Position Description

Academic Job Description

Department of Food Science

Post Doctoral Associate 

The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) is a pioneer of purpose-driven science and Cornell University’s second largest college. We work across disciplines to tackle the challenges of our time through world-renowned research, education, and outreach. The questions we probe and the answers we seek focus on three overlapping concerns: We believe that achieving next-generation scientific breakthroughs requires an understanding of the world’s complex, interlocking systems. We believe that access to nutritious food and a healthy environment is a fundamental human right. We believe that ensuring a prosperous global future depends on the ability to support local people and communities everywhere. By working in and across multiple scientific areas, CALS can address challenges and opportunities of the greatest relevance, here in New York, across the nation, and around the world.

Position Function     

The Department of Food Science at Cornell University is seeking a Postdoctoral Associate who will be responsible for experiment implementation and data analysis as part of a multi-year project at the intersection of microbial food safety, process engineering, and modeling.

The postdoctoral associate should be an experienced scientist or engineer motivated by the opportunity for independent as well as collaborative research experiences that lead to better defined environmental sanitation procedures and equipment hygienic design principles for food manufacturers. The ideal candidate will have strong computational skills and be capable of applying the principles of engineering to the problems of the food industry. The individual will be required to develop methods for the design, fabrication, and operation of bench and floor-scale experimental systems. Prior experience modeling microbial growth and inactivation behavior, using Multiphysics simulation software (COMSOL, Ansys) is highly desirable. Additional experience in microbiology and aseptic technique is preferred. Related skills could include experience in Clean-In-Place technologies, foulant characterization and control, or modeling thermal inactivation. 

Anticipated Division of Time

The postdoctoral associate will be required to perform experiments (wet work), data analysis, and participate in project leadership in the development of novel sanitation and processing technologies for use in food manufacturing. This individual will coordinate among other researchers, graduate students, industry advisors, and collaborating labs to facilitate the completion of research objectives. The post-doc position is for one-year with the possibility of re-appointment annually for two additional years.

Computational analysis – 60%

Experimental system design – 30%

Writing – 10%

Requirements

The successful postdoctoral associate applicant will be required to hold, at the point of hire, a Ph.D. in food science; chemical, biological, or agricultural engineering; or material science. The start date is negotiable but anticipated to be between March 1 and August 1, 2024

Supervision Exercised

This research is designed to be performed by one postdoctoral associate with the help of one graduate or undergraduate student. The postdoc will be supervised by Dr. Abby Snyder. Research supervision will include individual meetings with the project PI and group meetings with the entire lab. Annual participation in the project directors meeting and/or annual research conference is expected. Monthly progress summaries will be used to clarify project direction and goals.

Application Procedure:

Please submit application materials via https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/26836. Required materials include: letter of application, curriculum vitae, copies of academic transcripts, research statement, and a

statement supporting diverse communities (this can be a stand-alone document (preferred) or the information can be embedded in other parts of the application materials) outlining how, through research, teaching, service, mentoring, extension, and/or outreach, the candidate has and will contribute to support Cornell’s historical mission of “any person … any study,” via the website. 

Applicants should also provide the name and contact of 3 references for recommendation submitted through Academic Jobs Online. Direct any questions regarding the application process to Patti Wojcik (pmw27@cornell.edu, 607-255-7900). Please direct any questions or requests for additional information regarding the position to Dr. Abigail Snyder at abs276@cornell.edu.  Review of applications will begin February 15, 2024 and will continue until the position is filled.

CALS hiring range for this title is $56,484.

College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

Life. Changing.

Cornell University is an innovative Ivy League and Land-grant university and a great place to work. Our inclusive community of scholars, students, and staff impart an uncommon sense of larger purpose and contribute creative ideas to further the university's mission of teaching, discovery, and engagement.

Cornell’s regional and global presence includes state-wide Cornell Cooperative Extension programs and offices in all counties and boroughs, global partnerships with institutions and communities engaged in life-changing research and education, the medical college’s campuses on the Upper East Side of Manhattan and Doha, Qatar, and the Cornell Tech campus on Roosevelt Island in the heart of New York City.

Diversity and Inclusion are a part of Cornell University’s heritage. We are a recognized employer and educator valuing AA/EEO, and we do not tolerate discrimination based on any protected characteristic, including race, ethnic or national origin, citizenship and immigration status, color, sex/gender, pregnancy or pregnancy-related conditions, age, creed, religion, actual or perceived disability (including persons associated with such a person), arrest and/or conviction record, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender expression and/or identity, an individual’s genetic information, domestic violence victim status, familial status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. We also recognize a lawful preference in employment practices for Native Americans living on or near Indian reservations in accordance with applicable law. 

Cornell University embraces diversity and seeks candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports students, faculty, and staff to all identities and backgrounds. We strongly encourage individuals from underrepresented and/or marginalized identities to apply.