Assistant/Associate Professor - Food Microbiology

Special Instructions to Applicants

Applicants must send: (1) a letter of application, (2) curriculum vitae, (3) graduate school transcripts, (4) names, addresses, telephone numbers, and e-mail addresses of four professional references that the search committee may contact, (5) one-page summary outlining research vision (please submit this under the Research Portfolio/Philosophy tab), and (6) one-page summary outlining teaching vision (please submit this under the Teaching Portfolio/Philosophy tab). Inquiries about this position should be directed to Dr. Abhinav Mishra (amishra@uga.edu) or 706-542-0994. The selected candidate will be required to submit to a background investigation demonstrating eligibility for employment with the University of Georgia.

Application review will begin January 8, 2027, and will continue until a suitable candidate is identified.

Posting Details

Posting Number: F2866P
Working Title: Assistant/Associate Professor - Food Microbiology
Department: CAES-Food Science & Technology

About the University of Georgia

Chartered by the state of Georgia in 1785, the University of Georgia is the birthplace of public higher education in America and is the state’s flagship university (https://www.uga.edu/). The proof is in our more than 240 years of academic and professional achievements and our continual commitment to higher education. UGA is currently ranked among the top 20 public universities in U.S. News & World Report. The University’s main campus is located in Athens, approximately 65 miles northeast of Atlanta, with extended campuses in Atlanta, Griffin, Gwinnett, and Tifton. UGA employs approximately 3,100 faculty and more than 7,700 full-time staff. The University’s enrollment exceeds 41,000 students including over 31,000 undergraduates and over 10,000 graduate and professional students. Academic programs reside in 19 schools and colleges, including our newly established School of Medicine.

About the College/Unit/Department

The University of Georgia is in Athens, Georgia, 65 miles northeast of Atlanta (https://www.uga.edu/). The university, a land-grant/sea-grant university, is ranked among the top 19 public universities in U.S. News & World Report’s 2027 edition of America’s Best Colleges. The university is recognized as a research-intensive and community-engaged institution by the Carnegie Foundation. The Department of Food Science and Technology (https://www.foodscience.caes.uga.edu/) is a unit of the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences. Athens offers a rich cultural environment connected to the university and is consistently ranked as one of America’s most livable cities (http://www.visitathensga.com/about-athens/).

College/Unit/Department website: http://www.foodscience.caes.uga.edu/
Posting Type: External
Employment Type: Employee
Benefits Eligibility: Benefits Eligible
Advertised Salary: Commensurate with Experience
Anticipated Start Date: 08/01/2027
Job Posting Date: 11/08/2026
Open until filled: Yes

EEO Statement

The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or veteran status or other protected status. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR (hrweb@uga.edu).

USG Core Values Statement

The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 25 institutions of higher education and learning, as well the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 08.02.18.01.02.

Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 06.05 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom.

Position Details

Classification Title: Open Rank
Faculty Rank: Open Rank
Contract Type: Academic (9 mo.)
Tenure Status: Tenure Track

Minimum Qualifications

A completed PhD in Food Science, Microbiology, or an equivalent program is required.

Position Summary

The Department of Food Science and Technology at the University of Georgia is seeking a highly motivated and creative individual to develop a research and teaching program in the area of food microbiology and/or food safety.

The successful applicant will provide leadership and scholarship in food safety and/or food microbiology research and teaching. Specific responsibilities include (but are not limited to): (1) obtain extramural funds to support research and teaching programs, (2) teach undergraduate and graduate courses related to food science/microbiology, (3) establish a strong record of scholarly activity, and (4) direct PhD and MS degree students and postdoctoral associates. The candidate will be expected to develop a robust research and teaching program, actively participate in service roles in the Department of Food Science and Technology, including participation in global programs, and will have the opportunity to work on collaborative projects with a wide variety of groups, including the Center for Food Safety and other departments. Areas of particular interest for future research may include (but are not limited to) advanced technology integration in food safety, novel pathogen detection methods, gut microbial ecology including probiotics, packaging technology, precision fermentation, and thermal processing relevant microorganisms. The individual in this position will be expected to achieve a record of scholarly activity as evidenced by peer-reviewed publications, successful extramural funding, success in teaching university-level courses and mentoring of undergraduate and graduate students

Additional Requirements

At least 1 year of postdoctoral or prior academic experience is desired for Assistant Professor candidates.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies

Candidates must either demonstrate a track record (Associate Professor) or show potential (Assistant Professor) to obtain external funding to support their research program and must also display excellent oral and written communication competencies, interpersonal skills, and willingness to work in multidisciplinary teams. Candidates should also show demonstrated expertise in food microbiology and/or food safety.

Position of Trust and Other Requirements

Is this a Position of Trust? No
Does this position have operation, access, or control of financial resources? No
Does this position require a P-Card? No
Is having a P-Card an essential function of this position? No
Is driving a responsibility of this position? Yes
Does this position have direct interaction or care of children under the age of 18 or direct patient care? No
Does this position have Security Access (e.g., public safety, IT security, personnel records, patient records, or access to chemicals and medications)? No

Credit and P-Card policy

Be advised a credit check will be required for all positions with financial responsibilities. For additional information about the credit check criteria, visit the UGA Credit Background Check website.

Background Investigation Policy

Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including, a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with the University of Georgia; confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials (including reference checks) as they relate to the job-based requirements of the position applied for; and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. You may also be subject to a pre-employment drug test for positions with high-risk responsibilities, if applicable. Please visit the UGA Background Check website.

Duties/Responsibilities

• Develop and teach undergraduate/graduate courses equivalent to 8 credits in the Food Science curriculum
• Establish an extramurally funded research program
• Establish a strong record of scholarly activity
• Direct PhD and MS degree students and postdoctoral associates

Percentage Of Time: 100

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

1. Resume/CV
2. Cover Letter
3. Unofficial Transcripts
4. List of References with Contact Information
5. Research Portfolio/Philosophy
6. Teaching Portfolio/Philosophy

Optional Documents

Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact University HR (hrweb@uga.edu).

The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or veteran status or other protected status.