Position Description

Extension Associate

Dairy Foods Extension Program

Applications are sought for an Extension Associate in Dairy Foods, Cornell University, Department of Food Science, Ithaca, New York.

Basic Functions and Responsibilities:

• Work collaboratively with other members of the Cornell Dairy Foods Extension Team to develop and administer an educational program providing expert training, consulting, and advisory services in the area of dairy foods. These programs are aimed at a broad constituency including New York State dairy producers and processors, retailers, consumers, state and federal regulatory agencies, instructors as well as academic partners.
• Work collaboratively with other members of the Cornell Dairy Foods Extension Team and Milk Quality Improvement Program to develop and administer specific extension-oriented research and evaluation programs to assist the NY State dairy and food industry in providing safe, wholesome and nutritious foods. While this position is expected to support and serve all sectors of the dairy industry, this position is expected to have a specific focus on fluid milk.

Characteristic Duties and Responsibilities:

1)  Develop and administer statewide and regional outreach and educational programs, conferences and workshops including researching and preparing course curricula, training, supervising and evaluating the effectiveness of extension efforts and activities. 20%

2)  Develop, administer and implement seminars, short courses, and workshops as well as on-line programs for training and updating dairy industry personnel and regulatory officials in the areas of processing, quality, safety, sanitation, laboratory technology, microbiology and regulations. 10%

3)  Supply expert advice, support and consultation to the dairy industry, regulatory personnel and consumer audiences based on current needs and trends.  15%

4)  Provide support to the field component of the Milk Quality Improvement Program, a dairy quality evaluation and assurance program aimed at the improvement of milk and dairy product quality and safety in New York and the Northeastern US including plant visitations, sample collection, troubleshooting, and reporting and interpreting laboratory and shelf-life analyses to dairy processors involved in the program. 25%

5)  Coordinate and participate in extension activities with other state and national dairy and food quality/safety organizations, including government and institutional agencies. Take on leadership roles in regional, national, and international organizations relevant to the dairy industry (e.g., NMC, ADSA, IAFP, NCIMS) 5%

6)  Develop, write, design and evaluate research-based educational materials to meet dairy foods extension and research program needs, including audio-visual training aids, printed materials, including peer-reviewed manuscripts and extension publications. 5%

7)  Contribute to applied research in dairy science and technology; analyze and interpret data of such studies with the goal of publishing results in peer-reviewed journals and other appropriate media. 10%

8)  Take primary responsibility to identify external funding opportunities and prepare grant and funding proposals to support dairy foods outreach and applied research projects; prepare and administer operating and program budgets. Contribute to grant and funding proposals developed by other members of the dairy foods research and extension team. 5%

9)  Confer with agencies, organizations, faculty and extension personnel to identify educational needs and generate program support; develop or assist in developing and implementing appropriate programs, research projects and related activities. 5%

Supervision Received:

·    Operates independently. Direction is received from Dr. Martin Wiedmann, director of the Milk Quality Improvement Program.

Supervision Exercised:

·    Responsibility for training of program personnel involved in different dairy foods related studies.

Required Qualifications:

·    Master’s Degree in Microbiology or Food Science or related field, with 2 or more years of experience is necessary.

·    Experience in a technical, educational and/or administrative role in dairy food or related appropriate field is necessary.

·    Ability to work as part of diverse and multidisciplinary teams and willingness to embrace and drive constant change.

·    Must have and maintain a valid and unrestricted NYS driver’s license and have the willingness and ability to travel both within and outside of NY State, approximately 10-20% of the time.

·    Outstanding oral and written communication skills.

·    Ability to lift 50 lbs.

Preferred Qualifications:

·    Master’s Degree in Microbiology or Food Science, with 4 or more years of experience or a Ph.D. in related appropriate field.

·    Comprehensive understanding of the dairy industry from raw milk production to processing and consumer demands and behavior.

·    Expertise with modern distance-based training approaches.

Application Materials Required:

Applicants should submit a CV, statement of extension and research interests (2 pages max), contact information (names and email addresses) for 3 references and a statement of contribution to diversity, equity and inclusion via the website. 

Contact Information:

Dr. Aljosa Trmcic (at543@cornell.edu), Cornell University Department of Food Sciences, Stocking Hall, Ithaca, NY  14853

To apply:

Please apply via Academic Jobs Online https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/24864

Applications will be reviewed as received, continuing until a suitable applicant is identified.

College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

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