Assistant/Associate Professor of Food fermentation and bioprocessing sciences

North Carolina State University, United States

Updated: 3 days ago
Location: Raleigh, NORTH CAROLINA
Deadline: ;

Posting Details
Posting Information


Posting Number PG194508EP
Internal Recruitment No
Working Title Assistant/Associate Professor of Food fermentation and bioprocessing sciences
Anticipated Hiring Range Commensurate with Experience
Work Schedule Hours will vary
Job Location Raleigh, NC
Department Food, Bioprocessing & Nutrition Sciences
About the Department
The Department of Food, Bioprocessing and Nutrition Sciences (FBNS) is a team of scientists. researchers and teachers committed to guiding the undergraduate and graduate education of students preparing for professional and technical careers in Food, Bioprocessing, and Nutrition Sciences. As a department, FBNS identifies, develops, and applies the appropriate concepts, theories. and emerging methodologies from the fundamental disciplines of chemistry, engineering, microbiology, food and bioprocessing. nutrition, and sensory science, to the investigation of critical issues in food & biological systems, components, products, and processes.
Wolfpack Perks and Benefits
As a Pack member, you belong here, and can enjoy exclusive perks designed to enhance your personal and professional well-being. As you consider this opportunity, we encourage you to review our Employee Value Proposition and learn more about what makes NC State the best place to learn and work for everyone.
What we offer:
  • Medical , Dental , and Vision
  • Flexible Spending Account
  • Retirement Programs
  • Disability Plans
  • Life Insurance
  • Accident Plan
  • Paid Time Off and Other Leave Programs
  • 12 Holidays Each Year
  • Tuition and Academic Assistance
  • And so much more!


Attain Work-life balance with our Childcare benefits, Wellness & Recreation Membership , and Wellness Programs that aim to build a thriving wolfpack community.
Disclaimer: Perks and Benefit eligibility is based on Part-Time or Full-Time Employment status. Eligibility and Employer Sponsored Plans can be found within each of the links offered.
Essential Job Duties
The Department of Food, Bioprocessing and Nutrition Sciences (FBNS) seeks applications from highly qualified scientists/engineers for a tenure-track assistant or associate professor position in food fermentation and bioprocessing sciences. This position carries an 80% Teaching and 20% Research split. The primary teaching focus includes fermentation and bioprocessing science courses for undergraduate and graduate students. In addition to teaching, you will be expected to develop and maintain an independent and innovative research program in food fermentation and bioprocessing science and secure extramural funding from federal, industry, and/or other sources such as foundations, commodity groups, etc.
In this role you will get to  work in a collaborative and interdisciplinary manner with other units within and outside of the university, such as the Golden LEAF Biomanufacturing Training and Education Center (BTEC), Biological and Agricultural Engineering, Chemical Engineering, etc. You will be expected to mentor undergraduate students, graduate students, and post-docs in research. You  will also be expected to serve on committees within the department, college, and/or university.
Key Responsibilities fall under these primary functions:
Teaching Responsibilities:

Teach at least 4 courses per year at the undergraduate and graduate levels, including bioprocessing science, fermentation science, and other courses as needed by the program. The courses consist of existing core bioprocessing science courses and develop core and advanced courses in fermentation sciences, including a general introductory level course and a specialized course with a focus on fermentation of either dairy, fruits/vegetables, wine, or spirits. Additionally you  will also be involved designing hands-on laboratory modules in biomanufacturing, fermentation techniques, bioprocess monitoring and validation, and scale-up principles. You will also serve as director of undergraduate program for the bioprocessing degree program, which involves curriculum planning and review, annual assessment, and involvement with recruiting.
Research Program:

Establish their own line of scholarship that is complementary to, but not duplicative of, current FBNS faculty, and is expected to provide opportunities to mentor and engage undergraduate or graduate students in these research opportunities. The research program should address critical data gaps, new technologies, and/or stakeholder needs in the area of food fermentation and bioprocessing. The research focus for this position will center on advancing biomanufacturing and fermentation science. Some examples of key research areas include fermentation of fruits and vegetables, dairy, wine, and/or spirits systems; developing and optimizing bioprocesses and bioreactor systems for fermentation; upstream and downstream processing; engineering microbial consortia and synthetic communities (e.g., Lactobacillus, Saccharomyces, Starmerella) to enhance flavor, nutritional value, and shelf life of fermented foods and beverages.
NC State promotes an integrated approach to problem solving that transforms lives and provides leadership for social, economic, and technological development across North Carolina and around the world. NC State’s land grant mission of teaching, research, and service is dedicated to the service of North Carolina and its people. Applicants are encouraged to review the institution’s mission, vision, and strategic plan, and consider how their background, interest, and experience would enable them to support the university.
Other Responsibilities

Qualifications


Minimum Education and Experience
  • A Ph.D. in Food Science, Bioprocessing, Chemical Engineering, Microbiology, or related field is required. All degrees must be from appropriately accredited institutions.
Other Required Qualifications
  • Demonstrated experience in teaching or assisting with instruction in fermentation, bioprocessing, or a closely related discipline is required.
  • Experience with research related to bioprocess optimization, scale-up, and/or beneficial food
    microorganisms and fermentation science
  • Must demonstrate competency in both oral and written communication, as well as interpersonal skills, to convey scientific information effectively to a diverse community.
  • Demonstrated ability to successfully design and implement innovative pedagogical methods in core and advanced courses and contribute to the development of the departmental curriculum, leading to demonstrable improvements in student learning outcomes and program assessment metrics.
  • Ability to successfully procure internal and external funding and publish the findings of their research in peer-reviewed, internationally recognized journals and through presentations.
  • Ability to collaborate externally with other institutions and stakeholders is expected to support
    teaching, research, and service-related initiatives. Applicants must also be
  • Ability to mentor undergraduate and graduate students.
Preferred Qualifications
  • A track record of publications, grant writing, and mentoring is desired
  • Industry experience, postdoctoral training, or demonstrated applied research in food fermentation or bioprocessing.
  • Experience teaching at the university level, including course development or curriculum design.
  • Expertise in applying engineering principles to fermentation or bioprocess technologies.
Required License(s) or Certification(s)
N/A
Valid NC Driver's License required No
Commercial Driver's License required No

Recruitment Dates and Special Instructions


Job Open Date 02/26/2026
Anticipated Close Date 4/15/2026, if posting is still active applications are still being accepted
Special Instructions to Applicants
Applicants must submit the following:
1. Cover letter
2. CV
3. Statement of teaching philosophy (2 pages)
4. Course description of a potential introductory fermentation science course (1-2 pages)
5. Statement of research plan (1-2 pages)
6. Contact information of 3 references
Note: Application Review will begin on 4/15/2026. 

Position Details


Position Number 00065293
Position Type Tenured/Tenure-Track Faculty
Full Time Equivalent (FTE) (1.0 = 40 hours/week) 1.00
Appointment 12 Month Recurring
Mandatory Designation - Adverse Weather Non Mandatory - Adverse Weather
Mandatory Designation - Emergency Events Mandatory - Medical Emergencies, Non Mandatory - Emergency Event
Department ID 111101 - Food, Bioprocessing & Nutrition Sciences
EEO
NC State University is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal opportunities for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, and veteran status. The University encourages all qualified applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities, to apply. Individuals with disabilities requiring disability-related accommodations in the application and interview process are welcome to contact 919-513-0574 to speak with a representative of the Office of Equal Opportunity.
If you have general questions about the application process, you may contact Human Resources at (919) 515-2135 or workatncstate@ncsu.edu .
Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. Degree(s) must be obtained prior to start date in order to meet qualifications and receive credit.
NC State University participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.

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