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

The University of Delaware College of Agriculture and Natural Resources seeks a visionary leader for the Department of Animal and Food Sciences (ANFS) who can facilitate programming in research, teaching, and Extension that results in impactful and applicable solutions to grand challenges in animal and food sciences; develop innovative academic, research-based, and Extension initiatives that provide services to the farmers and citizens of Delaware in fulfillment of our land-grant mission; foster interdisciplinary and collaborative relationships and partnerships among public and private partners, as well as other regional land-grant universities and colleges; further the integration of animal and food sciences research; and advance ANFS as a leader within the University’s One Health initiative– an integrative multidisciplinary effort in human, animal, and environmental health.

The chairperson has a primary administrative role involving departmental leadership, budget management, and personnel (faculty/staff) management and development. Additionally, the chairperson will represent the Department and its programs across the university and to external stakeholders and contribute to the administration of the College along with the dean, associate deans, and other chairs and unit leaders. The chairperson will play an active role in advancing the Department’s fundraising and resource development efforts by cultivating relationships with alumni, donors, industry partners, agricultural organizations, foundations, and government agencies. Beyond the primary administrative role, the candidate is expected to contribute meaningfully to the research, teaching, and/or Extension programs of the department based upon the candidate’s background experience and expertise. The chairperson should demonstrate a strong commitment to promoting excellence across the Department’s research, teaching, Extension, and service missions. This includes fostering a culture of continuous improvement, recognizing and supporting faculty, staff, and student achievements, encouraging innovation and collaboration, and creating an environment in which all members of the Department can reach their full potential. The chair should also demonstrate a commitment to fostering an inclusive, respectful, and supportive departmental community in which faculty, staff, and students feel valued, respected, and empowered to contribute. The candidate should have strong communication skills, excellent interpersonal skills, understand the land grant mission, be team-oriented, and have a purposeful vision of the future of animal and food sciences in higher education.

The Department of Animal and Food Sciences (http://canr.udel.edu/anfs/) consists of 20 full-time faculty members actively engaged in teaching and the core research areas of infectious diseases, genetics, multi-omics, immunology, microbiology including food safety, physiology, nutrition, food processing and food toxicity. ANFS has strong ties and collaborations with related regional industries, the Delaware Biotechnology Institute, and the Poultry Health System within the UD Lasher and Allen Laboratories. Worrilow Hall, the main teaching and research laboratory building that serves the department has undergone a $30 million renovation that will position the Department for success for decades to come. Delaware and the Delmarva Peninsula provide an exceptional environment for research, education and outreach in ANFS disciplines.

The Animal and Food Sciences undergraduate programs are in high demand with over 550 students enrolled across four majors, including a nationally recognized pre-veterinary sciences program. The Bachelor of Science program in Food Science is accredited by the Institute of Food Technologists and has 100% placement of graduates into food businesses or graduate schools. ANFS places a strong emphasis on interdisciplinary research and discovery-based learning. ANFS offers two thesis-based Master of Science (M.S.) degree programs with concentrations in Animal Science or Food Science, three project-based (non-thesis) Master of Science degree programs in Animal Health, Applied Animal Science, or Food Technology, and a joint Ph.D. degree program in Animal and Food Sciences. The department also offers 4+1 programs (5-year B.S./M.S. programs) in all four of its majors, and multiple minors and certificates.

The University of Delaware (UD) is committed to excellence and impact as a preeminent learner-centered research university. The Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching classifies UD as a Carnegie Engaged University and as a “highest research activity” institution, a designation achieved by only 3% of U.S. academic institutions. UD is located in the iconic college town of Newark, DE, an excellent geographic location within two hours of New York, Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Washington, D.C. The University is a Land Grant, Sea Grant, and Space Grant University, with externally sponsored activities exceeding $465 million annually.

Candidates must hold a 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 and demonstrate significant leadership experience, excellent administrative abilities, and strong interpersonal skills. Applicants must possess credentials commensurate with appointment as a tenured full professor, including a record of significant contributions to teaching, research, Extension, and/or relevant professional practice. Senior associate professors whose accomplishments demonstrate readiness for promotion to full professor are encouraged to apply. Candidates from federal agencies, industry, and other non-academic organizations are also encouraged to apply if their scholarly achievements, professional contributions, and leadership experience demonstrate comparable qualifications.

The University of Delaware is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or status as a protected veteran, as well as any other status or condition protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. For the University’s complete non-discrimination statement, please visit www.udel.edu/aboutus/legalnotices.html

Notice of Non-Discrimination and Equal Opportunity
The University of Delaware does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, marital status, disability, religion, age, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by applicable law in its employment, educational programs and activities, admissions policies, and scholarship and loan programs as required by Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and other applicable statutes and University policies. The University of Delaware also prohibits unlawful harassment including sexual harassment and sexual violence.

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