Chairperson, Department of Animal and Food Sciences, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources

University of Delaware•Newark, DE

About The Position

The University of Delaware College of Agriculture and Natural Resources seeks a visionary leader to chair the Department of Animal and Food Sciences (ANFS). The chairperson will facilitate impactful programming in research, teaching, and Extension; develop innovative academic, research-based, and Extension initiatives serving Delaware farmers and citizens; foster interdisciplinary collaborations and partnerships; integrate animal and food sciences research; and advance ANFS's role in the University's One Health initiative. The role's primary responsibilities are departmental leadership, budget management, and faculty and staff management and development. The chairperson will represent the department within the university and to external stakeholders, contribute to College administration, and advance fundraising and resource development by cultivating relationships with alumni, donors, industry partners, agricultural organizations, foundations, and government agencies. In addition to administrative duties, the chairperson is expected to contribute meaningfully to departmental research, teaching, and/or Extension programs in keeping with their expertise. The chairperson will promote excellence across the department's research, teaching, Extension, and service missions; foster continuous improvement, recognize and support faculty, staff, and student achievements, encourage innovation and collaboration, and create an inclusive, respectful, and supportive community. The position is a 9-month academic-year appointment with one month of summer salary while serving as chairperson. Workload is at least 80% administration. The initial chairperson appointment is for five years, with five-year reappointments contingent on departmental reviews. ANFS has 20 full-time faculty members and research strengths in infectious diseases, genetics, multi-omics, immunology, microbiology including food safety, physiology, nutrition, food processing, and food toxicity. The department has ties to regional industries, the Delaware Biotechnology Institute, and the Poultry Health System within UD's Lasher and Allen Laboratories. It offers undergraduate, master's, and doctoral programs, along with 4+1 programs, minors, and certificates.

Requirements

Ph.D. or equivalent terminal degree (DVM or VMD from an AAVMC-accredited college of veterinary medicine) in animal science, food science, or a related discipline.
Significant leadership experience.
Excellent administrative abilities and strong interpersonal skills.
Credentials commensurate with appointment as a tenured full professor, including significant contributions to teaching, research, Extension, and/or relevant professional practice.
Strong communication skills, a team-oriented approach, understanding of the land-grant mission, and a purposeful vision for the future of animal and food sciences in higher education.
Senior associate professors may apply if their accomplishments demonstrate readiness for promotion to full professor.
Candidates from federal agencies, industry, and other non-academic organizations may apply if scholarly achievements, professional contributions, and leadership experience demonstrate comparable qualifications.

Responsibilities

Lead the Department of Animal and Food Sciences and facilitate impactful research, teaching, and Extension programming.
Manage the department's budget and oversee faculty and staff management and development.
Develop innovative academic, research-based, and Extension initiatives that serve Delaware farmers and citizens.
Foster interdisciplinary relationships and partnerships with public and private partners and regional land-grant universities and colleges.
Further the integration of animal and food sciences research and advance the department's role in the University's One Health initiative.
Represent the department and its programs across the university and to external stakeholders.
Contribute to administration of the College alongside the dean, associate deans, chairs, and other unit leaders.
Advance fundraising and resource development by cultivating relationships with alumni, donors, industry partners, agricultural organizations, foundations, and government agencies.
Contribute meaningfully to the department's research, teaching, and/or Extension programs based on expertise.
Promote excellence across research, teaching, Extension, and service; foster continuous improvement, recognize achievements, encourage innovation and collaboration, and support an inclusive departmental community.