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Assistant Professor - Biology Food Science

Universities of Wisconsin · La Crosse, WI · Full time

Posted Sep 11, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

Describe your research program and how undergraduates would take part at UW-La Crosse.

What they are checking: Whether their research is realistic at a primarily undergraduate university and includes students.

What service would you be interested in within the department or university?

What they are checking: Whether they will carry a share of service as part of a tenure-track role.

What would you do

What food industry partners in Wisconsin could support your teaching or research?

What they are checking: Whether they can build ties with the state's food and dairy industry for students and research.

How would you help biology students who have never considered food science see it as a career?

What they are checking: Whether they can grow interest in food science and attract students to the courses.

A student's lab experiment fails because of contamination. How do you handle it?

What they are checking: Whether they can turn mistakes into lessons about technique and good lab practice.

If you started early in January 2027, how would you use that first semester?

What they are checking: Whether they would use the early start to set up courses, lab space and connections in a planned way.

About the work

What area of food science is your expertise, and which courses could you teach in the Department of Biology?

What they are checking: Whether their food science background fits a biology department's courses and students.

How would you teach food microbiology or food safety so students can apply it in industry?

What they are checking: Whether they connect science to real food production and safety practice.

How would you design a lab that teaches students about food quality testing?

What they are checking: Whether they can build hands-on lab experiences that prepare students for food science jobs.

How do you keep up with food safety regulations like FSMA and bring them into your courses?

What they are checking: Whether they keep course content current with regulations graduates will work under.

Practice this interview out loud.

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The full job description

As published by Universities of Wisconsin.

Current Employees: If you are currently employed at any of the Universities of Wisconsin, log in to Workday to apply through the internal application process. Position Title: Assistant Professor - Biology Food Science Job Category: Faculty Employment Type: Regular Job Profile: Assistant Professor Job Duties: The Department of Biology at the University of Wisconsin - La Crosse is seeking applicants for a 9-month tenure-track faculty position at the rank of Assistant Professor with the start date of 8/23/2027 or the potential of an early start in January 2027. We encourage applications from candidates with expertise in Food Science. Come join a community of teacher/scholars committed to student success. Applications received prior to the first review date will receive full consideration, and the search will continue on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Under general supervision of the department chair, successful candidates will be responsible for teaching undergraduate and/or graduate courses (if applicable) and advising students. In addition to preparing for and holding classes, teaching involves maintaining currency in the content area related to the teaching assignment, evaluating students' work, assessing student outcomes, providing regular and substantive feedback on student work, maintaining appropriate records, and holding office hours. The successful candidate is expected to maintain an active, on-going program of scholarship appropriate to their discipline. In addition, faculty provide service to the department, college, university, community and/or professional organizations. Other duties may be assigned by the chair or dean. The College of Science & Health (CSH) is the largest academic unit at the University of Wisconsin - La Crosse, bringing together diverse disciplines across the natural, physical, computational, and health sciences. Home to 11 academic departments and nationally recognized professional programs, CSH is known for its strong tradition of faculty mentorship, hands-on undergraduate research, and graduate education that prepares students for leadership in science, healthcare, and industry. Faculty and students benefit from state- of-the-art facilities such as the Prairie Springs Science Center and the Health Science Center, which support innovative teaching, collaborative research, and community engagement. The college also hosts interdisciplinary centers and institutes that connect scholarship with real-world challenges, ranging from river studies to disability health. With robust instrumentation, collaborative partnerships -- including ties with the Mayo Clinic Health System -- and potential start-up support, CSH provides new faculty with an environment that fosters both scholarly excellence and student success. The review of applications starts on October 11, 2026 . Applications received on or before October 11th are prioritized and review will continue until the position is filled. Initial interviews will be conducted virtually, with shortlisted candidates invited to campus. Key Job Responsibilities: Department: Biology Required Qualifications: • Doctorate in Food Science discipline or related field. The degree must be earned by the end of the first academic year. • Evidence of the ability to be an effective instructor. • Evidence of clear and effective communication skills. Preferred Qualifications: • At least one year of experience teaching undergraduate and/or graduate courses in Food and Nutrition Science or related disciplines, with evidence of instructional effectiveness. • Evidence of the ability to develop an independent research agenda that engages undergraduate and M.S. students, demonstrated through peer-reviewed publications, grant activity, and/or prior student research mentoring. • At least one semester of university-level teaching experience in food science, food safety, or a related field as an instructor of record, co-instructor, or teaching assistant with substantial teaching responsibilities. How to Apply: Required application materials: Submit as a single .pdf file: 1) a cover letter that addresses the required and preferred qualifications, 2) a statement of research plan involving undergraduate students, and 3) a statement of teaching philosophy CV/Resume References and contact information (minimum of 3) Contact Information: Adam Schneider aschneider2@uwlax.edu Special Notes: Application deadlines TO ENSURE CONSIDERATION: Priority consideration is given to those candidates who apply by the listed ‘First Review Date’. Applications received after that date may be considered at the discretion of the search committee. Application materials will be evaluated, and the most qualified applicants will be invited to participate in the next step of the selection process. Incomplete and/or late application materials may not receive consideration. If you have questions regarding this recruitment, or if you are not able to complete the application online due to a disability or system problem, please contact the Office of Human Resources. Confidentiality of Applicant Materials UWL is a state agency and subject to Wisconsin’s Open Records Law. UWL will not, however, reveal the identities of applicants who request confidentiality in writing except as may be required by Wisconsin’s Open Records law. In certain circumstances, the identities of “final candidates” and/or the identity of the appointed applicant must be revealed upon request. CBC & Reference Check Policy All candidates for employment are subject to a pre-employment screening which includes a criminal background check, work authorization, and verification of education. It will also require you and your references to answer questions regarding sexual violence and sexual harassment. Annual Security and Fire Safety Report (Clery Act) For the UWL Annual Security and Fire Safety Reports (i.e., Clery Report), which includes statistics about reported crimes and information about campus security policies, see http://www.uwlax.edu/student-life/student-resources/annual-security-report/ or contact the University Police Department at 608.785.9000. INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR BENEFITS Your benefits add an additional 40%+ to the overall financial package from the university. Highlights include: • Paid vacation for 12-month positions. • Excellent flexible health insurance with low co-pays and good coverage. • Paid holidays and paid sick days. • After 5 years of employment, you become vested in our retirement system which ensures income post-career. • Benefits at UWL are highly competitive with local industry and some of the strongest in state and nation. Benefit eligibility is determined at the point of hire. This information is provided for illustrative purposes only. Benefits are also pro-rated based on the appointment percentage. UW is an Equal Opportunity Employer Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other bases protected by applicable federal or State law and UW System policies. We are committed to building a workforce that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills, and encourage all qualified individuals to apply.

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