Assistant Professor - Post Harvest Processing

Clemson University: College of Agriculture, Forestry and Life Sciences: Food, Nutrition & Packaging Sciences
Assistant Professor - Post Harvest Processing

Location: Coastal REC - Charleston SC

Description

The Department of Food, Nutrition, and Packaging Sciences in the College of Agriculture, Forestry and Life Sciences at Clemson University is seeking to fill a 9-month, tenure-track position at the Assistant Professor level (100% research) to work on post-harvest vegetable processing.

The position is located at Clemson University's Coastal Research & Education Center (CREC), Charleston, SC (https://www.clemson.edu/cafls/research/coastal/index.html).

CREC includes 325 acres in addition to laboratories in the Department of Agriculture U.S. Vegetable Laboratory building. The Coastal Research and Education Center conducts applied research, education and public service programs on vegetable and specialty crops. The research focus at CREC is developing sustainable, efficient, and economical vegetable production as well as conventional and organic pest management. The center offers instruction and research experience to graduate students and opportunities for collaboration with scientists. The team consists of two horticulturists, a plant pathologist, a plant breeder, an entomologist and a weed scientist.

Clemson University is recognized as a Top 25 public university by U.S. News and World Report.

The successful candidate is expected to: Develop an independent (i.e., extramural funding, graduate students, publications) research program focused on utilizing innovative technologies or approaches in any of the following areas related to SC vegetable production. Enhanced utilization of lower quality vegetables into value-added products. Reduce transportation/distribution loss through novel post-harvest practices. Enhancement of vegetable quality (i.e., aroma, flavor, texture, nutrients, active compounds, etc.) through improved genetics. Innovative processing and packaging technologies to extend vegetable product shelf life. Reduction of post-harvest food waste. Partner with the following groups on project and research grant opportunities: College of Agriculture, Forestry, and Life Sciences (CAFLS) Faculty in the Departments of: Food, Nutrition & Packaging Sciences Plant & Environmental Sciences Agricultural Sciences Scientists located at the USDA-ARS Vegetable Laboratory, Charleston, SC SC vegetable growers/processors Support innovative SC Food Businesses in developing new food processing and post-harvest technologies for SC vegetable crops. Focus on research in the areas of post-harvest processing, physiology, and biochemistry of vegetable crops. The research program will be expected to draw upon the applied knowledge of postharvest processes and technology to investigate the physiology and biochemistry of harvested vegetable crops through the post-harvest practices including handling, packaging, storage, and transportation, with the goal of promoting the South Carolina (SC) vegetable production and processing industry.

Qualifications

Qualifications Ph.D. in Food Science, Food Technology, Food Engineering, Food Processing, or a closely related field, with three or more years of experience in post-harvest vegetable processing, vegetable chemistry/biochemistry, produce distribution, and applying postharvest technologies.

Experience with value-added post-harvest processing is preferred. Expertise in research methods relevant to post-harvest vegetable processing is preferred.

Demonstrated ability to publish in international peer-reviewed scientific journals. Capability to work proactively within collaborative, multi-disciplinary teams is critical. Commitment to work with the SC vegetable industry to apply knowledge of post-harvest biology and biochemistry to develop and optimize commercially relevant post-harvest management strategies. Experience in proposal preparation and project management. Excellent communication skills (oral & written) are essential.

Application Instructions

Please submit the following items electronically (PDF format) via Interfolio (http://apply.interfolio.com/104871). (1) A Letter describing your interest in and qualifications for the position, (2) A one-page statement of your research interest, experience, and future plans, (3) A statement describing past experience and/or future plans to promote diversity and inclusion, (4) Unofficial undergraduate and graduate transcripts (official transcripts will be needed before an offer is made), (5) Full curriculum vitae, and (6) Name, address, email, and phone number of three professional references (references will not be contacted by the search committee until after an in-person campus interview has occurred)

To receive full consideration, applications must be received by April 29, 2022. The position will remain open until filled. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until a suitable candidate is identified. Anticipated start date is August 1, 2022.

Please direct any questions should be addressed to Dr. W. Scott Whiteside, Search Committee Chair (wwhtsd@clemson.edu).

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement


Clemson University is an AA/EEO employer and does not discriminate against any person or group on the basis of age, color, disability, gender, pregnancy, national origin, race, religion, sexual orientation, veteran status or genetic information. Clemson University is building a culturally diverse faculty and staff committed to working in a multicultural environment and encourages applications from minorities and women.

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