Assistant/Associate Professor - Food Microbiology

Ugajobsearch; Athens (GA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Part time

Job summary

University of Georgia in Athens invites applications for an Assistant/Associate Professor in Food Microbiology. The position focuses on developing a robust research and teaching program in food microbiology and safety, with emphasis on external funding and collaborative opportunities.

The role includes teaching undergraduate and graduate courses, supervising PhD/MS students, and contributing to service activities within the department and broader university initiatives.

Qualifications

• Successful candidates will be expected to obtain extramural funding.
• Teach undergraduate and graduate courses related to food science and microbiology.
• Demonstrated potential for scholarly activity and mentoring.

Responsibilities

• Develop and teach undergraduate/graduate courses equivalent to 8 credits in the Food Science curriculum.
• Establish an extramurally funded research program.
• Establish a strong record of scholarly activity.
• Direct PhD and MS degree students and postdoctoral associates.

Skills

Grant writing

Teaching

Education

PhD in Food Science or Microbiology

Job description

Assistant/Associate Professor - Food Microbiology

Below you will find the details for the position including any supplementary documentation and questions you should review before applying for the opening.

Posting Details

Posting Number: F2866P

Working Title: Assistant/Associate Professor - Food Microbiology

Department: CAES-Food Science & Technology

Posting Type: External Retirement Plan

Employment Type: Employee Benefits Eligibility Benefits Eligible Underutilization Advertised Salary: Commensurate with Experience

Anticipated Start Date: 08/01/2027

Job Posting Date: 11/08/2026

Job Closing Date: Open until filled

Location of Vacancy: Athens Area

EEO Statement

The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or veteran status or other protected status.

Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR ([e-mail]).

USG Core Values Statement

The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 25 institutions of higher education and learning, as well the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 08.02.18.01.02 .

Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 06.05 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom .

Position Details

Title: Assistant/Associate Professor - Food Microbiology

Contract Type: Academic (9 mo.)

Tenure Status: Tenure Track

Minimum Qualifications: A completed PhD in Food Science, Microbiology, or an equivalent program is required.

Position Summary

The Department of Food Science and Technology at the University of Georgia is seeking a highly motivated and creative individual to develop a research and teaching program in the area of food microbiology and/or food safety.

Specific responsibilities include

• Obtain extramural funds to support research and teaching programs
• Teach undergraduate and graduate courses related to food science/microbiology
• Establish a strong record of scholarly activity
• Direct PhD and MS degree students and postdoctoral associates

The candidate will be expected to develop a robust research and teaching program, actively participate in service roles in the Department of Food Science and Technology, including participation in global programs, and will have the opportunity to work on collaborative projects with a wide variety of groups, including the Center for Food Safety and other departments. Areas of particular interest for future research may include advanced technology integration in food safety, novel pathogen detection methods, gut microbial ecology including probiotics, packaging technology, precision fermentation, and thermal processing relevant microorganisms. The individual in this position will be expected to achieve a record of scholarly activity as evidenced by peer-reviewed publications, successful extramural funding, success in teaching university-level courses and mentoring of undergraduate and graduate students.

Additional Requirements

At least 1 year of postdoctoral or prior academic experience is desired for Assistant Professor candidates.

Relevant/Preferred Education, Experience, Licensure, and/or Certification

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies Candidates must either demonstrate a track record (Associate Professor) or show potential (Assistant Professor) to obtain external funding to support their research program and must also display excellent oral and written communication competencies, interpersonal skills, and willingness to work in multidisciplinary teams. Candidates should also show demonstrated expertise in food microbiology and/or food safety.

Physical Demands

Is this a Position of Trust? No. Does this position have operation, access, or control of financial resources? No. Does this position require a P-Card? No. Is having a P-Card an essential function of this position? No. Is driving a responsibility of this position? Yes. Does this position have direct interaction or care of children under the age of 18 or direct patient care? No. Does this position have Security Access (e.g., public safety, IT security, personnel records, patient records, or access to chemicals and medications) No Credit and P-Card policy Be advised a credit check will be required for all positions with financial responsibilities. For additional information about the credit check criteria, visit the UGA Credit Background Check website. Background Investigation Policy Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with the University of Georgia; confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials (including reference checks) as they relate to the job-based requirements of the position applied for; and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. You may also be subject to a pre-employment drug test for positions with high-risk responsibilities, if applicable. Please visit the UGA Background Check website.

Duties/Responsibilities

• Develop and teach undergraduate/graduate courses equivalent to 8 credits in the Food Science curriculum
• Establish an extramurally funded research program
• Establish a strong record of scholarly activity
• Direct PhD and MS degree students and postdoctoral associates

Percentage Of Time

100

Posting Specific Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*)

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

• Resume/CV
• Cover Letter
• Unofficial Transcripts
• List of References with Contact Information
• Research Portfolio/Philosophy
• Teaching Portfolio/Philosophy

Optional Documents