The LSU Agricultural Center is a statewide organization with offices in every parish of Louisiana. We are currently seeking extraordinary candidates for the position outlined below. This position will be domiciled in East Baton Rouge Parish

About the LSU Agricultural Center: The LSU AgCenter is one of 8 campuses within the LSU enterprise. The LSU AgCenter includes the Louisiana Agricultural Experiment Station, which conducts agricultural-based research, and the Louisiana Cooperative Extension Service, which extends the knowledge derived from research to the people of the state. The AgCenter is headquartered in Baton Rouge and has 12 academic departments and five regions which are made up of 15 branch research stations and an extension office in each parish. More information can be found at www.lsuagcenter.com.

Position Description: The Pilot-Plant Manager position’s primary purpose is to lead pilot-scale food processing, integrating engineering expertise with applied research to develop scalable solutions, to oversee equipment, utilities, and facility operations while supporting client projects, ensuring regulatory compliance, and collaborating across teams to drive commercialization and innovation. This position reports to the Director of Food Innovation Institute (FOODii). Specific duties are as follows:

• Plant Engineering - Provide technical leadership and oversight for all pilot plant equipment, systems, and facility infrastructure.
  Ensure proper development, implementation, and continuous improvement of operating procedures and training protocols for all processing and analytical systems.
  Oversee equipment maintenance, troubleshooting, and lifecycle management, including coordination of repairs, preventive maintenance, and installation of new systems.
  Collaborate with the Director to design and implement effective sanitation, cleaning, and hygienic process systems that align with food safety and regulatory requirements. Maintain pilot plant orderliness and operational readiness.
  Oversee utility systems including steam, compressed air, chilled water, and HVAC in coordination with LSU AgCenter facilities to ensure reliable and safe plant operations

• Plant Run Execution - Actively set up, operate, monitor, and troubleshoot pilot-scale food processing and laboratory equipment during client and research trials.
  Lead and participate in production runs, ensuring adherence to safety, quality, and experimental protocols.
  Perform equipment adjustments, minor repairs, cleaning, and sanitation as needed to maintain operational integrity.
  Support other project leaders by assisting with plant trials and ensuring efficient workflow and resource utilization.
  Maintain a strong hands-on presence in the plant to ensure reliable execution of processing activities and continuous improvement of operational performance.

• Technical support - Coordinate and collaborate with faculty, extension specialists, technical staff, students, and industry clients to achieve project objectives. Provide technical guidance on process feasibility, scale-up considerations, and equipment capabilities in support of commercialization and research initiatives. Product categories may include beverages, sauces, confectionery, and other food systems. Support maintenance of pilot processing documentation and operational records.

• Strategic Development & Innovation - Identify and advance opportunities to enhance FOODii technical capabilities, equipment portfolio, facility infrastructure, and service offerings.
  Evaluate emerging processing technologies, instrumentation, and manufacturing approaches to strengthen applied research and commercialization outcomes.
  Recommend process improvements and workflow efficiencies that enhance safety, quality, client satisfaction, and operational sustainability.

Qualification Requirements: bachelor’s degree in food engineering, Chemical or Mechanical Engineering or a related field or equivalent and 3 years of professional experience. Demonstrated experience managing pilot-scale manufacturing facility, or shared research facilities. Strong leadership, project management, and customer-facing communication skills.

LSU and the AgCenter are dedicated to fostering an environment where our employees feel appreciated for their skills and individual qualifications. If a candidate does not meet the minimum qualifications listed but has other qualifications or substantial experience related to the key responsibilities, we encourage them to apply (per La. RS 42:36).

Date Available: Upon completion of the selection process.

Application Deadline: July 15, 2026 or until a suitable candidate is identified.

Application Procedure: Qualified candidates must apply online at LSU AgCenter Careers (or through Workday for internal applicants) by attaching file(s) containing a curriculum vita, a letter of application, official university transcripts, and two letters of reference. Questions about the online application system should be directed to the HRM Office at 225/578-0324 or hrmhelp@agcenter.lsu.edu. (Paper, fax or emailed application materials will not be accepted.) In lieu of attaching the letters of reference, they may be sent directly to:

Amogh Ambardekar, Ph.D.
Director of Food Innovation Institute (FOODii)
School of Nutrition & Food Sciences
297D Knapp Hall
Baton Rouge, LA 70808
Tel: 225-578-4448
Email: aambardekar@agcenter.lsu.edu
Website: www.lsuagcenter.com

The LSU Agricultural Center is a statewide campus of the LSU System and provides equal opportunities in programs and employment.