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

University of Delaware•Newark, NJ

1d•Onsite

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 guide research, teaching, and Extension programming toward impactful solutions to challenges in animal and food sciences; develop innovative initiatives serving Delaware farmers and citizens; foster interdisciplinary and external partnerships; advance integration of animal and food sciences research; and strengthen ANFS’s role in the University’s One Health initiative. The position’s primary responsibility is departmental administration, including 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 with the dean and other leaders, and support fundraising and resource development by cultivating relationships with alumni, donors, industry partners, agricultural organizations, foundations, and government agencies. The chairperson is also expected to contribute meaningfully to departmental research, teaching, and/or Extension programs, according to their background and expertise. The chairperson will promote excellence and continuous improvement across the Department’s research, teaching, Extension, and service missions; recognize and support faculty, staff, and student achievements; encourage innovation and collaboration; and foster an inclusive, respectful, and supportive community. ANFS has 20 full-time faculty members and programs spanning animal and food sciences, including undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral offerings. The Department has strong regional industry and institutional collaborations and is served by the renovated Worrilow Hall teaching and research laboratory building. The position is a 9-month academic-year appointment with one month of summer salary while serving as chairperson. The expected workload is at least 80% administration, with the balance devoted to meaningful contributions to research, teaching, and/or Extension. The initial chairperson appointment is for five years; five-year reappointments are contingent upon departmental reviews. Application review begins December 1, 2026, and continues until the position is filled. Applicants must submit a letter of application describing their leadership philosophy and fit for the position, a curriculum vitae, and contact information for three references. Applicants will be notified before references are contacted.

Requirements

Ph.D. or equivalent terminal degree in animal science, food science, or a related discipline; an equivalent DVM or VMD from an AAVMC-accredited college of veterinary medicine is also accepted.
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.
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 their scholarly achievements, professional contributions, and leadership experience demonstrate comparable qualifications.
Strong communication and interpersonal skills, understanding of the land-grant mission, a team-oriented approach, and a purposeful vision for the future of animal and food sciences in higher education.
Commitment to excellence across research, teaching, Extension, and service and to an inclusive, respectful, and supportive departmental community.

Responsibilities

Lead the Department and manage its budget, faculty, and staff, including personnel development.
Guide and facilitate research, teaching, and Extension programming that addresses challenges in animal and food sciences and serves Delaware farmers and citizens.
Develop innovative academic, research-based, and Extension initiatives in support of the land-grant mission.
Foster interdisciplinary and collaborative relationships with public and private partners, 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 within the University and to external stakeholders.
Contribute to College administration alongside the dean, associate deans, and other chairs and unit leaders.
Advance fundraising and resource development by cultivating relationships with alumni, donors, industry partners, agricultural organizations, foundations, and government agencies.
Contribute meaningfully to departmental research, teaching, and/or Extension programs based on the chairperson’s background and expertise.
Promote excellence and continuous improvement across research, teaching, Extension, and service; recognize and support achievements; encourage innovation and collaboration; and foster an inclusive, respectful, and supportive departmental community.