Associate / Full Professor - Department Head for Food Science
Job no: 509538
Work type: Faculty
Location: Amherst
Categories: On Site, College of Natural Sciences, Tenure Track, Academic Year (9 Months), Full Time, MSP
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
Job Summary
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.
Essential Functions
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.
Other Functions
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.
Minimum Qualifications
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.
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.
Additional Details
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 processing. The department has a strong advisory board that supports industrial engagement, student mentoring, and fundraising. It is a highly collaborative department, home to several of the world's most recognized food scientists.
The Department of Food Science is also playing a significant role in a campus-wide Future of Food Initiative, bringing together food-related strengths with industrial and community engagement that aims to drive economic development. An anticipated development of this initiative is to build a Food Innovation Hub, which will include a food-grade pilot plant, innovation kitchen, sensory lab, and collaboratories along with more research labs for future growth.
A successful candidate will be expected to:
Lead the department in the articulation of its vision and goals for its mission in research, education, outreach, and inclusive excellence.
Serve as the responsible authority within the department on all research, educational, outreach, facilities, and personnel matters.
Provide strategic and operational leadership for the department, including the development and implementation of policy and administrative structure to advance all aspects of the department's mission.
Model success in research, education, outreach, and inclusive excellence, and facilitate faculty development in these areas by articulating and supporting the achievement of clear expectations and goals.
Use data informed insights to guide strategic planning, strengthen accountability, and enhance excellence in teaching, research, and engagement.
Develop and support programmatic relationships with other departments, schools, and colleges at UMass and with external partners to advance the department's mission.
Engage with the department's Advisory Board for biannual board meetings, events, and activities to support industrial and alumni engagement, student success, and fundraising.
Candidates may be invited to describe how their work aligns with the university's values and strategic goals, found in our Inclusive Excellence: College of Natural Sciences: UMass Amherst, and For the Common Good - 2024-2034 : Strategic Plan: UMass Amherst. These reflections offer insight into how applicants foster respectful collaboration, support student success, and contribute to an inclusive academic environment. This information is not used to exclude candidates, but to better understand their potential to advance departmental and institutional priorities. Search committees may request these reflections within the cover letter, teaching or research statements, as appropriate.
This position is subject to final budgetary and administrative approval.
Working Conditions
Work is primarily performed in an indoor university environment and involves lifting and transporting materials or equipment and general physical activity, including prolonged standing, walking, or assuming low postures.
Work Schedule and Work Arrangement
This position could begin as soon as January 1, 2027.
Salary Information
The University expects to pay within an approximate range between $90,160 and $246,287. The department chair appointment carries additional financial support in the form of summer salary, administrative stipend and/or research funding from the College and will be negotiated with the finalist.
The low-end of the pay range in all faculty searches at the University of Massachusetts Amherst is the minimum salary for the rank included in the collective bargaining agreement between the University and the Massachusetts Society of Professors, UMass Amherst/MTA/NEA. The high-end of the pay range reflects an increase above the median of salaries at the full-professor rank within the department for faculty who may have multiple years of faculty experience.
The specific pay for this position will be determined by the University based on consideration of all relevant factors, including faculty rank and required relevant certifications, when and if it decides to extend an offer of employment.
Special Instructions for Applicants
Review of the application will begin October 1, 2026 and will continue until a suitable candidate pool has been identified.
Along with the application, please submit a (i) cover letter (maximum 3 pages), detailing prior leadership experience, academic experience and achievements, and interest in the position (ii) curriculum vitae, and (iii) contact information (names, email addresses, and telephone numbers) for three professional references. For questions or additional information, please contact the chair of the search, John Gibbons (jggibbons@umass.edu).
This position will remain open for the time period required by any applicable collective bargaining agreement and will continue until a suitable candidate pool is identified. Interested applicants are strongly encouraged to apply early.
Advertised: 20 Aug 2026 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close:
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