Department Chairperson

Description : The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture and the Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences at the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville seek an energetic individual to provide creative and exemplary leadership for the research, teaching and extension programs in the Department of Food Science. The successful candidate will proactively lead continuing efforts to maintain and build strong, multidisciplinary research and extension programs in applied and basic research in food science and related disciplines and provide leadership in teaching programs. The Department houses an IFT-approved undergraduate program with three concentrations as well as MS and PhD graduate programs. More information regarding the Department of Food Science, the University of Arkansas, and the surrounding community is available at the departmental website: Salary and Benefits: Commensurate with qualifications and experience. This is a full-time, twelve-month tenured appointment at the rank of Professor with a 100% effort appointment in administration. The University of Arkansas offers a competitive benefits package. Responsibilities: Provide exemplary leadership in planning, integrating, and implementing research, extension, and teaching programs in the Food Science Department. Duties will include administrative and fiscal leadership for the Department personnel, programs, and physical resources; program planning, faculty development, and pursuit of extramural funding; coordination with other university programs, professional and governmental agencies, and industry groups; and maintenance of an awareness of agriculture in Arkansas and the evolving research priorities in Food Science. As Head of the Department, the incumbent will provide administrative leadership for the teaching programs including IFT program approval, student recruitment, instruction, retention, and liaison with students present and past (alumni). The Department Head will also serve as part of the broader administrative team of the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture and the Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Science.Qualifications:Candidates must have earned a Ph.D., or equivalent in Food Science or closely related discipline, and an outstanding record of professional accomplishments. The candidate’s record must demonstrate the leadership skills or potential necessary to administer a program including resident instruction, research, extension and service, and the ability to collaborate and communicate effectively with diverse clientele and stakeholders. Required experiences and attributes include demonstrated effective and dynamic leadership, administrative capabilities (fiscal and personnel management), effective communication skills, ability to attract extramural funding, interest in providing multi-disciplinary leadership and coordination of a broad research portfolio. Prior experience in the Land Grant University System is desirable, as is experience in a unit with multiple missions such as teaching, research, and extension. Candidates will be expected to have an internationally recognized research and funding record consistent with an appointment at rank of full Professor.Additional Information:Application: Application materials include a letter stating an interest in this position, qualifications including professional vitae, and the names of five individuals who may be contacted for letters of reference. In addition, the applicant is asked to provide a one-page statement on: (1) professional goals, (2) the challenges facing the discipline and industry and (3) an approach to addressing these challenges including their philosophy of administrative leadership. Applications must be submitted through Workday.Address inquiries concerning the position to the search committee chair:Dr. David CaldwellDepartment of Poultry ScienceUniversity of ArkansasFayetteville, AR 72704Phone: 479-575-5397Email: Deadline: Screening of applicants will begin September 15, 2025, and will continue until a qualified candidate is identified.Salary Information:commensurate with education and experienceRequired Documents to Apply:Other (see special instructions for details)Optional Documents:Special Instructions to Applicants:Application materials include a letter stating an interest in this position, qualifications including professional vitae, and the names of five individuals who may be contacted for letters of reference. In addition, the applicant is asked to provide a one-page statement on: (1) professional goals, (2) the challenges facing the discipline and industry and (3) an approach to addressing these challenges including their philosophy of administrative leadership.Recruitment Contact Information:Dr. David CaldwellDepartment of Poultry ScienceUniversity of ArkansasFayetteville, AR 72704Phone: 479-575-5397Email: Pre-employment Screening Requirements:Criminal Background Check, Motor Vehicle Reports CheckThe University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture may conduct pre-employment background checks on certain positions for applicants being considered for employment.The background checks may include a criminal background check and a sex offender registry check.Required checks are identified in the position listing.A criminal background check or arrest pending adjudication information alone shall not disqualify an applicant in the absences of a relationship to the requirements of the position.Background check information will be used in a consistent, non-discriminatory manner consistent with the state and federal law.The University of Arkansas is an equal opportunity institution. The University does not discriminate in its education programs or activities (including in admission and employment) on the basis of any category or status protected by law, including age, race, color, national origin, disability, religion, protected veteran status, military service, genetic information, sex, sexual orientation, or pregnancy. Questions or concerns about the application of Title IX, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex, may be sent to the University’s Title IX Coordinator and to the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights.Persons must have proof of legal authority to work in the United States on the first day of employment.All application information is subject to public disclosure under the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act.Constant Physical Activity:N/AFrequent Physical Activity:Hearing, TalkingOccasional Physical Activity:N/ABenefits Eligible:Yes