Position Summary:

The College of Agriculture and Life Science is a pioneer of purpose-driven science and Cornell University's second largest college. We work across disciplines to tackle the challenges of our time through world-renowned research, education and outreach. The questions we prove and the answers we seek focus on three overlapping concerns: natural and human systems; food, energy and environmental resources; and social, physical and economic well-being.

In keeping with Cornell's Land Grant Mission to create and apply knowledge with a public purpose, the Department of Food Science strives to apply the principles of science and engineering to ensure the nutritional value, safety and quality of foods in the United States and around the globe. Our programs integrate the disciplines of chemistry, biology, nutrition, physiology, biotechnology and engineering to ensure that all people have access to healthy, affordable food. A premiere program of the Department of Food Science, the Cornell Food Venture Center is located at Cornell AgriTech in Geneva, NY. Cornell AgriTech is reimagining the future of food and agriculture systems through innovative research, technology, and education to improve the health of the people, environment and economy of New York State and beyond.

We are looking for a highly motivated and energetic leader to serve as the manager and coordinator of the newly renovated Cornell Food Venture Center Pilot Plant (PP), under the general supervision of the Director of the Cornell Food Venture Center (CFVC). Provide leadership, support and services for extension, research, instruction and clients' programs utilizing the Pilot Plant. Supervise PP personnel and users, billing, procurement, production activities, maintenance and external customer/vendor relations. Develop and promote innovative ways of utilizing the Pilot Plant on issues related to food processing, economic development, extension, research and teaching. Work with the CFVC Director and Business Administrator in establishing pricing structures and other strategies to ensure the PP economic viability. Communicate and document the relevance of the Pilot Plant activities to internal and external stakeholders. Coordinate relevant projects and activities associated with the Cornell Agriculture and Food Technology Park and the Center of Excellence in Food and Agriculture. Provide direction, training and instruction to graduate students, staff, faculty and external clients on Pilot Plant protocols and procedures to be sure that all users adhere to safety requirements established by University, State and Federal Regulations. Coordinate overall general maintenance and support functions of facilities including maintaining inventory and equipment maintenance. Promote and enable the use of the facilities by internal and external clients. Provide assistance to clients of the CFVC regarding development and production of new foods as needed. Provide innovative solutions for processing methods when appropriate. The Pilot Plant equipment replacement value is in excess of $2 million, and the equipment is a critical resource for the department and the unique resource for the NYS food industry. The manager is directly responsible for safety, sanitation, and proper use of equipment, as well as coordinating repairs, modifications and replacement of equipment.

Required Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in food science, engineering or similar field; 5 to 7 years of experience or equivalent combination of both education and experience in Food Science, preferably with a food processing/engineering background. Prior supervising, leadership, and management experience. Prior experience in food processing, including quality control, production scheduling, regulatory compliance, maintenance and management of processing systems, knowledge and experience in food plant sanitation, HACCP, GMPs, Better Process Control School. Demonstrated ability to work well with a variety of diverse audiences and facilitate communication and management efforts with personnel and stakeholder groups. Experience that demonstrates sound judgment, creativity, management and problem-solving skills, and the ability to work well within a team of professionals in a complex and non-hierarchical environment. Ability to plan ahead and anticipate potential conflicts so that they can be resolved in a fair, transparent and documented way. Must exercise sound and ethical judgement when acting on behalf of the University. Strong customer service skills and demonstrated leadership ability to develop effective working relationships with a wide variety of internal users and outside clientele. Must have mechanical and electrical aptitude with equipment. Must be able to work in a team environment as well as independently to accomplish required tasks to achieve institutional objectives while creating a high-quality and respectful work environment. Confidentiality is a must. Must be personable, flexible, possess excellent organizational and communication skills and take pride in his/her work. Must be able to multi-task in a fast paced research and development setting. Ability to work on a flexible schedule and be flexible in day-to-day operations. Must be knowledgeable of or be able to learn the proper and safe operation of food processing equipment including but not limited to retorts, homogenizers, pasteurizers, vacuum driers, evaporators, mills, slicers, cutters, grinders, pulpers, ovens, filters, pumps and other associated processing and analytical equipment. Must have and maintain a valid driver license.

Preferred Qualifications:

Master's degree in Food Science/engineering, MBA or equivalent. Experience in food processing, in the operation and maintenance of food processing equipment, working in and around a university research setting. Experience with electricity, electronics, computers, pneumatics, hydraulics and general equipment maintenance. A strong leadership background with demonstrated skills in management is highly desirable.

No visa sponsorship is available for this position.

No relocation assistance is available for this position.

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