Department Head and Professor - Food Science & Technology

Position Summary

The University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences seeks an accomplished, energetic and visionary leader for the position of Professor and Head of the Department of Food Science and Technology (FST; https://foodscience.caes.uga.edu/). This is a 9-month academic-year appointment with a guarantee of 2 months of additional summer salary, tenured position and the successful candidate must qualify for the rank of Professor consistent with Food Science and Technology Promotion and Tenure Unit criteria found here: https://provost.uga.edu/_resources/documents/food-science-and-technology-2018.pdf

The department head has oversight over field units supporting research, teaching, and outreach. This position is highly engaged with the various commodity groups and other stakeholders of departmental programs. 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. FST’s next leader is expected to build upon the existing momentum within the food sciences for departmental growth and unification, student training, procuring extramural funding and strengthening research, teaching, extension, outreach, and alumni engagement.

Special Instructions to Applicants

Inquiries should be directed to Dr. Manpreet Singh, Chair of the Search Committee (manpreet@uga.edu).

Materials to be uploaded include i) a formal letter stating the applicant’s qualifications for the position and a statement of leadership philosophy with specific examples of how it has been demonstrated; ii) curriculum vitae; and iii) names and contact information of four professional references (referees will not be contacted without further communication with the applicant). Selected applicants will be required to submit transcripts and a background investigation demonstrating eligibility for employment with the University of Georgia.

Applications received by March 15, 2026, are assured full consideration; however, applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

Duties/Responsibilities

The Department Head provides leadership, advocacy, and vision for the department’s internationally recognized programs in teaching, research, Extension, and outreach at the Athens and Griffin campuses. Major responsibilities 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.
• Building upon the strong existing foundation, provide vision and leadership that continues the rise, prominence and reputation of the UGA/CAES Food Science and Technology department. Ensure that strength and opportunity exist across all three mission areas of teaching, research and extension, as well across all three UGA/CAES campus locations of Athens and Griffin.
• Support and enhance the department’s interdisciplinary and integrative research and Extension programs in fundamental and applied Food Science. Provide coaching and mentoring for faculty and support their grantsmanship and professional development. This position is also responsible for annual faculty performance evaluations.
• Lead and oversee the department’s teaching and academic programs. Encourage a culture that supports excellence in student mentoring and success. Assign faculty teaching responsibilities and oversee the development and evaluation of academic programs and curricula.
• Administer and manage the allocation of departmental resources (fiscal, human, facilities, and capital) at the Athens campus; and, likewise, in collaboration with the CAES Assistant Deans and the departmental Research, Extension, and Instruction Coordinators – at the Griffin campus. Play a proactive role in increasing extramural support for these programs; assist and mentor faculty in obtaining gifts, grants, and contracts.
• Administer, coordinate, and develop a culture that supports student mentoring and success in next-generation science, inclusive of our world-recognized faculty and staff. Foster positive working relationships among faculty, staff, and students within and outside the department.
• Participate in the development of policy and strategic planning in the college. Maintain relationships with the other disciplines at the university, agricultural organizations, state, and federal agencies, and with leaders of the agricultural industry.
• As a tenured FST faculty member, actively contribute to the research, Extension, and/or teaching mission of the department.