Primary emphasis for innovative research relating to sensory science should be directed at the interface of food, nutrition, and health and/or food processing and packaging. Demonstrated knowledge of novel statistical approaches is valuable. Knowledge pertinent to taste biology, motor expression, neurobiology, human-computer interface, human-centered design, and/or other rapidly developing fields with value for food and beverage sensory assessment is considered. The individual will be expected to develop and establish a nationally and internationally recognized research program, obtaining extramural funding from a variety of funding sources with emphasis on competitive and industry funding.
Potential areas of research include (but are not limited to):

• Affect and consumer insights;
• Application of sensory methodologies in support of innovation and quality as influenced by Ingredient technology, fermentation, processing, packaging;
• Food choice and behavior related to the interface of food, nutrition, and health.

The individual is expected to develop an independent research program as well as work collaboratively and effectively with scientists from different disciplines, developing interdisciplinary projects to address basic and applied science and social challenges, to advance knowledge, and extend that knowledge to industry and to the public.

This position will be integrated into the University’s new Destination Areas (http://provost.vt.edu/destination-areas.html ), with a strong linkage to the Adaptive Brain and Behavior Destination Area.

The candidate is expected to teach undergraduate and graduate sensory courses and assist with meeting other department teaching needs. Qualified candidates will demonstrate the ability to advise graduate (M.S. and Ph.D.) and undergraduate students, and be committed to service in department, college and university committees, as well as appropriate professional organizations. The preferred candidate will have demonstrated expertise in managing a sensory laboratory for industry collaborations and contract support as well as partnership with departmental and university colleagues.

Required Qualifications:
A Ph.D. in food science or related disciplines (e.g. nutrition, psychology, statistics) with a sensory science [food/consumer products] emphasis. The candidate must have excellent oral and written communication skills, demonstrated ability for teaching in a classroom setting and commitment to quality student education, demonstrated publication record, and demonstrated ability to develop and conduct scholarly research, both independently and collaboratively. The individual shall create an environment that fosters collegiality and diversity.

Preferred Qualifications:
Demonstrated ability to write competitive research proposals, post-doctoral research experience, and/or industry research and/or management experiences are highly desired.

Facilities:
State-of-the-art sensory facilities, located in the recently constructed Human and Agricultural Biosciences Building 1, include 10 isolated sensory booths, large food preparation space, and focus group room. Spaces are equipped with observational cameras and microphones for video observation and data capture. Supported with Noldus Observer™ and FaceReader™ software, the laboratory is designed for advancing discovery in human emotions and behavior related to foods and consumer goods. The department also features state-of-the-art pilot plants, including fermentations (enology, brewing, malting, distilling, dairy), high pressure processing, and aquaculture.

Review of applications will begin December 2016 and continue until the position is filled. The position start date is August 2017.

Contact:
Dr. Susan Duncan, Department of Food Science and Technology, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA: duncan@vt.edu; 540-231-3766 or 540-231-6806.

Application Procedure:
Qualified persons are requested to submit all application materials electronically to http://listings.jobs.vt.edu/postings/72011.

The following documentation should be included:

• Letter of application summarizing qualifications relevant to the position description
• Resume, including a complete list of publications with citations
• Official academic transcripts for all undergraduate and graduate work
• Teaching philosophy statement (1-2 pages)
• Research interests, goals and 5 year plan (1-3 pages)
• List of 3-4 references with contact information

The search committee welcomes nominations of outstanding potential candidates. Inquiries regarding this position should be directed to the chair of the search committee.

Founded in 1872 as a land‐grant college, Virginia Tech (http://www.vt.edu/) is the most comprehensive university in the Commonwealth of Virginia and is among the top research universities in the nation. Today, Virginia Tech’s nine colleges are dedicated to quality, innovation, and results through teaching, research, and outreach activities. At its 2,600‐acre main campus located in Blacksburg and other campus centers in Northern Virginia, Southwest Virginia, Hampton Roads, Richmond, Southside, and Roanoke, Virginia Tech enrolls more than 28,000 undergraduate and graduate students from all 50 states and more than 100 countries in 180 academic degree programs.

Through its land‐grant mission of research, teaching, and extension, the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (www.cals.vt.edu ) has been instrumental in helping agriculture and other life science industries make significant strides in improving people’s lives. Today’s College is adapting to society’s expectations and needs by focusing its resources and efforts on improving human health and nutrition, sustaining agriculture and the environment, reducing the reliance on fossil fuels, and developing cures for devastating and debilitating diseases. Nearly 3,000 students are pursing degrees in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. The College has 12 academic departments, 11 Agricultural Research and Extension Centers (ARECs) and a presence in every county in the Commonwealth through Virginia Cooperative Extension (http://www.ext.vt.edu). Today, in addition to two‐year associate degrees, the college grants bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees.

Virginia Tech has a strong commitment to the principles of diversity, and in that spirit seeks a broad spectrum of candidates including women, people of color, and people with disabilities. Individuals with disabilities desiring accommodations in the application process should notify us by the review date.