Description

External Retirement Plan TRS or ORP Employment Type Employee Benefits Eligibility Benefits Eligible Underutilization Advertised Salary Commensurate with Qualifications and Experience Anticipated Start Date 08/01/2026 Effective End Date (for Limited-Term postings) Job Posting Date 01/23/2026 Job Closing Date Open until filled Yes 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.
Location of Vacancy Athens Area EEO Statement
The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or veteran status or other protected status. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR (hrweb@uga.edu).
USG Core Values Statement
The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 26 institutions of higher education and learning, as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found online at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct.

Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found online at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653.

Position Details

Position Information

Classification Title Professor FLSA Faculty Rank Professor Contract Type Academic (9 mo.) Tenure Status Tenured Minimum Qualifications
Doctorate in food science and technology or related field.
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.
Additional Requirements
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Demonstrated excellence in teaching, research, and/or Extension is required; 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(at least one to two years) 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.

Candidates must be approved for tenure upon appointment before hire. To be eligible for tenure upon appointment, candidates must be appointed as a full professor, have been tenured at a prior institution, and bring a demonstrable national reputation to the institution. To be considered for the rank of professor, candidates must have at least five full years in rank at the associate professor level. Specific criteria for professor level in the Department of FST can be found here:

https://provost.uga.edu/_resources/documents/food-science-and-technology-2018.pdf
Relevant/Preferred Education, Experience, Licensure, and/or Certification
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: Current or previous rank of professor with tenure. At least two years of higher education administrative experience is desirable. At least two years of experience at or with land-grant university activities and goals; At least two years of experience with the unique administrative structures, student demographics, and accreditation standards of US higher education institutions.
Preferred Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies
The ideal candidate will have demonstrated success and distinction in one or more of the disciplines in food science either in academic, government/regulatory or industry organizations. The ideal candidate will also have a transformational leadership style, utilizing engagement and open communication to facilitate positive change and impact. The ideal candidate will also have a demonstrated ability to secure extramural funding, including through institutional advancement and development.
Physical Demands Is this a Position of Trust? Yes Does this position have operation, access, or control of financial resources? No Does this position require a P-Card? No Is having a P-Card an essential function of this position? No Is driving a responsibility of this position? Yes Does this position have direct interaction or care of children under the age of 18 or direct patient care? Yes Does this position have Security Access (e.g., public safety, IT security, personnel records, patient records, or access to chemicals and medications) Yes Credit and P-Card policy
Be advised a credit check will be required for all positions with financial responsibilities. For additional information about the credit check criteria, visit the UGA Credit Background Check website.
Background Investigation Policy
Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including, a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with the University of Georgia; confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials (including reference checks) as they relate to the job-based requirements of the position applied for; and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. You may also be subject to a pre-employment drug test for positions with high-risk responsibilities, if applicable. Please visit the UGA Background Check website.

Duties/Responsibilities

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.

Percentage Of Time 100

Posting Specific Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

1. Cover Letter
2. Resume/CV
3. List of References with Contact Information

Optional Documents

1. Unofficial Transcripts