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Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants. POSITION SPECIFICSProfessor and Head, Department of Agricultural and Biological EngineeringThe Pennsylvania State University
The Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering (ABE) at The Pennsylvania State University seeks applications for an accomplished and visionary leader to serve as its next
Department Head. The Department Head reports directly to the Dean of the College of Agricultural Sciences and serves on the executive leadership teams in the College of Agricultural Sciences and the College of Engineering.
DepartmentAdministered by the College of Agricultural Sciences and formally aligned with the College of Engineering, the ABE department is composed of 23 faculty, nine affiliated faculty, eight staff, and 120 graduate and undergraduate students. Its undergraduate and graduate programs consistently rank in the top 10 in the US.
The ABE department has two undergraduate degree programs: 1) Biological Engineering and 2) Agricultural and Biorenewable Systems Management, as well as two M.S. and Ph.D. graduate programs: 1) Agricultural and Biological Engineering and 2) Biorenewable Systems. Research and Extension in the department include a broad portfolio focused on food and bioprocessing; bioproducts including those from crops, livestock, and forestry; natural resources engineering; agricultural engineering; business; and ethics. The ABE department is housed in a 93,500 sq. ft. building with state-of-the-art research, teaching, and collaborative spaces. The building is also home to the CSL Behring fermentation facility, one of the Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences' core facilities. More information is available at https://abe.psu.edu/.
ResponsibilitiesThe person filling this position serves as the Departmental program leader and administrative officer. Duties include:
- Create and maintain an environment that facilitates: 1) a strong sense of community; 2) an effective shared vision; 3) a highly productive, innovative, and entrepreneurial faculty and staff; 4) collaborative opportunities, and 5) a mutually supportive, inclusive and intellectually stimulating environment for students, staff, and faculty.
- Lead faculty and staff in implementing and enhancing the Department's undergraduate and graduate education programs, research programs, Cooperative Extension, and outreach initiatives to ensure programs are responsive to the evolving interests and needs of students and society.
- Create a supportive environment for faculty at all stages of their careers by being a good role model and by developing creative and effective strategies for mentoring and faculty support.
- Guide and enhance the Department's research environment to ensure that programs meet the needs of stakeholders and sponsors.
- Proactively engage in teaching, research and Extension programs, and enhance the Department's state, national and international reputation.
- Support development programs to attract external support for educational programs, research initiatives, centers and institutes, and Extension engagement strategies.
- Administer and manage the Department's academic affairs, personnel, finances, and physical facilities.
- Represent, promote and advocate for the Department within the College and University, and with disciplinary groups, alumni and other private and public stakeholders within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and beyond.
Qualifications- Earned doctorate in a field relevant to ABE's mission and a distinguished record of scholarship, including peer-reviewed publications, extramural funding, and mentorship of undergraduate and graduate students, sufficient to qualify for appointment as a tenured professor.
- Strong commitment to fostering a positive departmental culture grounded in integrity, inclusive excellence, participatory decision-making, and excellence in teaching, research, extension, and service.
- Significant understanding of the evolving mission of the land-grant university system, and the opportunities and challenges facing public research and education institutions.
- Demonstrated commitment to mentoring and supporting the professional development of faculty, staff, and students at all career stages.
- Demonstrated ability to manage budgets strategically and balance diverse priorities and resource needs.
- Understanding of state and national funding environments and experience developing interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary collaborations.
- Strong leadership, communication, and advocacy skills, with experience advancing organizational priorities through effective personnel management, stakeholder engagement, and fundraising.
- Familiarity with accreditation processes and assessment of academic programs.
Applications should include: - A letter of application that states an applicant's specific interest in the position, qualifications, previous professional and administrative responsibilities, and achievements;
- Statement of vision for the future of our profession;
- Statement of leadership and management philosophy, including examples of effective leadership of teams;
- Curriculum vitae (C.V.) which includes statement of current position and responsibilities;
- Contact information for five professional references.
System limitations allow for a total of 5 documents (5mb per document) as part of your application. Please combine materials to meet the 5-document limit.
Applications will be reviewed beginning December 1, 2026 and will be accepted until a suitable candidate is chosen. Desired start date is July 1, 2027 or as negotiated. Inquiries should be addressed to the search committee chair: Dr. David Abler at [redacted]. Applications must be submitted on Penn State's online job website (hr.psu.edu/careers).
BENEFITSPenn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional wellbeing. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children.
For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page. (Note: For Postdoctoral benefits, please see our Postdoctoral Benefits page.)
CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.
