Professor and Head

Professor and Head

The University of Tennessee is seeking applications and nominations for the position of Professor and Head of the Department of Food Science. This is a 12-month, tenured position with a 100% administrative appointment. The Department of Food Science is a diverse blend of scientists and engineers contributing to land-grant mission of the university. The applied and basic research focuses primarily on microbiological food safety, chemistry and process engineering of food and biomass, and food sensory science.  approximately 80 undergraduate students are enrolled in the Department’s bachelor’s degree program with concentrations in science and pre-professional. In addition, approximately 30 graduate students are enrolled in the Department’s MS and PhD programs. Extension programs focus on food processing and food safety. The Department is housed in both the Food Safety and Processing Building and the Food Science Building. Diverse activities in food science are currently accomplished by its 16 faculty members and 11 professional, support, and clerical staff on the Knoxville campus. Encouraging experiential learning in undergraduate curriculum and research, creative achievement and real-world experience is a departmental goal. Additional information is available at http://foodscience.tennessee.edu/ and more information on the Knoxville area can be found at http://taes.utk.edu/upload/AgRsch/Knoxvilleinfo.pdf. 

JOB DESCRIPTION
The Department Head position is a 12-month administrative appointment responsible for leadership of all departmental programs and administrative responsibility for planning, fiscal management, human resources and facilities. The Department Head reports to the Deans of AgResearch, UT Extension, and the Herbert College of Agriculture and works with each of the three Dean’s offices to accomplish departmental goals and objectives. The Head guides the Department in its mission to deliver internationally recognized programs in teaching, research and Extension. The Head helps articulate and promote the Department’s vision to provide high quality, relevant education and training for undergraduate and graduate students to serve internationally competitive food commodity markets; and develop and transfer new knowledge in food science that makes significant contributions to the economy of Tennessee and the world.  The successful candidate is expected to Lead education, research, and Extension activities in the Food Science Department with fairness and integrity; Effectively advocate for the Department to external constituencies (including alumni, food and agricultural industries, state and federal agencies, and professional organizations), and the administration within the university; recruit, motivate and strengthen faculty, staff and students through active engagement, mentoring, and professional development programs; Foster an environment of collegiality, teamwork, diversity and respect for multicultural and multidisciplinary settings; Interact with faculty, students, stakeholders and the Department’s Industry Advisory Group to determine direction and priorities; Enhance cooperation and collaboration with other departments, colleges and universities; Cultivate externally sponsored opportunities to support our programs; Maintain and expand diversity in the Food Science Department and in the University community; Increase national recognition and program ranking. 

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
The successful candidate must qualify for the rank of Professor in the Department of Food Science with an earned doctorate degree in Food Science or a related field. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following: Understanding of and commitment to excellence in the three missions (teaching, research and outreach) of a land grant university; Record of outstanding professional accomplishments, including team building skills; Effective communication, consensus building, interpersonal and leadership skills; Excellence in at least two of the following: (1) research or scholarly activity; (2) teaching, instruction, (3) Extension, service, or outreach; (4) academic or administrative leadership; Appreciation for the disciplinary breadth of the department; Knowledge of and commitment to equal employment opportunity and affirmative action; Clear vision and strategy to bring the department to the next level. 

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
We seek a collegial leader with: Experience in assessing priorities, strategic planning and implementation, and adapting to a change in a multidisciplinary environment; Skills in effective management of personnel and a desire to encourage productive teamwork; Demonstrated fiscal and resource management skills. 

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
Compensation is competitive and will be based on education, experience and qualifications. UT offers a comprehensive benefits package to all regular employees, including health and dental insurance, life insurance and multiple retirement plans.

NOMINATION AND APPLICATION PROCESS
The Search Committee will review and continue to receive applications until an appointment is made. Nominations of qualified individuals are sought and should be sent via electronic means to the Office of the Dean at the address shown below. Applications will be reviewed beginning August 31, 2019. Applications must include: A letter of application summarizing the applicant’s qualifications AND vision of departmental leadership; A complete curriculum vitae; Names, addresses, email addresses and telephone numbers of at least five professional references that the Search Committee may contact; and a copy of transcripts showing degree(s) conferred. Females and minorities are encouraged to apply. Nominations and questions regarding this position should be directed to Dr. Neal Schrick (search committee chair) at fschrick@utk.edu or Shelley Johnson at sjohn130@utk.edu.