Assistant Professor of Food Science – Food Innovation

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Position Description
The Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition at Iowa State University invites applications for a 12-month, tenure-eligible faculty position in Food Innovation at the rank of Assistant Professor in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.

This position will provide leadership for Extension, outreach, and applied research that supports food product development and ingredient innovation in the state of Iowa. The successful candidate will work closely with Iowa’s food and ingredient companies and economic development partners to help grow and strengthen Iowa’s food industry. The position also includes contributions to the department’s research mission.

Summary of Duties and Responsibilities:

Extension (55%)

• Develop and lead a statewide extension program in Food Innovation, in alignment with ISU Extension and Outreach priorities, focused on ingredient innovation and food product development from concept through commercialization.

• Engage with Iowa food and ingredient companies, entrepreneurs, and commodity groups to identify needs and co-create educational and service activities (e.g., workshops, short courses, technical assistance).

• Coordinate with campus partners (e.g., Food Innovation and Business Hub, Center for Crops Utilization Research, CIRAS) and faculty in the Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition to support innovation, technology transfer, and workforce development in the food sector.

• Create and disseminate extension resources (e.g., fact sheets, webinars, podcasts, digital content, best-practice guides) for industry and community stakeholders.

Research (40%)

Establish an independent research program that aligns with and supports Extension activities. Potential focus areas include (but are not limited to):

• Ingredient functionality and formulation

• Product and process innovation for value-added foods

• Sensory evaluation and consumer insights

• Shelf-life, quality, and stability of new products

Lead research projects

Secure external funding to support research

Mentor graduate students and contribute to student professional development.

Publish research in peer-reviewed journals and present findings at scientific and industry conferences.

Service (5%)

• Provide service to the department, college, university, and profession, including committee work and professional society engagement.
   

Required Minimum Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in Food Science or a closely related discipline. The degree must be conferred by the time of appointment.

• Research experience evidenced by publications in peer-reviewed journals
   

Preferred Qualifications:

• Post-doctoral and/or industry experience in food product development, ingredient development, or closely related R&D or technical roles.

• Demonstrated understanding and experience in developing extension programs, including needs assessment, curriculum development, educational resource development, and impact measurement.

• Demonstrated experience delivering training, developing educational resources, and providing technical assistance.

• Demonstrated success in initiating and maintaining collaborative partnerships with industry stakeholders to launch products or solve technical challenges.

• Demonstrated potential to establish a successful, impactful research program in Food Innovation. 

​Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship. Immigration sponsorship is not available for this position.

Department/Program & College Description:

The Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition at Iowa State University is renowned nationally and internationally with a strong focus on research, teaching, and extension. The Department offers comprehensive undergraduate programs in Food Science, Culinary Food Science, Nutritional Science, Dietetics, Diet and Exercise, and Nursing. It also provides graduate programs in Food Science and Technology, Dietetics, and Diet and Exercise, and supports interdepartmental graduate programs in Microbiology, Nutritional Science, and Toxicology. The department is supported by the College of Human Sciences and the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. The Department boasts excellent facilities, including the Packaging Research Labs and the Polymer and Food Protection Consortium, which are among the largest and best-equipped in the country. These facilities have dedicated packaging resources and operate out of 10 laboratories with industry support. The state-of-the-art laboratories feature pilot-scale packaging manufacturing equipment, material waste processing equipment, simulation space for hot/cold display cases, and advanced instrumentation for packaging analysis and characterization. The ISU campus also provides a wide range of analytical services https://www.research.iastate.edu/for-industry/iowa-state-bioscience-platforms/.

The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) https://www.cals.iastate.edu/ at Iowa State University is one of the world's leading institutions of agriculture, with more than 160 years of leadership in science, education, and extension. The College educates future leaders, conducts mission-oriented research, and shares new knowledge for the betterment of Iowa and the world. Iowa State plays a leading role in meeting the ever-growing demand for highly qualified students who will become the next generation of industry leaders and educators in Iowa, the nation, and the world. 
 

Department Unit/Website:

 
https://fshn.hs.iastate.edu/

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Application Instructions:

To apply for this position, click “Apply” and complete the Employment Application. Please be prepared to upload the following materials:

• Cover letter

• Curriculum vitae

• Statement of Extension: Describe your extension and/or industry experience related to initiating and maintaining collaborative partnerships with industry stakeholders and prior teaching and training responsibilities (e.g., academic courses, corporate training, or technical workshops).  Include documented impacts (maximum of two pages).

• Statement of Research: Outline your proposed research program.  Explain how your current knowledge and experience will enable you to achieve success in this area. (maximum of three pages).

• Contact information for three professional references

To receive full consideration, all application materials must be submitted by February 9, 2026. If you have questions about the application process, please contact Dr. Joey Talbert at jotalber@iastate.edu

Why Choose ISU?

Iowa State Faculty enjoy comprehensive health and work-life benefits, including medical and dental; as well as:
• Retirement benefits, including defined benefit and defined contribution plans
• Generous leave plans
• Onsite childcare (Ames, Iowa)
• Life insurance and long-term disability
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Various voluntary benefits and discounts
• Employee Assistance Program
• Wellbeing program

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