Kansas State University
Assistant or Associate Professor - Pet Food Science
Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas, United States, 66506
Assistant or Associate Professor - Pet Food Science
Position: Tenure-track Assistant /Associate Professor of Grain Science and Industry at Kansas State University.
We are seeking a 9-month, tenure-track Assistant or Associate Professor in Pet Food Science. The role includes 60-80% research and 20-40% teaching responsibilities.
Responsibilities
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 applied and fundamental research approaches. Research areas may include rapid sensor technologies for real-time hazard detection; predictive microbiology, modeling, and risk assessment tools; 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 both traditional and emerging technologies used to manufacture ingredients and pet food products, as well as interventions (e.g., antioxidants, preservatives, packaging strategies) aimed at enhancing nutritional integrity, safety, and product quality. Research areas may 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 utilizing in silico, in vitro, and/or in vivo approaches to improve the health and well-being of companion animals. Research areas may 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 setting academic and career goals, supervise undergraduate research and other high impact learning activities as needed, and assist with undergraduate student recruitment activities.
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.
The candidate is expected to 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 to position itself as a 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.
Minimum Qualifications
Ph.D. degree in a relevant discipline (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 conduct independent research with a strong track record of securing extramural funding.
Demonstrated commitment to excellence in teaching, research, and service.
Experience or demonstrated interest in pet food science, pet nutrition, or related fields.
Strong communication skills and the ability to collaborate across disciplines.
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We are seeking a 9-month, tenure-track Assistant or Associate Professor in Pet Food Science. The role includes 60-80% research and 20-40% teaching responsibilities.
Responsibilities
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 applied and fundamental research approaches. Research areas may include rapid sensor technologies for real-time hazard detection; predictive microbiology, modeling, and risk assessment tools; 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 both traditional and emerging technologies used to manufacture ingredients and pet food products, as well as interventions (e.g., antioxidants, preservatives, packaging strategies) aimed at enhancing nutritional integrity, safety, and product quality. Research areas may 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 utilizing in silico, in vitro, and/or in vivo approaches to improve the health and well-being of companion animals. Research areas may 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 setting academic and career goals, supervise undergraduate research and other high impact learning activities as needed, and assist with undergraduate student recruitment activities.
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.
The candidate is expected to 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 to position itself as a 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.
Minimum Qualifications
Ph.D. degree in a relevant discipline (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 conduct independent research with a strong track record of securing extramural funding.
Demonstrated commitment to excellence in teaching, research, and service.
Experience or demonstrated interest in pet food science, pet nutrition, or related fields.
Strong communication skills and the ability to collaborate across disciplines.
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