Associate​/Full Professor - Department Head Food Science

Title: Associate / Full Professor - Department Head for Food Science

Executive Area: Academic Affairs

College/School/MBU: College of Natural Sciences

Department: Food Sciences

Work Location: Amherst

Schedule: full time

Work Arrangement: Onsite

The Department of Food Science at the University of Massachusetts Amherst invites applications for an academic year, tenure-track faculty position with a five-year commitment to serve as Department Head. This is a mid-career or senior level position, and the candidate will be reviewed for tenure during their first year of appointment. They are expected to have at least 5 years’ experience in a tenure-track professorship post in Food Science or related fields, with a record of excellence in research, teaching, and outreach.

A successful record of leadership in grant-funded projects is desirable.

We seek a dynamic, innovative, and principled academic leader with a strong track record in leadership and a vision for the future of food science, who will advance excellence in the research, education, extension, and outreach mission of the department while strengthening a culture of collegiality and shared purpose. The successful candidate will bring demonstrated experience working constructively across differing perspectives, supporting faculty and staff development, promoting fair and transparent academic processes, and aligning individual strengths with department-wide strategic goals.

Preference will be given to candidates who would demonstrate excellence in advancing interdisciplinary and translational research in food science and complementing the current research areas of the food science. The successful candidate must be committed to fostering a collegial and collaborative workplace that attracts and retains a diverse community of faculty, staff, and students.

The Department of Food Science places special emphasis on research excellence, interdisciplinary collaboration, experiential learning, student success, industrial engagement, and a commitment to inclusive excellence.

• Work collaboratively and effectively to promote teamwork, equality and inclusiveness.
• Work in partnership with colleagues within the CNS community and across the 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.

Candidates must have a Ph.D. or equivalent in Food Science or a related field. For this Associate or Full Professor position, we seek talented applicants with:

• Current position as a tenured associate or full professor with credentials and experience that are appropriate for a mid- to senior level appointment at UMass.
• Internationally recognized for their contributions in a food science related discipline.
• Demonstrated leadership skills and experience as evidenced by either managing academic programs or serving on key departmental or university committees.
• A 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.

• 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 of Food Science:

The first academic discipline in food science began at the University of Massachusetts Amherst in 1918. The Department of Food Science at UMass Amherst has evolved into one of the most prestigious food science departments globally. The department is renowned for its cutting-edge research, interdisciplinary collaborations, and commitment to solving global food challenges. Research areas in the department span from the molecular properties of food to foods for health and wellness, the safety of food, and sustainable food material…