Assistant/Associate Professor, Food Oral Processing

Penn State University; University Park (TX); On-site; USD 70,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent university is seeking an Assistant or Associate Professor specializing in Food Oral Processing. The role emphasizes research on food structure and oral physiology interaction while contributing to teaching and mentorship. Candidates are expected to hold a Ph.D. and show a commitment to educational excellence, alongside a strong research background. This position offers collaboration with state-of-the-art labs and opportunities for growth in a diverse academic environment.

Benefits

Competitive benefits including tuition discounts

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Food Science, Food Technology, Food Engineering, Nutrition, or related field required.
• Research record in Food Oral Processing with potential for funding.
• Commitment to teaching excellence is necessary.

Responsibilities

• Develop a research program on food structure and its interaction with oral physiology.
• Teach undergraduate courses and mentor students in the department.

Skills

Strong communication skills

Education

Ph.D. in Food Science, Food Technology, or related

Job description

Assistant/Associate Professor, Food Oral Processing

Apply locations Penn State University Park time type Full time posted on Posted 8 Days Ago job requisition id REQ_0000069211

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

• CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Do not apply here; apply internally through Workday.

• CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Do not apply here; apply internally through Workday.

• For external applicants, click “Apply” and complete the application process.

Note: Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed. For more info, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.

Position Specifics

The Department of Food Science at Penn State invites applications for a full-time, 36-week, tenure-track faculty position at the rank of Assistant or Associate Professor in Food Oral Processing. The role focuses on interdisciplinary research on the human-food interface, aligning with Penn State’s mission of research, economic growth, and education.

Key Responsibilities

Research (75%)

Develop a research program on how food structure, texture, and composition interact with human oral physiology affecting liking and intake. Areas include, but are not limited to:

• Textural improvements of plant-based meat replacers
• Mechanisms of food breakdown in the mouth
• Effects of enzymes on oral processing of macromolecules
• Relationships between food structure, perception, and acceptance
• Oral processing’s influence on nutrient release and satiety
• Development of novel food products
• Oral processing in aging or clinical populations
• Modeling of oral processing phenomena
• Effects on eating rate and energy intake

Collaborate across disciplines, secure funding, publish, and engage with industry.

The department offers state-of-the-art labs and resources, with collaboration opportunities across university and industry.

Teaching (25%)

Teach undergraduate courses aligned with expertise, develop new graduate courses, mentor students, and participate in departmental and university activities.

Qualifications

Required:

• Ph.D. in Food Science, Food Technology, Food Engineering, Nutrition, or related
• Research record in Food Oral Processing with funding potential
• Commitment to teaching excellence
• Strong communication skills

Preferred:

• Postdoctoral or faculty experience
• Industry engagement or technology transfer
• Experience with innovative teaching methods

Apply via Penn State Jobs system, upload all required documents, and contact Dr. John Hayes at [e-mail] for questions. Review begins October 15, 2025, with a start date around July 1, 2026.

Additional Info

Employment requires background checks. Penn State offers competitive benefits, including tuition discounts. The university promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion, and is an equal opportunity employer.