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Description:

We are seeking a motivated Food Processing R&D Scientist/Engineer to lead and oversee the operation of the Food Processing Pilot Plant, Food Innovation Lab, and Sensory and Consumer Behavior Research Lab at UCFC .

Major Duties and Responsibilities:

• Lead R&D projects focused on innovative food processing technologies, new product development, and formulation innovations, ensuring alignment with community needs and sustainable practices.

• Manage daily operations of the Food Processing Pilot Plant, Food Innovation Lab, and Sensory and Consumer Behavior Research Lab.

• Oversee food technology incubation, supporting local entrepreneurs in developing and scaling food processing innovations.

• Engage with local stakeholders, including community members, small business owners, and organizations, to identify needs and develop relevant programs and technology solutions.

• Monitor and evaluate program effectiveness through data analysis, preparing reports for stakeholders and presenting findings at conferences and community forums.

Primary Function of Organizational Unit:

Nationally recognized for its leadership and excellence in STEM education and research, N.C. A&T is classified as “R2-High Research Activity” in the Carnegie Classifications and is poised to achieve “R1-Very High Research Activity” status. It also holds Carnegie’s earned credential in Community Engagement and the Association of Public and Land-Grant Universities ( APLU ) Innovation and Economic Prosperity designation. With an annual economic impact of $2.4 billion, N.C. A&T plays a vital role as a higher-education economic driver in North Carolina’s Piedmont Triad region and across a state that is ranked No. 1 in the nation for the second straight year as “best for business” by the CNBC financial network.

The Urban and Community Food Complex ( UCFC ) at North Carolina A&T State University (NC A&T) is a 14,796 ft² facility set for completion in June 2025. It serves as a hub for food technology innovation, sustainable agriculture, and community engagement. With a focus on urban food systems, the UCFC supports locally grown agriculture, advances research, and acts as a technology incubator. It empowers small-scale farmers, food entrepreneurs, and low-income communities by enhancing food security and economic well-being. Equipped with state-of-the-art food processing, food quality analysis, and food safety capabilities, the UCFC fosters cutting-edge R&D collaborations, bridging academia, industry, and community stakeholders.

Requirements:

A Master’s degree in Food Science and Technology, Food Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Agricultural Engineering, or a related field. A Ph.D. in a relevant field with hands-on expertise in food technology and process innovation is preferred.

Preferred:

Experience: At least 5-10 years in food processing R&D, food product innovation, technology management, or a related field. Demonstrated success in technology management roles, preferably within a food technology incubator or food innovation center.

Skills (required): Proficiency with food processing and packaging equipment (e.g., spray drying, freeze drying, advanced extrusion, HTST pasteurization), with strong troubleshooting and optimization abilities. Solid skills in instrument operations and maintenance. Good understanding of food quality analysis methods, sensory evaluation protocols, and basic knowledge of food safety and food regulation.

Special Instructions:

You must complete and submit an electronic application for employment to be considered. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of completing an electronic application. Applicants seeking Veteran’s Preference must attach a DD 214 form. Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty with your application during the process of applying to the job posting. Final candidates are subject to criminal and sex offender background checks. North Carolina A&T State University participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States. North Carolina A&T State University is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. No one who applies or seeks employment will be denied admission to or employment at North Carolina A&T State University on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, age, disabling condition, veteran status, political affiliation, genetic information or sexual orientation and sexual identity.

Employee Benefits available to NC A & T permanent employees include the following and more;

+ Accrued Vacation and Sick Leave for Eligible Employees

+ Community Service Leave

+ Aetna – State Health Benefits of North Carolina

+ NCFlex – Vision, Dental, Flexible Spending Account, Life Insurance and more

+ 12 Paid Holidays

+ Teachers and State Employees Retirement System ( TSERS )

+ Optional Supplemental Plans – 401k, 403b, 457b and 457

+ Employee Assistance Program ( EAP )

+ Campus Recreation Center Discount

+ University Bookstore Discount

+ and more

This position may be eligible for a remote or hybrid work arrangement, consistent with university and state policies. N.C. A&T employees are generally required to reside in North Carolina, within a 2-hour commuting distance of their assigned duty station.

Job Closing Date: 06/20/2025