Working/Functional Title

Dairy Processing and Food Product Innovation

Position Summary

Michigan State University Extension is committed to fostering a welcoming and collaborative environment, which requires all staff to contribute toward a vision for success regardless of title or position within the organization. We strive to create a positive culture, access to resources, and a sense of belonging for staff, partners, and programming participants. This means that all staff at MSU Extension are dedicated to the following:

 

• We work together to ensure that programming is available to all audiences, creates meaningful and positive impacts for participants, and demonstrates partnership and collaboration across communities.


• We understand that a welcoming and respectful environment is built through the efforts of everyone.


• We foster an environment that welcomes a broad range of perspectives and experiences, ensuring that all individuals have the opportunity to contribute and thrive.


• We ensure that every team member is prepared with the skills and resources to contribute to our welcoming and supportive culture.


• We foster an environment that values a range of perspectives, skills, and experiences by working to ensure access to programming for communities.


• We commit to continuous learning and engagement to better serve Michigan residents and meet the evolving needs of communities.


• We recognize that broad accessibility and collaboration are essential elements of our work and are vital to organizational and programmatic success.


• We embrace a culture of understanding, coaching, and feedback toward achieving a vision of success for the entire organization and its staff.


• Together we will achieve success, and we commit to these goals in our work, continued education, and ongoing efforts.   

 

POSITION SUMMARY

As part of MSU Extension (MSUE), and the Community, Food and Environment Institute, this position provides local and statewide leadership and educational programming expertise in dairy plant operations, is a resource for laboratory instruction, and applied product development within the Dairy Foods Complex at Michigan State University.

 

In this position, you will serve as the primary dairy processing and food safety specialist supporting MSU’s Dairy Food Complex, pilot plant operations, industry engagement, and workforce development in dairy and food manufacturing systems. Your role will integrate hands-on dairy plant management, new product development, and MSU Extension outreach, and fills a critical need for dedicated dairy processing expertise within MSU Extension.

 

You will lead experiential learning in dairy processing and food chemistry laboratories, support innovation and commercialization activities, and build partnerships with Michigan’s dairy and food industries.

 

This position works from the campus of Michigan State University in East Lansing, Michigan, with the possibility of occasional work at the MSU Food Processing and Innovation Center located in Okemos, Michigan.

 

This position is a full-time, fixed term end-dated appointment, renewable annually based upon successful performance and continued funding.

 

Characteristic Duties/Responsibilities

• Develop, conduct and evaluate innovative research-based educational programs that meet current and projected statewide needs of Michigan dairy processors, food entrepreneurs, and industry partners.


• Develop and maintain positive working relationships intra- and inter-organizationally and create and promote positive public relations for MSU Extension, the CFEI, MSU Dairy Plant, and MSU Food Processing and Innovation Center (FPIC).


• Understand and support the Community, Food and Environment Institute’s efforts in culture, access, belonging, and Civil Rights, with a special emphasis on removing barriers from participation and reaching all populations, including but not limited to race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status or veteran status, socio-economic class and other human differences.


• Serve as an information resource, including serving as a technical liaison between MSU, regulatory agencies, and industry for dairy plant operations, equipment validation, sanitation programs, and process troubleshooting.


• Author/co-author, produce, and submit research results, reports, and educational articles in appropriate venues including University publications and websites, industry publications, and scientific journals; publish in peer-reviewed and Extension outlets, and present at professional meetings.


• In concert with the MSU Dairy Plant Production and Operations Manager, ensure compliance with MDARD, FDA, and food safety regulations, including but not limited to HACCP, GMPs, and preventive controls.


• Develop and utilize appropriate media methods and provide technical consultation and outreach to Michigan dairy processors, food entrepreneurs, and startups through MSU Extension and FPIC.


• Gather and report programming impacts, including client interactions and follow-up impacts.


• Collaborate with MSU Dairy Food Complex staff to coordinate and deliver outreach and engagement, including interactions with industry.


• Actively participate in professional development opportunities.


• Other duties or projects as assigned by the Director.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.

Required Degree

Masters -Food Science, Dairy Science, Food Engineering

Desired Degree

Doctorate -Food Science, Dairy Science, Food Engineering

Minimum Requirements

• Master’s degree from an accredited institution in a field of study related to food science, dairy science, food engineering, or a closely related field must be earned by date of hire.


• Demonstrated expertise in dairy processing, food chemistry, and food safety with a minimum of 24 months of related experience.


• Experience with pilot-scale or commercial dairy plant operations with a minimum of 24 months of related experience.


• Proven record of applied instruction across laboratory and pilot-scale processing environments and facilities, specializing in food processing or dairy science with a minimum of 24 months of related experience.


• Experience with product development, process optimization, and industry collaboration with a minimum of 24 months of related experience.


• HACCP and Preventive Controls certification, or ability to become certified in the first year of employment.


• Strong interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills.


• Ability to work effectively with students, faculty, regulators, and industry partners.


• Experience in successful contract and grant writing, including successfully acquiring and managing grant funding and resources.


• Ability to demonstrate sensitivity, knowledge, and use of appropriate approaches, skills, and techniques, which reflect an understanding and awareness of social, cultural, and varied economic backgrounds and perspectives of the target population served.


• Ability to create and carry out a project plan from development of initial concept to project completion and follow-up/impact assessment.


• Proficiency in use of technology (e.g., web research, Qualtrics, Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook for mail/calendaring, distance delivery/communication technology, etc.) for day-to-day work and educational program delivery, record keeping, reporting, team-based communications and overall management.


• Ability to lift and carry educational materials, equipment, ingredients etc. up to 25 lbs.


• Other skills and/or physical abilities required to perform duties of the position.

Desired Qualifications

• Ph.D. degree from an accredited institution in a field of study related to food science, dairy science, food engineering, or a closely related field must be earned by date of hire.


• Experience in Extension or applied outreach programming.


• Experience working with students and managing laboratory facilities.


• Record of peer-reviewed publications and successful grant or contract funding.


• International experience in dairy systems and food safety.


• Demonstrated drive and initiative, with proven ability to manage multiple responsibilities and tasks simultaneously.

Required Application Materials

Current resume/CV.

Cover letter.

Four (4) professional references including two (2) current or previous supervisors.

Special Instructions

This position is a full-time, fixed term end-dated appointment, renewable annually based upon successful performance and continued funding.

 

Starting salary commensurate with education and experience.

 

Please note this is a union position represented by AFT Michigan.

Website

https://youtu.be/BO3jOveVT9g

MSU Statement

Michigan State University has been advancing the common good with uncommon will for more than 160 years. One of the top research universities in the world, MSU pushes the boundaries of discovery and forges enduring partnerships to solve the most pressing global challenges while providing life-changing opportunities to a diverse and inclusive academic community through more than 200 programs of study in 17 degree-granting colleges.