Department Head Nutritional Sciences

Department Head Nutritional Sciences

Search #: 499933
Work type: Full-time
Location: UConn Storrs
Categories: Faculty Department Head/Director

INTRODUCTION

The Department of Nutritional Sciences at the University of Connecticut in Storrs seeks to hire a highly organized, collaborative, and visionary individual to provide strong leadership for a diverse and productive department in alignment with the strategic plans for the Department, College, and University. This is a full-time, 9-month position with a 10th month of service in this administrative capacity. The successful candidate must qualify for appointment at the rank of Professor or Associate Professor with tenure, in accordance with University policies and procedures. Candidates at the Associate Professor rank should demonstrate a strong record of scholarly achievement and a clear trajectory toward promotion to Professor.

The Department Head serves as an advocate and leader for Nutritional Sciences at UConn and with external constituents. Active participation in teaching, research, service, and/or extension programs is expected. Salary is competitive and commensurate with the applicant's record. The University provides an extensive benefits package, which includes retirement and health insurance coverage. As the departmental administrative officer, the Department Head reports directly to the Dean. A start date of August 23, 2027 is anticipated.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide leadership that advances excellence in teaching, research, extension, and service.
• Lead strategic planning and assessment to advance departmental priorities in alignment with College and University goals.
• Oversee academic affairs, personnel, budgeting, facilities, and administrative support in collaboration with college support offices, ensuring effective and transparent operations.
• Exercises strategic financial stewardship over the department's annual operating budget, ensuring optimal and compliant allocations of resources across department functions, while aggressively cultivating new, diversified revenue streams to secure long-term fiscal sustainability.
• Strengthen undergraduate, graduate, and online programs through curriculum development, program assessment, and initiatives that support student success.
• Work with faculty and College partners to recruit, retain, and support undergraduate and graduate students.
• Recruit, mentor, evaluate, and support faculty and staff, including oversight of annual reviews, faculty promotion and tenure processes, and professional development.
• Support effective graduate student mentoring, advising, and professional preparation.
• Maintain engagement in teaching, research, and/or extension consistent with a tenured faculty appointment and departmental leadership responsibilities.
• Advance the department's research enterprise by supporting interdisciplinary collaboration, externally funded research, innovation, and entrepreneurship.
• Represent and advocate for the department within the College and University and with state, national, and international audiences.
• Build partnerships with UConn Health, research centers and institutes, healthcare organizations, industry, professional societies, government agencies, and community organizations.
• Collaborate with the College's Director of Development to engage alumni, donors, and external partners in support of departmental priorities.
• Ensure departmental operations comply with applicable University and College policies, procedures, and collective bargaining agreements, and develop departmental policies as appropriate.
• Foster a collegial, collaborative, and inclusive culture that supports shared governance and meaningful faculty, staff, and student participation.
• Perform other duties as assigned in support of the department and college's missions.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

1. Ph.D., M.D., M.D./Ph.D., or equivalent terminal degree in Nutritional Sciences or a closely related discipline.
2. A record of nationally recognized scholarship and professional accomplishments that meets the qualifications for appointment with tenure at the rank of Associate Professor or Professor in the Department of Nutritional Sciences.
3. Demonstrated excellence in research and teaching, with a record of effective graduate student mentoring.
4. Evidence of successful academic or administrative leadership, which may include leading programs, research teams, committees, centers, other significant initiatives.
5. Demonstrated interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills, with a demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with faculty, staff, students, and external partners.
6. Demonstrated commitment to student success and to fostering an inclusive, equitable, and collegial academic environment.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

1. Administrative experience relevant to leading an academic department with teaching, research, extension, and service missions at a major land-grant university.
2. Demonstrated leadership in developing academic programs, coordinating capital improvements, or securing external funding from public or private sources.
3. Experience advancing interdisciplinary research and fostering collaborations across colleges, healthcare systems, government agencies, and industry.
4. A record of success in recruiting and retaining outstanding faculty, staff, and undergraduate and graduate students.
5. Experience developing or supporting innovative educational programs, including online or hybrid graduate programs.
6. Active engagement with alumni, donors, industry partners, professional organizations, and other external stakeholders.
7. Experience supporting entrepreneurship, innovation, technology transfer, or public engagement.
8. Demonstrated ability to build consensus, communicate effectively, and make transparent decisions within a shared governance framework.
9. Experience overseeing laboratories, research facilities, or other specialized facilities that support teaching and research.
10. Current appointment at the rank of Professor or equivalent in Nutritional Sciences or a closely related discipline.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

The hiring range for this position is $140,000 to $210,000. An offer of employment, if made, will be commensurate with the successful candidate's skill and experience, as determined by the University.

For more information about benefits and other offerings available to University employees, we encourage you to review the Human Resources website and explore the sections under the Benefits & Leaves and Engagement & Learning headers at the top of the page. Under Benefits & Leaves, select Benefits to access an overview as well as additional information on topics such as paid time off, benefits, retirement, and other resources. As you explore these pages, please note that this position is covered by the American Association of University Professors (AAUP) bargaining unit and look for information specifically identified as AAUP, as provisions may vary by employee group.

APPOINTMENT TERMS

This is a full-time, nine-month faculty appointment with tenure at the rank of Associate Professor or Professor with a 10th month of service in this administrative capacity. The anticipated start date is August 23, 2027.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Employment of the successful candidate is contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment criminal background check.

TO APPLY

Please apply online at Faculty and Staff Positions, Search #499933 and submit the following application materials. Applicants must clearly demonstrate how they meet the stated minimum qualifications, and any preferred qualifications they may possess, in their application materials.

• Cover letter that addresses how your experience meets the minimum and preferred qualifications (maximum of two pages).
• Curriculum Vitae (must include a list of publications, grants received, and records of teaching, extension, and/or service).
• Leadership Statement describing your approach to leading CAHNR's Department of Nutritional Sciences and how your leadership will support the department's goals and continued success. (maximum of two pages).
• Names and contact information for at least three references. References will only be contacted for applicants that are identified as finalists.

Review of applications will start January 18, 2027, and will continue until the position is filled. Send inquiries about this position to the search committee chair, Michael Puglisi. For further information, please visit our website.