Chartered by the state of Georgia in 1785, the University of Georgia is the birthplace of public higher education in America and is the state's flagship university (https://www.uga.edu/). The proof is in our more than 240 years of academic and professional achievements and our continual commitment to higher education. UGA is currently ranked among the top 20 public universities in U.S. News & World Report. The University's main campus is located in Athens, approximately 65 miles northeast of Atlanta, with extended campuses in Atlanta, Griffin, Gwinnett, and Tifton. UGA employs approximately 3,100 faculty and more than 7,700 full-time staff. The University's enrollment exceeds 41,000 students including over 31,000 undergraduates and over 10,000 graduate and professional students. Academic programs reside in 19 schools and colleges, including our newly established School of Medicine.
About the College/Unit/Department
The university, a land-grant/sea-grant university, is ranked among the top 20 public universities in U.S. News & World Report's 2025 edition of America's Best Colleges. The university is recognized as a research-intensive and community-engaged institution by the Carnegie Foundation. The Department of Food Science and Technology (http://www.foodscience.caes.uga.edu/) and Department of Poultry Science (https://poultry.caes.uga.edu) are units of the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences.
Athens offers a rich cultural environment interconnected with the university and is perennially identified as one of America's most livable cities (http://www.visitathensga.com/about-athens/).
College/Unit/Department website
https://www.caes.uga.edu/
Posting Type
External
Retirement Plan
TRS or ORP
Employment Type
Employee
Benefits Eligibility
Benefits Eligible
Underutilization
Advertised Salary
Commensurate with Experience
Anticipated Start Date
08/01/2026
Effective End Date (for Limited-Term postings)
Job Posting Date
02/09/2026
Job Closing Date
Open until filled
Yes
Special Instructions to Applicants
Applicants must include: (1) a letter of application, (2) curriculum vitae, (3) a statement of research scholarship/interests articulating your plans and vision that will complement the current FST and PS faculty (maximum two pages), (4) an Extension/outreach statement that will complement the existing FST and PS Extension programs (maximum one page), and (5) names, addresses, telephone numbers, and e-mail addresses of four professional references that the search committee may contact.
Inquiries about this position should be directed to Dr. VM Balasubramaniam "Bala" (VMBala@uga.edu). The selected candidate will be required to submit to a background investigation demonstrating eligibility for employment with UGA .
Review of applications will begin March 15, 2026, and will continue until a suitable candidate is identified.
Location of Vacancy
Athens Area
EEO Statement
The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or veteran status or other protected status. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR (hrweb@uga.edu).
USG Core Values Statement
The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 25 institutions of higher education and learning, as well the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 08.02.18.01.02.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS :A completed PhD in Food Science or a related field is required.
Position Summary
The Department of Food Science and Technology ( FST ) and Poultry Science (PS) at the University of Georgia ( UGA ) are recruiting for an Associate or Full Professor in Food Systems Innovation, which is expected to be supported by an endowment. To fill this role, we are seeking a highly motivated and creative individual to develop a Research and Extension program in the area of ingredients and food processing technologies related to meat and poultry products to enhance quality, processing efficiency, and value addition of meat and poultry products.
The successful candidate will be expected to develop and maintain an externally funded Research and Extension program and establish an internationally recognized program in the area of ingredients and food processing technologies related to meat and poultry products relevant to the local, national, and international food industry sector. Specific responsibilities include (but are not limited to): (1) obtaining extramural funds to support Research and Extension programs, (2) establishing a strong record of scholarly activity and peer-reviewed publications, (3) directing graduate (PhD and MS degree) students and postdoctoral associates, and (4) developing an Extension program to complement the currently existing FST and PS Extension programs and meet identified needs of stakeholders. The Extension program will include, but is not limited to, ingredient functionality in product development, including the impact of ingredients on the sensory (organoleptic) attributes of finished products, as well as the application and optimization of marination strategies in poultry and meat products. The candidate will be expected to actively participate in service activities in FST , PS, CAES , and UGA , including global programs. The University of Georgia recognizes and supports interdisciplinary programs. As such, the incumbent will be encouraged to collaborate with other faculty members across the Colleges of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Engineering, and Family and Consumer Sciences, as well as other colleges.
Additional Requirements
To be considered for the rank of Associate or Full Professor, candidates should demonstrate clear and convincing evidence of emerging stature as a regional or national authority as appropriate for the position. To be eligible for tenure on appointment, candidates must be appointed as an Associate or Full Professor, have been tenured at a prior institution, and bring a demonstrably national reputation to the institution. Any request for tenure upon appointment must be approved before hire.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS : The successful applicant will be a leading expert in poultry and/or meat science, including ingredient functionality, formulation strategies, and processing technologies aimed at improving product quality, yield, shelf life, safety, and sustainability. Their research focus should be complementary but distinct from the research conducted by our current faculty. We particularly seek candidates whose research is comprehensive, collaborative, and who apply systems approaches to address sustainability and profitability challenges. A strong track record of competitive, externally funded research with examples of leading large, multidisciplinary teams with support from industry consortia, commodity boards, or foundations relevant to meat and poultry systems. Demonstrated collaboration with industry partners, regulatory agencies, and commodity groups to advance applied research, technology transfer, and workforce development in meat and poultry processing is highly desirable. Strong knowledge of ingredient functionality, product formulation, and processing methods is necessary.
Candidates should demonstrate the ability to obtain external funding to support their research program, excellent oral and written competencies to facilitate communication of findings to an expansive set of stakeholders, the ability to build collaborative networks for extension and research efforts, strong interpersonal skills, and a willingness to work in transdisciplinary and interdisciplinary teams.
Physical Demands
Is this a Position of Trust?
Yes
Does this position have operation, access, or control of financial resources?
Yes
Does this position require a P-Card?
No
Is having a P-Card an essential function of this position?
No
Is driving a responsibility of this position?
Yes
Does this position have direct interaction or care of children under the age of 18 or direct patient care?
No
Does this position have Security Access (e.g., public safety, IT security, personnel records, patient records, or access to chemicals and medications)
Yes
Credit and P-Card policy
Be advised a credit check will be required for all positions with financial responsibilities. For additional information about the credit check criteria, visit the UGA Credit Background Check website.
Background Investigation Policy
Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including, a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with the University of Georgia; confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials (including reference checks) as they relate to the job-based requirements of the position applied for; and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. You may also be subject to a pre-employment drug test for positions with high-risk responsibilities, if applicable. Please visit the UGA Background Check website.
Duties/Responsibilities
Posting Specific Questions
Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
Applicant Documents
Required Documents
Cover Letter
Resume/CV
Research Portfolio/Philosophy
Public Svc/Extension Philosophy
List of References with Contact Information
Optional Documents
Job ID: 84678763
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$3,519
Median Apartment Rent in City Center
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$1,333
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$1,820
Safety Index
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50
Utilities
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(Electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage for 915 sq ft apartment)
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$600
$157
High-Speed Internet
$50
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$125
$64
Transportation
Gasoline
(1 gallon)
$2.76
Taxi Ride
(1 mile)
$3.75
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