<p>Position Title Assistant/Associate Professor - Food Microbiology and Food Safety Division College of Agriculture Department Food and Animal Sciences Number of hours per week 37.5 Days to be worked Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday Months per year Fiscal (12 months) If modified, list months Job Type Full-Time Campus Main Campus If other location, please indicate Position Number 079860 Advertised Salary Pay Basis Monthly Job Description</p> <p>The Department of Food and Animal Sciences in the College of Agriculture at Tennessee State University is seeking a highly qualified, full-time, 12-month tenure-track Research Faculty member with expertise in Virology, Food Microbiology, and Food Safety, particularly in detection methods for identifying and quantifying microorganisms and toxins that pose food safety risks.</p> <p>The successful candidate will lead innovative research in the detection, characterization, and control of foodborne viruses, bacteria, and other microbial pathogens in food products and dynamic food environments. The ideal candidate should demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of foodbome disease transmission and food safety, contributing to advancements in public health and the food industry. The successful candidate will be responsible for establishing an independent, extramurally funded research program and fostering collaboration with academic institutions, government/federal agencies (e.g., NSF, NIH, USDA), private foundations, and the food industry. Responsibilities also include mentoring and supervising students, postdoctoral fellows, and research assistants in laboratory and field-based studies, providing guidance on research projects, data analysis, and publishing findings in high-impact scientific journals. The</p> <p>candidate should also disseminate research findings at state, national, and international conferences. As needed, the role also includes teaching undergraduate and graduate courses in food microbiology, food safety, virology, and microbial pathogenesis, incorporating current research and industry standards. The candidate should be proficient in developing and delivering lectures, laboratory sessions, and online or hybrid courses. The individual will actively participate in departmental, College, and university committees and contribute to professional service by reviewing research proposals and manuscripts. The candidate will engage in the community to educate stakeholders, including policymakers, food producers, and the public, on foodborne pathogens and safety practices as needed. The successful candidate is expected to actively participate in departmental, College, and University committees, contributing to the institution's governance and development. The successful candidate will capitalize on cross-disciplinary collaboration among faculty in food science and related areas to enhance student training and mentorship, and research initiatives. The successful candidate must demonstrate the ability</p> <p>to work in a multicultural setting, fostering an environment of collegiality, diversity, and teamwork.</p> <p>Minimum Qualifications</p> <p>Ph.D. in Food Microbiology, Food Science, Biotechnology, or a related field with a focus on virology,</p> <p>food safety, or infectious diseases with a minimum of two to three years of postdoctoral experience or equivalent research experience in food microbiology, food virology, or a related discipline.</p> <p>The candidate should demonstrate expertise in cultural techniques for microbiology, specifically in the cultivation and analysis of bacteria and viruses.</p> <p>Expertise in genomic analysis and interpretation of viral, bacterial, and other microbial pathogens, utilizing technologies such as PCR, RT-PCR, ELISA, next-generation sequencing, and other advanced pathogen detection methods.</p> <p>Strong understanding of food safety regulations and standards (e.g., FDA, USDA, WHO, EFSA). Experience in risk assessment, foodbome disease epidemiology, and food safety management systems.</p> <p>Prior experience at the Assistant or Associate Professor level is preferred, along with a research background in toxin detection within food products and environments.</p> <p>An established network of academic and industry collaborations is highly desirable.</p> <p>Additional qualifications include experience in student training and mentorship, research and peer-reviewed publications, teaching, and strong communication skills.</p> <p>Special Instructions to Applicants</p> <p>Employment is contingent upon successfully completing a criminal background check as mandated by Tennessee State University.</p> <p>Official transcripts for positions which require a post-secondary undergraduate degree, advanced degree and/or certification must be presented upon hire.</p> <p>An unofficial transcript may be attached in the "Transcript" section.</p> <p>You will be required to provide names and contact information for three references during your application to the posting. If you are the recommended candidate for the position, our online hiring system will automatically generate solicitation for these letters using contact information you provided.</p> <p>Open Date 04/07/2026 Close Date 05/07/2026 Job Category Faculty Requisition Number F162P Benefits</p> <p>Tennessee State University offers eligible employees a competitive benefits package that includes annual leave (vacation), sick leave, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, retirement, flexible benefits plans and more.</p> <p>Quick Link https://jobs.tnstate.edu/postings/10584</p> <p>Reference Letter</p> <p>References</p> <p>Minimum References Required 2 Recommendation Deadline</p>