Institution:

University of Wisconsin River Falls

Position Title:

Assistant Professor - Fermentation Science NOTICE OF FILING

Job Category:

Faculty

Employment Type:

Regular

Job Profile:

Assistant Professor

Job Duties:

Majors within the Department of Animal and Food Science have experienced considerable enrollment growth, serving over 800 students. Labor market trends reveal a strong and quickly growing demand for fermentation scientists across several industries, supporting the development of fermentation science-related curricula at UWRF. This is a nine-month, fulltime academic, tenure-track faculty position at the rank of Assistant Professor in the Department of Animal and Food Science. The successful candidate will demonstrate a strong ability to teach courses and conduct research in fermentation science with specific expertise or experience in the production of fermented foods (e.g., fermented dairy foods, meats, vegetables, and alcoholic products). Percentage of appointment dedicated to research may vary, depending on the skills and interests of the successful candidate, with the majority of the appointment dedicated to teaching. The standard teaching load is 12 contact hours per semester (9.0 credits for this 75% teaching appointment). Opportunities exist for optional summer employment through research grants, teaching, or other funding sources. Appointment date: August 25, 2025.

Key Job Responsibilities:

Department:

Animal and Food Science

Required Qualifications:

• A Ph.D. degree in Food Science, Food Engineering, Microbiology, or a closely related field by the time of appointment. Applicants must have at least one degree in Food Science (B.S., M.S., or Ph.D.). Applicants who have finished coursework and are still working on their dissertation may be considered for a conditional appointment and must complete their Ph.D. within one year of appointment. 
• Primary educational/professional expertise in fermentation science with a focus on food fermentation
• Demonstrated ability to teach undergraduate courses in the core disciplines of Food Science (e.g., Agricultural/Food Microbiology, Food Processing, Quality Assurance) as well as other courses that contribute to the department’s mission and curriculum development
• Demonstrated scholar as evidenced by research activities or industry experience 
• Interest in and ability to advise undergraduate students and co-curricular activities such as student organizations, internships, and/or undergraduate research
• Well-developed and effective oral and written communication skills 

Preferred Qualifications:

•  Experience developing collaborations with industry partners 
• Familiarity with organizing industry-focused short courses
• Experience securing external funding and maintaining a robust research program in fermentation science
• Track record of publishing high-quality research, evidenced by presentation and publication record
• Expertise or experience with fermented dairy products

How to Apply:

Applicants are required to apply online. UWRF will not consider paper, emailed or faxed applications. Applicants are required to provide:

• Curriculum Vitae
• Unofficial Transcripts
• Letter of interest specifying qualifications and experience (cover letter)
• A two-part statement, not to exceed 2 pages, covering your primary and secondary teaching interests, experience in the classroom, and any evidence of successful teaching at the college level. Please submit this as other documents in the applicant portal.
• Names, addresses, telephone numbers and email addresses of at least three references who can specifically comment upon your teaching ability, experience and professional preparation. (references)

Contact Information:

Grace Lewis

Assistant Professor and Search Chair

grace.lewis@uwrf.edu