Assistant/Associate Professor - Dairy Technology

The University of Minnesota is seeking applications for a tenure-track research and teaching position in the area of Dairy Technology at the Assistant/Associate Professor level in the Department of Food Science and Nutrition which is affiliated with the College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences. 

Position Description
This dairy technology faculty position will be a nine-month, tenure-track appointment involving research and teaching in the Department of Food Science and Nutrition.  The appointee will: 1) establish a vigorous, externally funded research program emphasizing fundamental principles of chemistry, biochemistry, enzymology, microbiology or protein/analytical chemistry as applied to cheese and fermented dairy products; 2) develop a strong undergraduate and graduate teaching program focusing on fermented dairy foods (primarily cheese) and his/her area of expertise; 3)  advise undergraduates and direct M.S. and Ph.D. students; and 4) oversee pilot plant facility operations. The appointee will be expected to engage in collaborative research and teaching with colleagues in the Department and to serve on academic committees.  Teaching expectations will include teaching two courses annually to undergraduate and/or graduate students. 

Department of Food Science and Nutrition
The mission of the Department is to conduct research, provide knowledge, and develop skills to improve health and nutrition.  The integration of nutrition and food science has provided an exceptional opportunity for the Department to capitalize on the intersection of the areas of health systems and food production.  The Department plays a unique and important role in meeting human needs by training professionals and providing service in the fields of nutrition and food science.  Many faculty members in the Department are nationally recognized scholars in a wide range of food science and nutrition focused areas including food processing, food safety and microbiology, food flavor and sensory studies, nutrition and health/disease prevention, community-based nutrition, nutrition education and nutrition from a socio-cultural perspective. The Department employs 24 tenure/tenure track faculty members and about 50 professional staff members.  Current enrollments include over 400 undergraduate majors and 123 masters and doctoral students.  For more information about faculty members, programs, and curriculum, see: http://fscn.cfans.umn.edu/ 

Qualifications
Required:  Earned doctorate in food science, biochemistry, microbiology, chemistry or related area by start date, with strong, demonstrated research skills in their area of expertise that can be applied to cheese and other fermented dairy products; published research in peer reviewed scholarly journals; background to teach courses in cheese and other dairy foods systems; and strong oral and written communication skills.

 Preferred: Post-doctoral or industry research experience in an area relevant to the position; evidence of ability to work independently and in collaboration with interdisciplinary team members; a record of funded research; and experience in pilot plant operations related to cheese making. 

Salary and Benefits
The salary will be commensurate with education and experience.  The University of Minnesota offers a generous benefits package that includes access to excellent health, dental and retirement benefits, life insurance and faculty development leave options. 

Application
Applications are due February 1, 2008 for the initial review of candidates; the position will remain open until filled.  Applications that include a written cover letter, statement of identified research goals, statement of teaching interests, curriculum vita, 1-2 sample publications, and graduate transcripts will be reviewed by the committee.  

Applicants should also include a list (name, title, institution, phone number and email address) of 4 individuals willing to accept a phone interview by a Search Committee member to discuss their suitability for this position. 

Please submit applications for requisition number 151791 via the internet at: http://www1.umn.edu/ohr/employment/index.html  

 Direct inquiries to:
Professor Gary Reineccius
Search Committee Chair
Department of Food Science and Nutrition – University of Minnesota
225 Food Science and Nutrition
1334 Eckles Avenue
St. Paul, MN 55108-1038
See http://fscn.cfans.umn.edu and/or contact: greinecc@umn.edu or 612-624-3201.

Start Date
The position will be available June 9, 2008 or as soon as possible thereafter. 

The University of Minnesota is committed to the policy that all persons shall have equal access to its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status or sexual orientation.