Assistant Professor

Cohort Hire: Harnessing the Power of Synthetic Biology

Focus: Synthetic Biology for Sustainable Food Systems

Department of Food Science, Cornell University

Position:          Assistant Professor, Tenure-track.

Location:         Ithaca, NY. The academic home for this position is the Department of Food Science in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, housed on the Ithaca campus of Cornell University.  

The Department of Food Science at Cornell University invites applications for a 9-month, full time, tenure-track Assistant Professor position in Synthetic Biology for Sustainable Food Systems. We seek a dynamic and innovative researcher to apply synthetic biology to food and/or food waste processing, reducing environmental impact and enhancing sustainability, fermentation processes, or other aspects of food science. The successful candidate will join a vibrant community of scholars dedicated to advancing the field of food science through cutting-edge research and interdisciplinary collaboration.

The College of Agriculture and Life Science’s (CALS) Roadmap to 2050 is centering environmental justice to achieve climate and sustainability goals via a cohort of hires within our Transdisciplinary Moonshots – opportunities for the College to collaborate on future-focused, cross-disciplinary scientific breakthroughs and to align research, education, and extension programs for greater impact and stronger connectivity. The Moonshot areas build upon core strengths in CALS, spanning the agricultural, environmental, life, and social sciences, with the goal of recruiting 27 faculty into the College over the next three years.

The CALS Harnessing the Power of Synthetic Biology hiring cohort will design and program new organisms to sustainably produce fuels, food and medicines. Our new colleagues will join our efforts to advance the field of synthetic biology – the harnessing of genes, proteins and biological machinery - as they explore the development of processes and materials that can fight disease, power society, feed communities, slash greenhouse gas emissions and protect the environment for future generations. In addition to this advertised hire, the cohort includes new junior faculty positions in Synthetic Biology of Photosynthetic Organisms (School of Integrated Plant Science, Plant Biology Section), Manipulating Bacterial Species (Dept. of Microbiology), Bioengineering Extreme Organisms (Dept. of Biological and Environmental Engineering), and Gene Editing Technology (Dept. of Molecular Biology and Genetics) within the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

Examples of Potential Research Areas: We are open to all research areas using synthetic biology to advance food systems. Below are examples of programs which may fit.

1. Bioconversion of Food Waste/Novel Feed Stocks: Developing synthetic microbial consortia to convert food waste and/or novel feed stocks into valuable bioproducts such as foods, nutrients, biofuels, bioplastics, or high-value chemicals.
2. Enhanced Fermentation Processes: Engineering microbes and microbial communities to improve the efficiency and yield of fermentation processes used in food production, such as brewing, dairy fermentation, or alternative protein production.
3. Flavor and Aroma Modification: Using synthetic biology to create novel pathways for the production of flavors, aromas, and bioactive compounds in foods and beverages.

Outstanding research scholarship is expected, as is excellence in and commitment to teaching, translation of knowledge, and advising and inclusive mentoring of students. We seek colleagues with a record demonstrating success and promise across all these areas, and who will be supported by and contribute to a vibrant culture of inclusive excellence at Cornell. As such, candidates are expected to engage in service and leadership activities within their department, the college and university, and relevant professional societies. We welcome candidates who understand the barriers facing women and other marginalized identities who are underrepresented in the classroom and in higher education careers, and who have experience in equity and inclusion with respect to teaching, mentoring, research, outreach, life experiences, or service towards building an equitable and diverse scholarly environment.

Responsibilities:

This position has a balanced effort of 50% research and 50% teaching on a 9-month academic year basis. The candidate will be expected to participate in faculty meetings, select committees, and related service work appropriate to faculty members.

Research (50%)

·        Develop and lead a robust research program in synthetic biology with an emphasis on converting food and food processing waste materials, or enhancing fermentation processes.

·        Secure external funding to support research activities.

·        Publish high-quality research in peer-reviewed journals.

·        Collaborate with faculty within the department and across the university to foster interdisciplinary research initiatives.

Teaching (50%)

Teach undergraduate and graduate courses in food science and synthetic biology.

Mentor and advise undergraduate and graduate students.

Qualifications:

A Ph.D. in Food Science, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, or a related field is required.

Preferred attributes:

• Demonstrated potential for excellence in research and teaching.
• Strong publication record in relevant areas of synthetic biology.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Previous experience in securing research funding is highly desirable.
• Ability to teach courses in Food Science.

Applications and Starting Date: The anticipated starting date is July 1, 2025, or as negotiated.  Qualified applicants should submit 1) a cover letter briefly summarizing background, qualifications, and interest in the position, 2) a Curriculum Vitae, 3) a 1-page research statement outlining experience, interests, and goals, 4) a 1-page teaching statement outlining experience, interests, and goals, 5) 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” 6) copies of four relevant publications; and (7) names and contact information for three references. Materials should be submitted online to: https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/29181.

Applications received by January 15, 2025 will be given full consideration. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

Inquiries may be directed to:

Search chair: Professor Sam Nugen

Cornell University

Ithaca, NY 14850

Email: snugen@cornell.edu

CALS hiring range for this position is:

Assistant Professor: $90,000 - $130,000

Cornell University offers a competitive salary and benefits package. Support for start-up costs will be available. Salary is commensurate with experience.

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.

Cornell University seeks to meet the needs of dual career couples, has a Dual Career program, and is a member of the Upstate New York Higher Education Recruitment Consortium to assist with dual career searches including positions available in higher education in the upstate New York area.

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.