Job information

Applications are invited for the position of Assistant Professor or Associate Professor in Food Engineering and Bioprocess Technology (FEBT) Academic Program at the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT), Pathumthani, Thailand. AIT is an autonomous, non-profit, international post-graduate institution offer degrees, diplomas and certificates in engineering, science, planning and management, and serves over 2300 students from many countries across Asia and beyond.  Teaching faculty, researchers, staffs and students are from more than 48 countries, making a unique international community on the Institute’s 400 acres, beautifully landscaped residential campus, situated 42 km north of Bangkok.

The School of Environment, Resources and Development (SERD) offers graduate programs leading to Master’s and Doctoral degrees in its various academic programs including Food Engineering and Bioprocess Technology.  The School is seeking to fill a full time faculty position in postharvest Engineering and Technology area starting from January 2017.  

Food Engineering and Bioprocess Technology (FEBT) at the AIT offers the unique blends of academic and research activities including the issues and solutions on biotechnological, nanotechnology, nutrigenomics, metabolomics, safety quality control and value additions etc. Food Engineering and Bioprocess Technology (FEBT) focuses on the principles, applications and cross-cutting issues of food and biological materials processing; design of post- harvest and food processing equipment; developments in biotechnology and its applications in agriculture, livestock and food; functional foods; exploitation of microorganisms and herbs for industrial applications; handling and utilization of wastes for value-addition; and food supply chain (Farm-to-Fork) safety". The students are not only learning about the recent and emerging issues and problem tackling skills in food processing industries but also in pharmaceutical, neutraceutical, bioprocessing, biomedical and biotechnology.

Two areas of specialization are offered: Food Process Engineering and Bioprocess Technology.

Food Process Engineering focuses on the application of engineering principles to the design of postharvest and food processing equipment; changes that may occur within products during handling, processing, and storage; measuring and controlling the quality of raw food materials; food supply chain safety; the handling and utilization of wastes generated during on-farm processing; and

Bioprocess Technology focuses on developments in biotechnology and its applications in agro/food, functional food, biopolymers, dairy and meat science, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. Industrial bioprocess technology for the conversion of raw agricultural products to useful food products, biomaterials with specific growth promoting properties is developed for application in organic farming. To strengthen applicability of microorganisms for specific purposes, courses are given in genetic engineering of microorganisms.  DNA with interesting properties is transferred to produce strains for industrial applications.

Duties/Responsibilities

The successful candidate is expected to teach graduate level courses, engage in thesis research supervision of Master’s and Doctoral students, and develop a viable research program leading to publications in professional journals, take initiatives in bringing in sponsored research and developing cooperative links with other study areas for maintaining the competitive edge of FEBT field of study in the region are also required. In addition, the candidate should be involved in the conduct of training programs, workshops, and other capacity development activities supported by national or international agencies both in public and private sectors.

Qualifications

Minimum Requirements

• Has a doctorate (Ph.D.) degree in relevant discipline related to Postharvest Engineering & Technology, Food Processing & Technology, Biological Engineering or other relevant disciplines from reputed university
• Strong commitment to and proven track record of teaching and research in specified areas
• Strong publication record in high impact factor, peer-reviewed journals in the related field.
• Excellent communication skills and interpersonal relationships
• Proven track record and aptitude to establish and maintain dynamic research and outreach programs focusing on emerging trends of Postharvest Engineering & Technology and Food Process Engineering and Technology

Preferred Qualifications

• Ability to obtain and mobilization for externally-aided funding including from industries for research projects and outreach activities
• Ability to work effectively in interdisciplinary research groups within AIT and from outside.
• Research and/or working experiences with industry would have distinct advantage

Benefits

The initial appointment is for two years and is renewable based on performance. Salary offered is regionally competitive, commensurate with qualifications and experiences.  Additional benefits include provident fund, air travel for self and direct dependents, settlement grant, education subsidy for dependent children, and medical benefits according as provisioned in institute’s policy and procedure. It is also possible to earn an additional income by carrying out consulting services as provisioned in institute’s policy and procedure.  

Application Procedure

The application deadline is 15 January 2017. Review of applications will begin immediately after the deadline and will continue until the position is filled. The selected candidate is expected to join the institute in mid-2017.

Please send a letter of application, including (1) curriculum vitae, (2) copies of at least five selected publications, (3) one-page professional statement describing goals and aspirations and (4) names and addresses of three referees to the following address:

           The Dean
           School of Environment, Resources and Development
           Asian Institute of Technology
           P.O. Box 4, Klong Luang, Pathumthani 12120, Thailand)
           Tel: +66-2524-6072 (secretary), +66-2524-6074 (direct)
           Fax: +66-2524-6071
           E-mail: deanserd@ait.asia​