Assistant Professor-Fermentation Science

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Please see Special Instructions for more details.

Applicants are required to apply online. UWRF will not consider paper, emailed or faxed applications. Applicants are required to provide:

• Curriculum Vitae

• Unofficial Transcripts

• Letter of interest specifying qualifications and experience. (cover letter)

• A two-part statement, not to exceed 2 pages, covering your primary and secondary teaching interests, experience in the classroom, and any evidence of successful teaching at the college level. Please submit this as other documents in the applicant portal.

• Names, addresses, telephone numbers and email addresses of at least three references who can specifically comment upon your teaching ability, experience and professional preparation. (references)

Inquiries should be addressed to:

Grace Lewis

Assistant Professor and Search Chair

grace.lewis@uwrf.edu

Deadline to Apply: Initial review of applications will begin upon receipt. For full consideration, applicants should submit all required materials on or before May 11, 2025.

Employees receive excellent benefits including exceptionally low-cost comprehensive health, dental and vision benefits; employer match of Wisconsin Retirement System contributions of 6.95%; an attractive amount of paid leave per year in addition to paid sick leave. To learn more about our benefits, go to: https://www.wisconsin.edu/ohrwd/benefits/download/quickguidefasl.pdf

Posting Details

Position Information

UW - System Position Title Assistant Professor-Fermentation Science

Business Title Assistant Professor

Major Department Code Animal & Food Science (J043500)

Appointment Type Faculty

FLSA Status Exempt

FTE (Percentage of Appointment) 100

Typical Working Schedule

Dependent upon class schedule, university service and scholarly research. University hours are typically Monday – Friday 7:45 am to 4:30 pm.

Hybrid or On Campus On Campus

Position Summary

Majors within the Department of Animal and Food Science have experienced considerable enrollment growth, serving over 800 students. Labor market trends reveal a strong and quickly growing demand for fermentation scientists across several industries, supporting the development of fermentation science-related curricula at UWRF . This is a nine-month, full-time academic, tenure-track faculty position at the rank of Assistant Professor in the Department of Animal and Food Science. The successful candidate will demonstrate a strong ability to teach courses and conduct research in fermentation science with specific expertise or experience in the production of fermented foods (e.g., fermented dairy foods, meats, vegetables, and alcoholic products). Percentage of appointment dedicated to research may vary, depending on the skills and interests of the successful candidate, with a majority of the appointment dedicated to teaching. The standard teaching load is 12 credit hours per semester, with the possibility of a course reassignment for research if mutually agreed upon and approved (subject to annual review). Opportunities exist for optional summer employment through research grants, teaching, or other funding sources. Appointment date: August 25, 2025.

Responsibilities

Teaching Responsibilities:

Primary teaching will include undergraduate courses in Food Science including Agricultural/Food Microbiology, Food Processing, and Food Safety & Quality Assurance. The candidate should also be motivated to develop new courses within the food science curriculum related to fermentation science (e.g., food fermentation, fermentation microbiology, operations management, etc.) as well as develop a fermentation science-related certificate and/or minor. Additional responsibilities include academic student advising, committee assignments, club advising, and university sanctioned activities, which may be assigned based on departmental needs, teaching loads, and the specific capabilities and interests of the successful candidate. The candidate is expected to develop fermentation-related short courses for relevant food processors and industry members will also be highly valued.

Research Responsibilities:

UW-River Falls strives to be a leader in collaborative and undergraduate research; we therefore seek faculty members who have an interest in or experience with faculty-student collaborative research, scholarship, and creative activity. Primary research will focus on fermentation science. Research opportunities exist within our newly renovated lab spaces and remodeled dairy and meat pilot plants. The ideal candidate will also have a vested interest in collaborating with food processors within Wisconsin.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities

Qualifications (Required):

• A Ph.D. degree in Food Science, Food Engineering, Microbiology, or a closely related field by the time of appointment. Applicants must have at least one degree in Food Science (B.S., M.S., or Ph.D.). Applicants who have finished coursework and are still working on their dissertation may be considered for a conditional appointment and must complete their Ph.D. within one year of appointment.

• Primary educational/professional expertise in fermentation science with a focus on food fermentation

• Demonstrated ability to teach undergraduate courses in the core disciplines of Food Science (e.g., Agricultural/Food Microbiology, Food Processing, Quality Assurance) as well as other courses that contribute to the department’s mission and curriculum development

• Demonstrated scholar as evidenced by research activities or industry experience

• Interest in and ability to advise undergraduate students and co-curricular activities such as student organizations, internships, and/or undergraduate research

• Well-developed and effective oral and written communication skills

Qualifications (Preferred):

• Experience developing collaborations with industry partners

• Familiarity with organizing industry-focused short courses

• Experience securing external funding and maintaining a robust research program in fermentation science

• Track record of publishing high-quality research, evidenced by presentation and publication record

• Expertise or experience with fermented dairy products

  Posting Detail Information

  Posting Number AAF01037

  Number of Vacancies 1

  Desired Start Date 08/25/2025

  Position End Date (if temporary)

  Open Date 04/11/2025

  Closing Date 05/11/2025

  Applicant Review Date 05/12/2025

  Open Until Filled No

  Special Instructions to Applicants

Applicants are required to apply online. UWRF will not consider paper, emailed or faxed applications. Applicants are required to provide:

• Curriculum Vitae

• Unofficial Transcripts

• Letter of interest specifying qualifications and experience. (cover letter)

• A two-part statement, not to exceed 2 pages, covering your primary and secondary teaching interests, experience in the classroom, and any evidence of successful teaching at the college level. Please submit this as other documents in the applicant portal.

• Names, addresses, telephone numbers and email addresses of at least three references who can specifically comment upon your teaching ability, experience and professional preparation. (references)

Inquiries should be addressed to:

Grace Lewis

Assistant Professor and Search Chair

grace.lewis@uwrf.edu

Deadline to Apply: Initial review of applications will begin upon receipt. For full consideration, applicants should submit all required materials on or before May 11, 2025.

Employees receive excellent benefits including exceptionally low-cost comprehensive health, dental and vision benefits; employer match of Wisconsin Retirement System contributions of 6.95%; an attractive amount of paid leave per year in addition to paid sick leave. To learn more about our benefits, go to: https://www.wisconsin.edu/ohrwd/benefits/download/quickguidefasl.pdf

Legal Notices

EEO/AA Statement

UW-River Falls is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer subject to all state and federal regulations pertaining to non-discrimination based upon sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, race, color, national origin, religion, disability, marital status, age, arrest and/or conviction record, veteran or military status. All persons, especially women, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Employment is subject to federal laws that require verification of your identity and legal right to work in the United States as required by the Immigration Reform and Control Act.

Confidentiality of Applicant Materials

The University of Wisconsin System will not reveal the identities of applicants who request confidentiality in writing, except that the identity of the final candidates may be released. See Wis. Stat. sec. 19.36(7).

Title IX Notice

As required by Title IX and federal regulations, UW-River Falls does not discriminate on the basis of sex in its education programs or activities, including in admission and employment. Questions about the application of Title IX may be referred to UWRF’s Title IX Coordinator at titleix@uwrf.edu; the Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights; or both. For more information, please see uwrf.edu/titleIX.

Annual Security and Fire Safety Report (Clery Act)

The Annual Security and Fire Safety Report, which includes statistics about reported crimes and information about campus security policies can be viewed at https://www.uwrf.edu/Police/Annual-Security-Report.cfm or call University Police at 715-425-3133 for a paper copy.

Criminal Background Check and Reference Check Policy

Employment will require a criminal background check. Final candidates will be required to provide three professional references with at least one being a prior supervisor. Misconduct checks will be completed and a personnel file review for any University of Wisconsin or State employee within the past seven years prior to hire per UW System Administrative Policy 1275.

Other Notices

Supplemental Questions