CALS- Extension Support Specialist IV- Department of Food Science

Extension Support Specialist IV The Opportunity The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) 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 probe and the answers we seek focus on three overlapping concerns: We believe that achieving next-generation scientific breakthroughs requires an understanding of the world’s complex, interlocking systems. We believe that access to nutritious food and a healthy environment is a fundamental human right. We believe that ensuring a prosperous global future depends on the ability to support local people and communities everywhere. By working in and across multiple scientific areas, CALS can address challenges and opportunities of the greatest relevance, here in New York, across the nation, and around the world. 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. Our faculty, staff and students are making a difference in the lives of people throughout the world. New York State is the 4th largest milk producing state in the US with a sizeable dairy industry and proximity to major markets in the Northeastern US. Cornell University has a strong dairy foods research program with considerable traditional strength in fermented dairy foods and cheese. Cornell also works closely with a number of organizations in New York State and Northeastern US (e.g., New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets, New York State Cheese Manufacturers Association and NYS Food Protection Association) to strengthen and support the dairy industry. The dairy extension program at Cornell currently includes two extension associates that support extensive extension programs in fluid milk, fermented dairy foods and cheese as well as a regional dairy extension associate located in Western New York. The dairy extension program at Cornell also has a certificate program, which offers various workshops that lead to certificates in different areas of dairy processing, including (i) fluid milk, (ii) cheese, and (iii) yoghurt and other fermented products. This program is currently being expanded to incotporate worksforce developmen in AI literacy. About the College This position is located in the Department of Food Science and will be part of the dairy extension program (see A key responsibility of this position will be to provide leadership for the certificate program, including program oversight with a focus on marketing and development of strategic partnerships, and new programs, including, but not limited to, AI and sanitation. The goal for this position is to develop a sustainable financial model that provides full support for this position through the certificate program (e.g., through workshop income, grants etc.) and, if necessary, through development and submission of grants that will support this position. The incumbent is expected to develop this position so that 50% of funding comes from external sources by end of year 2 and 100% of funding comes from external sources by the end of year 3. The ideal candidate would have appropriate expertise in food safety, marketing to food companies and AI. The incumbenat will also be expected to actively contribute to economic development activities focused in the dairy and food industry in New York. This is a full-time position at 100% FTE. This is a one-year term appointment that is contingent upon available work, funding, and performance. There is the opportunity to work