Position Function:
Under the direction of the Director of the Food Science Innovation Hub and the Head of the Department of Biochemistry, Nutrition, and Health Promotion, this position oversees the daily operations of the department’s food processing pilot plant and other facilities. The Pilot Plant Supervisor’s secondary focus will be to maintain and assist with equipment and facilities in the Garrison Sensory Laboratory, Herzer research laboratories, and Bedenbaugh (once operational). This role will help the Dairy Plant with product development, processing, etc., as needed. This role supports teaching, research, and industry engagement by coordinating facility use, sourcing and maintaining food-grade equipment, and ensuring the highest standards of cleanliness, organization, and food safety. The supervisor works closely with faculty, students, and external partners to facilitate projects, process validation, and hands-on training in a safe and compliant environment.
Salary Grade 12
Please see Staff Compensation Structure or Skilled Crafts and Service Maintenance Compensation Schedule for salary ranges. For salary grade UC, these positions are "Unclassified" and salary ranges are determined by the hiring department.
Department Profile:
The Department of Biochemistry, Nutrition & Health Promotion has academic, research, and extension education missions within the traditions of land-grant universities. The Department has faculty with expertise in biochemistry, nutrition/dietetics, food science and technology, culinology, and/or health promotion disciplines. The Department offers B.S., M.S., M.P.H., and Ph.D. degrees and currently has approximately 550 undergraduate majors and 70 graduate students. A hallmark of the Department is its success in preparing undergraduates for medical school, dental school, veterinary school, and other biomedical professional and/or graduate programs.
Anticipated Appointment Date:
August 1, 2026.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
1. Coordinate and schedule pilot plant usage for instructional labs, research projects, product development trials, and external collaborations
2. Serve as the primary contact for faculty, students, and industry users of the facility
3. Develop, implement, and enforce standard operating procedures (SOPs) for food processing equipment and pilot plant activities and ensure all operations comply with food safety standards and university policies
4. Support scale-up activities and troubleshoot processing challenges during pilot runs
5. Identify, procure, facilitate installation, etc. of food-grade processing equipment (e.g., mixers, fryers, dryers, extruders, packaging systems) from vendors to meet evolving program needs by borrowing/renting/receiving donations
6. Maintain equipment inventory and coordinate preventive maintenance, calibration, and repairs in the Pilot Plant, Garrison Sensory Laboratory, and Herzer research laboratories
7. Ensure all equipment meets sanitary design standards and regulatory requirements
8. Work towards having the pilot plant inspected through the USDA and/or FDA and ensure compliance with food safety regulations and assist in audits or inspections
9. Maintain the pilot plant in a clean and organized condition at all times and establish and enforce sanitation protocols consistent with industry standards (e.g., GMPs, HACCP principles)
10. Oversee cleaning schedules, sanitation verification, and proper storage of ingredients and finished products
11. Manage allergen control, cross-contamination prevention, and waste handling procedures
12. Assist with budgeting for equipment, ingredients, and facility operations
13. Train students, staff, and researchers on proper equipment use, food safety, and sanitation procedures
14. Maintain documentation including SOPs, batch records, cleaning logs, and equipment maintenance records
15. Support grant-funded research and industry outreach activities
16. Contribute to strategic planning and continuous improvement of the pilot plant
Other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Food Engineering, or a closely related field.
An equivalent combination of related education and related experience may be considered for this position.
Preferred Qualifications:
1. Master’s degree in Food Science, Food Engineering, or a closely related field
2. Experience in an academic or research setting
3. Familiarity with regulatory frameworks (e.g., FDA, USDA)
4. Experience with product development or process scale-up
5. Experience in food processing, pilot plant operations, or manufacturing environments
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
1. Strong understanding of food processing operations and sanitary design
2. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
3. Ability to manage multiple projects and users simultaneously
4. Problem-solving skills, particularly in processing and scale-up challenges
5. Attention to detail with a strong commitment to food safety and quality
Working Conditions and Physical Effort
• Combination of office, laboratory, and food processing environments
• Requires adherence to PPE and food safety protocols
• May involve lifting ingredients or equipment and working in variable temperature conditions.
• Job frequently requires standing, walking, reaching, talking, hearing, handling objects with hands, and lifting up to 50 pounds.
• Job occasionally requires sitting, climbing or balancing, and lifting more than 50 pounds.
• Regularly involves lifting, bending or other physical exertion. Often exposed to one or more elements such as heat, cold, noise, dust, dirt, chemicals, etc., with one often to the point of being objectionable.
Instructions for Applying:
Link to apply: http://explore.msujobs.msstate.edu/
Applicant must apply online at jobs.msstate.edu. Applicants should complete the online application and submit a copy of their resume and cover letter.
Screening Date:
July 7, 2026, until filled.
Restricted Clause:
Position is contingent upon continued availability of funding.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:
Mississippi State University is an equal opportunity institution. Discrimination is prohibited in university employment, programs or activities based on race, color, ethnicity, sex, pregnancy, religion, national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, status as a U.S. veteran, or any other status to the extent protected by applicable law. Questions about equal opportunity programs or compliance should be directed to the Office of Civil Rights Compliance, 231 Famous Maroon Band Street, P.O. 6044, Mississippi State, MS 39762, (662) 325-5839.
What do I do if I need an accommodation?
In compliance with the ADA Amendments Act (ADA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation in order to apply for a position with Mississippi State University, please contact the Department of Human Resources Management at tel: (662) 325-3713 or ada@hrm.msstate.edu
If you have any questions regarding this policy, contact the Department of Human Resources Management at (662) 325-3713 or ada@hrm.msstate.edu Upon request, sections of this job listing are available in large print, and readers are available to assist the visually impaired.
