Assistant Professor - Dairy Food Microbiology

Assistant Professor - Dairy Food Microbiology

Department of Food Science, Cornell University

Ithaca, NY

The academic home for this position is the Department of Food Science in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.

The Department of Food Science in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) at Cornell University invites candidates for a full-time, tenure-track assistant professor position to develop a research and extension program related to Dairy Foods Microbiology.

The successful candidate will establish an innovative, nationally and internationally recognized program addressing microbiological challenges and opportunities across the dairy foods system. Research may take a farm-to-table systems approach and advance the safety, microbial quality, functionality, and sustainability of dairy foods. Research addressing farm-level practices that influence the microbiological quality, safety, or suitability of milk for processing is within scope; however, research focused primarily on farm-level microbiology without a clear connection to milk or dairy product outcomes is not a primary focus of this position.

Appropriate research areas may include, but are not limited to: physiology, genetics, and ecology of microorganisms important to dairy food safety and quality; microbial interactions and their effects on the quality, flavor, and shelf-life of dairy products; methods to improve the safety and quality of milk and dairy products; development of dairy foods with probiotic, fermented, or other health-promoting properties; application of emerging technologies to understand and control microorganisms in dairy systems; and development of predictive, computational, or data-driven tools for dairy quality and safety assurance. The successful candidate is expected to develop collaborative research relationships with colleagues in Food Science and across Cornell in areas such as microbiology, molecular biology and genetics, veterinary medicine, animal science, engineering, and related disciplines.

Responsibilities

This position has effort in research (50%) and extension (50%). A strong record or demonstrated potential for outstanding peer-reviewed scholarship, external funding, translation of knowledge, and engagement with stakeholders is expected. The successful candidate will advise and mentor graduate and undergraduate students and contribute to a vibrant culture of collaboration and inclusive excellence within the Department of Food Science and across Cornell.

Research (50%): The successful candidate will be expected to develop an internationally recognized and externally funded research program in dairy foods microbiology. The program should address fundamental and applied questions relevant to the microbiological safety, quality, and functionality of dairy foods and generate knowledge and tools that can be translated into practice across the dairy industry. The candidate is expected to mentor graduate students and other research personnel and to collaborate broadly with faculty, industry, government, and other stakeholders.

Extension (50%): The successful candidate will develop and deliver a nationally recognized extension program responsive to current and emerging needs of the dairy processing industry. Programming may include hands-on short courses and workshops for dairy industry professionals; workforce-development programs; online courses, certificates, and other digital educational resources; and technical assistance addressing microbiological issues associated with raw milk quality, dairy processing, product safety, spoilage, shelf-life, and microbial control. The incumbent will work closely with dairy processors and other stakeholders to identify emerging needs, translate research findings into practical guidance, and support implementation of science-based practices. The successful candidate will be expected to develop sustainable support for extension programming through participant fees, grants, industry partnerships, and other appropriate sources.

Service to the Department and University: The candidate will be expected to participate in faculty meetings, departmental and university committees, and professional and public service activities appropriate for a faculty member. The incumbent will also contribute to the broader dairy foods and food safety communities through professional leadership, stakeholder engagement, and collaborative activities.

Qualifications

A Ph.D. in Food Science, Microbiology, Dairy Science, or a closely related field is required. The ideal candidate will demonstrate the potential to develop a nationally and internationally recognized program of innovative scholarship and extension in dairy foods microbiology. Candidates should demonstrate strong potential for interdisciplinary collaboration, external funding, graduate student mentorship, and effective engagement with dairy industry stakeholders.

Applications and Starting Date: The anticipated starting date is July 2027 or as negotiated. Qualified applicants should submit 1) a cover letter briefly summarizing background, qualifications, and interest in the position; 2) a curriculum vitae; 3) a research statement outlining experience, interests, and goals, 4) a teaching statement outlining experience, interests, and goals, 5) copies of four relevant publications; and 6) names and contact information for four references.

Materials should be submitted online to:

Applications received by November 15th, 2026, will be given full consideration. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

This is an in-person position. The successful candidate will be expected to live within commuting distance of Ithaca, NY. Relocation assistance may be provided.

Consistent with Cornell’s practice, appointment to academic positions requires candidates to disclose relevant information about their prior employment including whether they have been found to have violated institutional or employer policies related to or governing unlawful discrimination and harassment, academic and research misconduct, or financial misconduct.

We seek a colleague with an outstanding record demonstrating success and promise across all these areas, and who will be supported by and contribute to a vibrant culture of inclusive excellence at Cornell. Learn how CALS fosters an environment where faculty are supported, valued, and empowered to make meaningful contributions throughout their careers.

Inquiries may be directed to:

Search Chair: Abigail Snyder

Dept of Food Science

Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853

Email: View email address on nature.com

In compliance with New York's Pay Transparency Law, the annual base salary range for this assistant professor position is $90,000 - $135,000. This pay range represents base pay (for 9 months). Cornell University considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, as well as market and organizational considerations when extending an offer.

Cornell University seeks to meet the needs of dual career couples, has a Dual Career program, and is a member of the Upstate New York Higher Education Recruitment Consortium to assist with dual career searches including positions available in higher education in the upstate New York area.

The new faculty member will join a collaborative, interdisciplinary community on the main campus in Ithaca, New York. Cornell University is an innovative Ivy League and Land-grant university and a great place to work. Our inclusive community of scholars, students, and staff impart an uncommon sense of larger purpose and contribute creative ideas to further the university's mission of teaching, discovery, and engagement.

Cornell’s regional and global presence includes state-wide Cornell Cooperative Extension programs and offices in all counties and boroughs, global partnerships with institutions and communities engaged in life-changing research and education, the medical college’s campuses on the Upper East Side of Manhattan and Doha, Qatar, and the Cornell Tech campus on Roosevelt Island in the heart of New York City.

Workday requisition number: WDR-00061333, AJO 32676

With a founding principle of “…any person…any study,” Cornell is an equal opportunity employer.