate and/or graduate courses. Mentor undergraduate students on academic and career goals, supervise undergraduate research and other high-impact learning activities, and assist with undergraduate student recruitment. Recruit and mentor graduate students. Serve on departmental, college, and university committees; and appropriate professional/industry associations. Perform other duties as assigned by the Department Head. Demonstrate professionalism and the ability to work effectively with colleagues across a range of disciplines. About Us
The Department of Grain Science and Industry at Kansas State University has a long-standing reputation for outstanding students, global industry influence, and cutting-edge research. The department is in the middle of an exciting revitalization process to position itself as the global leader in grain and plant-based product innovations to enhance health and promote environmental sustainability. Through the Global Center for Grain and Food Innovation, which is expected to be completed in 2026, the department will lead collaborative partnerships with both the public and private sector to create impactful solutions that advance our global food security, health, and sustainability. Worksite Description
This position is On-site. What You'll Need to Succeed
Minimum Qualifications: Ph.D. degree in a relevant discipline, such as grain/food science, food microbiology, meat science, animal nutrition, veterinary science, agricultural or biological engineering, biochemistry, chemistry, chemical engineering, etc. Ability to teach and advise undergraduate and graduate students Ability to build a strong and impactful research program Track record of scholarly publications Commitment to the University’s land-grant mission 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: Postdoctoral experience Demonstrated research experience and achievements in one of the listed pet food emphasis areas. Demonstrated ability to collaborate with faculty, university administration, and industry scientists and leaders Experience in obtaining extramural grants Desire and ability to work effectively in a multi-disciplinary team environment and contribute to a collegial and collaborative workplace. Sponsorship eligibility: Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship How to Apply
Please submit the following documents: Applicants should complete the application process through K-State’s PageUp recruiting system and upload the following: Cover letter explaining how your expertise aligns with the position Statement of teaching philosophy and statement of research philosophy Curriculum vitae Copies of unofficial academic transcripts Name and contact information for three professional references Application Window
Applications close on: 11/30/2025 Anticipated Hiring Pay Range
Commensurate with Experience
#J-18808-Ljbffr
The Department of Grain Science and Industry at Kansas State University is seeking a 9-month, tenure-track Assistant or Associate Professor in Pet Food Science. This position includes 60–80% research and 20–40% teaching responsibilities. The successful candidate will contribute to the department’s revitalization efforts aimed at establishing global leadership in grain and food innovation, with a strong focus on pet food that promotes animal health, feed and food safety, and environmental sustainability. Position: Tenure-track Assistant / Associate Professor of Grain Science and Industry Responsibilities
Among primary job expectations: Establish and maintain a reputable scholarly research program with extramural support focused on one of three core emphasis areas: Pet food Safety and Biosecurity — Lead innovations addressing microbial and chemical hazards in ingredients and pet food products, integrating both applied and fundamental research approaches. Potential research areas include: development of rapid sensor technologies for real-time hazard detection; development of predictive microbiology, modeling, and risk assessment tools to inform safety management decisions and optimize preventive controls; development of novel physical, chemical, and biological interventions to inactivate pathogens and extend product shelf life. Pet Food Quality and Technology — Lead initiatives to advance innovations in traditional and emerging technologies used to manufacture ingredients and pet food products, as well as interventions (e.g., antioxidants, preservatives, packaging strategies) to enhance nutritional integrity, safety, and product quality. Potential research areas include: novel processing strategies, ingredient innovations, and technological tools that enhance product quality, shelf life, safety, and nutritional integrity while minimizing waste and improving process efficiencies. Pet nutrition and health — Collaborate with a cross-functional team to conduct basic and applied research using in silico, in vitro and/or in vivo approaches to improve the health and well-being of companion animals. Potential research areas include: nutrition, metabolism, immunology, gut health, geroscience, metabolic network modeling, epidemiology, and application of cell culture and dynamic in vitro digestion models applicable to both companion animals and humans. Teach undergraduate and/or graduate courses. Mentor undergraduate students on academic and career goals, supervise undergraduate research and other high-impact learning activities, and assist with undergraduate student recruitment. Recruit and mentor graduate students. Serve on departmental, college, and university committees; and appropriate professional/industry associations. Perform other duties as assigned by the Department Head. Demonstrate professionalism and the ability to work effectively with colleagues across a range of disciplines. About Us
The Department of Grain Science and Industry at Kansas State University has a long-standing reputation for outstanding students, global industry influence, and cutting-edge research. The department is in the middle of an exciting revitalization process to position itself as the global leader in grain and plant-based product innovations to enhance health and promote environmental sustainability. Through the Global Center for Grain and Food Innovation, which is expected to be completed in 2026, the department will lead collaborative partnerships with both the public and private sector to create impactful solutions that advance our global food security, health, and sustainability. Worksite Description
This position is On-site. What You'll Need to Succeed
Minimum Qualifications: Ph.D. degree in a relevant discipline, such as grain/food science, food microbiology, meat science, animal nutrition, veterinary science, agricultural or biological engineering, biochemistry, chemistry, chemical engineering, etc. Ability to teach and advise undergraduate and graduate students Ability to build a strong and impactful research program Track record of scholarly publications Commitment to the University’s land-grant mission 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: Postdoctoral experience Demonstrated research experience and achievements in one of the listed pet food emphasis areas. Demonstrated ability to collaborate with faculty, university administration, and industry scientists and leaders Experience in obtaining extramural grants Desire and ability to work effectively in a multi-disciplinary team environment and contribute to a collegial and collaborative workplace. Sponsorship eligibility: Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship How to Apply
Please submit the following documents: Applicants should complete the application process through K-State’s PageUp recruiting system and upload the following: Cover letter explaining how your expertise aligns with the position Statement of teaching philosophy and statement of research philosophy Curriculum vitae Copies of unofficial academic transcripts Name and contact information for three professional references Application Window
Applications close on: 11/30/2025 Anticipated Hiring Pay Range
Commensurate with Experience
#J-18808-Ljbffr