Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University; Virginia Tech – Food Science and Technology

Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University (Virginia Tech)

Department Head / Professor:
Food Science & Technology

The Virginia Tech Department of Food Science and Technology (FST) seeks an accomplished, energetic and visionary leader for the position of Department Head. Responsibilities of the Department Head include leadership of all departmental programs and administrative responsibility for strategic planning, fiscal management, and human resources including recruitment, development and advancement, and retention of faculty, staff, and students. The Department Head will advocate for FST within and outside the university, and actively secure resources to strengthen its mission.

The best‑fit individual will foster excellence in teaching, research, and extension and encourage a positive, collegial climate and participatory decision‑making process within the department. The ideal candidate will have demonstrated success and distinction in one or more of the disciplines in food science either in academic, regulatory or industry organizations. The ideal candidate will also have a transformational leadership style, utilizing engagement and open communication to facilitate change.

FST’s next leader is expected to build upon the existing momentum within the food sciences for departmental growth and unification, student training, securing extramural funding and strengthening research, teaching, extension, outreach, and alumni engagement. This position reports directly to the Dean and is administratively and faculty‑reviewed every five years.

• Doctorate in food science and technology or related field
• Record of academic and/or professional achievement commensurate with a tenured appointment at the rank of professor
• Evidence of visionary leadership and strategic planning in academic, industry, regulatory, or government organizations
• Demonstrated understanding of and commitment to the three missions of a land‑grant university: excellence in teaching, research, and extension/outreach
• Demonstrated experience in the leadership of people, projects, and consensus building
• Effectiveness in personnel management, interpersonal and stakeholder communication, and financial and physical resources
• Excellent organizational and communication skills
• A commitment to Virginia Tech’s Principles of Community

• Experience at or with land‑grant university activities and goals
• Experience with the unique administrative structures, student demographics, and accreditation standards of U.S. higher education institutions
• Demonstrated ability to secure extramural funding, including through institutional advancement and development

• (75%) Provide strategic leadership and vision for the department, effectively oversee administrative, fiscal, marketing initiatives, and human resource matters, provide annual objective faculty and staff performance reviews, advocate with external stakeholders, and pursue development opportunities. Provide leadership for the design and implementation of the curricula, infrastructure, and new hires along with their advancement for the department.
• (25%) Remain engaged in various impactful scholarship activities aligned with the Department’s mission.

Applications must be submitted online at  Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants on the basis of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, ethnicity or national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, or military status, or otherwise discriminate against employees or applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose their compensation or the compensation of other employees or applicants, or on any other basis protected by law.

If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact Dr. Timothy Kring at timkring during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.