Assistant Professor Food Microbiology and Safety

Assistant Professor Food Microbiology and Safety

Salary

$70,000.00 - $75,000.00 Annually

Location

DSU Main Campus, 1200 N Dupont Highway, Dover

Job Type

12 Month Faculty

Job Number

2025-00431

Division

CAST

Opening Date

07/28/2026

• Description
• Benefits

General Description of the Position

The Assistant Professor of Food Microbiology and Safety at Delaware State University is a 12-month tenure track position in the Department of Human Ecology. The position carries 70% research and 30% teaching. The Assistant Professor of Food Microbiology and Safety develops and directs innovative research including novel technologies to control microbial hazards, studies of the molecular biology or molecular ecology of microbial pathogens, pathogenesis of foodborne diseases, and scientific basis for risk assessment and management strategies relating to food safety. Duties include but are not limited to (1) developing a strong, independent, extramurally-funded research program; (2) teaching undergraduate and graduate level courses in their areas of expertise; (3) developing collaborative relationships in research and instructional programs and 4) contributing to outreach/extension and service functions of the Department, College, University and professional societies. The position establishes inter-departmental and inter-institutional programs that support DSU's tripartite Land-Grant mission of teaching, research and extension. The Assistant Professor of Food Microbiology and Safety is highly qualified and motivated with creative ideas to further the university's mission of research, teaching and global engagement.

Essential Functions & Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Essential Functions

• Teach undergraduate and graduate courses in Food Microbiology, Food Safety, and related disciplines.
• Develop and supervise laboratory instruction in microbial techniques, pathogen detection, and food safety testing.
• Mentor and advise undergraduate and graduate students.
• Develop course materials, assess learning outcomes, and contribute to curriculum development.
• Utilize inclusive and evidence-based teaching practices.
• Establish and sustain an independent, externally funded research program in food microbiology and/or food safety.
• Conduct research in areas such as foodborne pathogens, antimicrobial resistance, predictive microbiology, food processing interventions, or risk assessment.
• Publish peer-reviewed scholarly work in reputable journals.
• Present research findings at professional conferences.
• Supervise graduate students and undergraduate research assistants.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

The individual in this job must possess these skills and abilities or be able to explain and demonstrate that they can perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation, using some other combination of skills and abilities.

• Work experience, preferably with both academia and industry relevant background.
• Ability to work with key internal stakeholders and manage multiple projects across the enterprise.
• This work requires effective communication, analytical and organizational skills generally acquired through completion of a bachelors degree program or commensurate experience.
• Experienced professional with strong interpersonal skills that allow for meaningful interactions amongst people from a wide range of backgrounds.
• Able to work with diverse communities and individuals- across, race, ethnicity, sexual preference, ability, age, gender identity, class, etc.
• In-depth experience in portfolio development.
• A critical thinker with a high level of analytical/interpretive thinking and problem-solving skills
• A highly autonomous self-starter who thrives in changing, dynamic environments.
• Strong writing and communication skills.
• Collaborative nature and proven track record of teamwork and generous leadership.
• Strong critical thinking skills, resourcefulness, and ability to problem-solve.
• Mentoring skills based on an ethos of sustainability, community, and mutuality.
• An adaptive problem solver with a willingness to learn and grow.
• Comfortable interacting with stakeholders, staff and officials, and external partners, consultants, or vendors.
• Ability to obtain extramural funding, lead and work with project teams is required.

Qualification Standards

• Education: The person must have at least a Ph.D. in Food Safety/Food Microbiology or related field.
• Experience working in Food Science, Agriculture, Microbiology or related laboratory experience.

Performance Standards & EEO Statement

The criteria for evaluation in this position include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Demonstrated experience working in Food Science, Agriculture, Microbiology or related field.
• Reliable attendance and work results.
• Effective interaction and working relationships with external stakeholders.
• Demonstrated experience in relevant analytical and laboratory safety procedures.
• Demonstrated experience in scientific writing conducive to publication of research articles and grant application
• Demonstrated experience in the training and leadership of students in research protocols and safety.
• Demonstrated knowledge of DSU Fundamentals a plus.

EEO Statement

Delaware State University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The University does not discriminate on the basis of gender, race, religion, age, national origin, color, marital status, sexual orientation, citizenship or disability, veteran or military status, gender identity or genetic information. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. The University is committed to the policy of equal employment opportunity in recruitment, hiring, career advancement, and all other employment practices.

Equal opportunity employer/program and "auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities.

We offer a complete benefits package to full-time employees including health care, dental, vision, retirement, deferred compensation plans, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, long-term disability, holidays, vacation, and sick leave.

To learn more details, visit the Delaware State University Benefits Page and the State of Delaware benefits page.

Employer Delaware State University

Address 1200 N. Dupont HWY

Dover, Delaware, 19901

Phone (302) 857-6261

Website https://www.desu.edu/about/administration/human-resources