Associate / Full Professor - Department Head for Food Science

Academic year, tenure-track faculty position with a five-year commitment to serve as Department Head in the Department of Food Science at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. This is a mid-career or senior level position; the candidate will be reviewed for tenure during their first year of appointment.

About the Role

The Department of Food Science seeks a dynamic, innovative, and principled academic leader with a strong track record in leadership and a vision for the future of food science. The successful candidate will advance excellence in research, education, extension, and outreach while strengthening a culture of collegiality and shared purpose. Preference will be given to candidates who demonstrate excellence in advancing interdisciplinary and translational research in food science, complementing current research areas, and fostering a collegial, collaborative, and inclusive workplace.

Responsibilities

• Lead the department in articulating its vision and goals for research, education, outreach, and inclusive excellence.
• Serve as the responsible authority on all research, educational, outreach, facilities, and personnel matters.
• Provide strategic and operational leadership, including development and implementation of policy and administrative structure.
• Model success in research, education, outreach, and inclusive excellence, and facilitate faculty development.
• Use data-informed insights to guide strategic planning and enhance excellence in teaching, research, and engagement.
• Develop and support programmatic relationships with other departments, schools, colleges, and external partners.
• Engage with the department’s Advisory Board for biannual meetings, events, and activities to support industrial and alumni engagement, student success, and fundraising.
• Work collaboratively to promote teamwork, equality, and inclusiveness.
• Partner with colleagues within the College of Natural Sciences and across campus to support the Dean’s strategic priorities.
• Perform other duties as assigned in support of the mission and goals of the College of Natural Sciences.

Requirements

• Ph.D. or equivalent in Food Science or a related field.
• Current position as a tenured associate or full professor with credentials and experience appropriate for a mid- to senior-level appointment at UMass Amherst.
• Internationally recognized contributions in a food science-related discipline.
• Demonstrated leadership skills and experience, such as managing academic programs or serving on key departmental or university committees.
• Strong track record of scholarship, extramural funding, and teaching commensurate with experience and rank.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and negotiation skills.
• Evidence of commitment to fostering a collegial, collaborative, and inclusive workplace.

Preferred Qualifications

• A clear and innovative vision for the future of food science research, educational, and extension programs.
• Experience managing facilities, personnel, and budgets.
• Experience with industry, alumni, and community engagement.
• Instructional experience, including oversight of curricula and educational programs.

About the Department

The Department of Food Science at UMass Amherst, established in 1918, is one of the most prestigious food science departments globally. It is renowned for cutting-edge research, interdisciplinary collaborations, and a commitment to solving global food challenges. Research areas span from the molecular properties of food to foods for health and wellness, food safety, and sustainable food material processing. The department has a strong advisory board supporting industrial engagement, student mentoring, and fundraising.

The department plays a significant role in the campus-wide Future of Food Initiative, which aims to drive economic development through collaboration with industry and community. An anticipated development is the Food Innovation Hub, which will include a food-grade pilot plant, innovation kitchen, sensory lab, and collaboratories, along with additional research labs for future growth.

Working Conditions

Work is primarily performed in an indoor university environment and involves lifting and transporting materials or equipment, prolonged standing, walking, or assuming low postures.

Pay

The University expects to pay within an approximate range of $90,160 to $246,287. The department chair appointment carries additional financial support, including summer salary, administrative stipend, and/or research funding from the College, to be negotiated with the finalist.

Schedule

This is a full-time, onsite position with an academic year schedule. The position could begin as soon as January 1, 2027.