Assistant Professor in Food Processing

The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture and the Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences at the University of Arkansas invite applications for a 12-month, tenure-track position (50% Research; 40% Extension; 10% Teaching) in food processing at Assistant Professor level. 

Research (45%): Develop a nationally competitive and independent research program in food processing to support growing local and regional food systems. Focus areas may include fruits and vegetables processing, innovative processing, and packaging technologies to extend product shelf-life and enhance safety of low-acid and acidified food products, enhanced utilization of agricultural crops by converting them to value-added products, and reduction of post-harvest losses and food waste. The candidate will be expected to recruit and advise graduate students; supervise undergraduate research; and secure extramural funding from a variety of other sources including federal, state, commodity, private and industry sources.

Extension (35%): The candidate will be responsible for coordinating and conducting food processing and safety extension activities for the state that would enhance the value of Arkansas agricultural crops and support local food systems initiatives in the region (https://www.waltonfamilyfoundation.org/northwest-arkansas-food-systems). The candidate is expected to work closely with other Extension colleagues in Arkansas and neighboring states, the Arkansas Department of Agriculture, Arkansas growers, farmers and other stakeholders to advance and support food processing efforts and activities particularly for value-added food products. Some of the duties may include:
1. Act as the Process Authority that will serve food manufacturers in Arkansas by reviewing, guiding, and issuing process review letters for new food products for commercial markets that meet state and federal licensing requirements for the production of safe food (or work with other faculty to offer joint trainings). Product categories would include acid and low-acid foods with potential challenge studies.
2. Assist, as needed, in development and delivery of training and education programs that are related to the Food Safety and Modernization Act, including Preventative Controls for Human and Animal Foods and Produce Safety Rules, and the ISO 22000 Food Safety Management System (or work with other faculty to offer joint trainings).
3.Develop formulations, processing guidelines and nutrition labeling guidelines for new food products manufactured by Arkansas food processors and entrepreneurs.
4. Support local food industries via Arkansas Food Innovation Center (https://afic.uada.edu/) in various activities, including but not limited to, providing fee-for-services to food manufacturers to confirm that industry, state and federal requirements are met, and responding to food manufacturer inquiries or questions related to food processing and safety.
5. Provide expertise to support the Market Center for the Ozarks, a food hub in Springdale, AR that will support farmers, food entrepreneurs and Northwest Arkansas communities
6. Work with the Arkansas Department of Health to provide food producers expertise on the Arkansas Food Freedom Act that allows for direct sales of homemade food.

Teaching (20%): Responsibilities will include teaching one undergraduate course a year and one graduate course every other year to meet departmental teaching needs. The candidate is expected to advise undergraduate and graduate students and supervise undergraduate research.