Associate Professor/Professor & Program Chair, Sensory Science

The School of Consumer Sciences, within the College of Health and Human Sciences, and the School of Applied and Interdisciplinary Studies at K-State Olathe seeks a 12-month Associate Professor or Professor to serve as Program Chair in Sensory Science. We seek a dynamic and experienced individual to join our team and expand Sensory Science offerings at the Olathe campus. As Program Chair, this position will have a vital leadership role and be integral to the daily oversight and operations of the program, including providing regular updates to school leadership. Additionally, this person will play a pivotal role in the growth and shared operations of the Sensory and Consumer Research Center (SCRC).

Teaching expectations will include credit and/or non-credit courses delivered at a level appropriate for undergraduate, graduate, and/or professional learners. This position will be expected to conduct high-quality independent and collaborative research while actively and successfully seeking extramural funding through federal agencies, private foundations, and industry collaborations.

The successful candidate must have a passion for sensory science with the ability to engage and inspire learners at various levels while expanding the SCRC business locally, regionally, and nationally. Individuals with demonstrated experience in collaborating broadly and working as a team member across disciplines are particularly desired, with the highest consideration for candidates with industrial experience in sensory and consumer research. This position will report to the school's Associate Director.

This 12-month position at the rank of associate professor or professor has a preferred starting date of July 2025, with a competitive salary commensurate with qualifications and experience.

The Sensory and Consumer Research Center at Kansas State University has served industry and academia for nearly 40 years. It is located at the K-State Olathe campus, just minutes away from some of the most densely populated areas of Kansas City. This allows us to be responsive to the needs of a variety of businesses and manage a large database of real consumers from the area.

The College of Health and Human Sciences inspires and prepares passionate and caring individuals for a meaningful life and a career that promotes human well-being in the areas of business, design, teacher education, human behavior, and health sciences. Home to 16 undergraduate and 22 graduate degree programs housed in the Schools of Consumer Sciences, Health Sciences, and Human Sciences, we provide students with the education and skills needed to make an impact in the lives of individuals, families, and communities.

This position is on-site at the K-State Olathe campus.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Earned Ph.D. in sensory science, food science, consumer science, or a closely related field
• Strong record of distinguished academic achievement that merits appointment as a tenured associate professor or professor, with evidence of professional distinction and national or international recognition in the field
• Expertise in sensory evaluation methods, experimental design, and statistical analysis
• Proven track record of successful grant writing and securing research funding
• Demonstrated excellence in teaching and mentoring at the undergraduate and graduate levels
• Demonstrated business acumen, with experience in business development in the field of sensory science
• Demonstrated success leading, collaborating, and building growth-minded coalitions with a range of individuals and stakeholders
• Strong interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills
• Proven ability to exercise sound judgment, maintain discretion, and handle sensitive information and/or situations with confidentiality

Preferred Qualifications:

• Significant professional experience in sensory sciences or a related industry, with a demonstrated track record of success
• Evidence of innovations in teaching and learning through different course delivery modalities and technologies
• Evidence of developing curriculum, including assessing course outcomes and overall program impact

Other Requirements:

• Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States at the time of employment

Please submit the following documents:

1. Cover letter
2. Curriculum vitae (CV)
3. Contact information for three professional references

Inquiries about the position should be directed to the search committee chair, Dr. Darrin Smith, at darrin100@ksu.edu with the subject line: Sensory Science Program Chair Search.

Immediately and continues until the position is filled.