Assistant/Associate Research Professor- Food Processing and Engineering

Title: Assistant/Associate Research Professor- Food Processing and Engineering

State Role Title: Assistant Professor

Hiring Range: Commensurate with Education and Experience

Pay Band: UG

Agency: Virginia State University

Location: VSU/Coop Ext & Agri Res Sta

Agency Website: 

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

The (Assistant/Associate Research Professor) Research Scientist – Food Processing and Engineering at Virginia State University's College of Agriculture, holding a 12-month faculty appointment, leads in the development, implementation, and evaluation of impactful research-based educational programs within the national and state-identified program areas. The focus is on advancing basic and applied research in food processing and engineering, fostering technology transfer, achieving peer-reviewed publications, and securing extramural funding.
The Research Scientist collaborates with extension faculty, small farmers, and community-based organizations, ensuring the program's relevance and impact on diverse communities while meeting academic and research standards. Supporting the profitability of small producers, enhancing the value of food products, and leveraging agricultural waste for income generation, including the application of nanotechnology. The position involves actively engaging in scholarly work through the preparation and submission of scientific articles for peer-reviewed journals, independently seeking external funding, fostering collaborations with peers, presenting research findings at conferences, contributing to program development, and actively participating in departmental, college, and university service and outreach activities. This overarching purpose aligns with the university's land-grant mission by addressing local, regional, and national challenges in food and agriculture.

Faculty rank and eligibility for promotion and tenure will be reviewed and determined in accordance with the guidelines outlined in the VSU Faculty Handbook.

Minimum Qualifications

Ph.D. in Food Science, Food Processing/Engineering or a closely related field.

Demonstrated research proficiency in contemporary processing techniques and a comprehensive understanding of how processing parameters impact product quality and safety.

Proven experience in conducting mass and energy balances for diverse food processes, encompassing the requisite unit operations essential for the production of high-quality food products.

Ability to adapt programmatic needs to various platform delivery software systems (Cisco WebEx, Zoom, etc.).

Evidence of effective teaching ability and skills in university and/or community-based programs.

Demonstrated independence and superior organizational skills.

Successful grant proposal writing experience.

Experience in developing publications, including journal articles, and technical reports.

Proficient in creating and facilitating informative extension programs for various audiences.

Experience with diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives for underserved audiences.

Demonstrated experience identifying and applying assessment tools and/or methods to determine successful learning outcomes.

Valid driver’s license with a satisfactory driving record.





*Virginia State University requires that faculty be appropriately credentialed to teach assigned courses at the undergraduate and graduate levels. VSU demonstrates compliance with its Faculty Credentialing Policy #2301 for all applicable education, experience, licensure and certification requirements in the selection and hiring of its faculty.

Additional Considerations

Knowledge and understanding of 1890 Land-grant University Agricultural Research organizations, operation, philosophy, and objectives is preferred.

Prior experience with a Land-Grant University system.

Experience with implementing applied research activities related to respective program area/interest.

Knowledge and understanding of 1890 Agricultural Research programs

Special Instructions

You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your account to check the status of your application for this position.

You must include in your application