Department Head and Professor - Food Science & Technology

Chartered by the state of Georgia in 1785, the University of Georgia is the birthplace of public higher education in America and is the state's flagship university (https://www.uga.edu/). The proof is in our more than 240 years of academic and professional achievements and our continual commitment to higher education. UGA is currently ranked among the top 20 public universities in U.S. News & World Report. The University's main campus is located in Athens, approximately 65 miles northeast of Atlanta, with extended campuses in Atlanta, Griffin, Gwinnett, and Tifton. UGA employs approximately 3,100 faculty and more than 7,700 full-time staff. The University's enrollment exceeds 41,000 students including over 31,000 undergraduates and over 10,000 graduate and professional students. Academic programs reside in 19 schools and colleges, including our newly established School of Medicine.

ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT: The Department of FST is one of the core units in the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES). An undergraduate major in Food Science is offered with areas of emphasis in Food Processing, Food Microbiology, Food Chemistry, Nutritional Quality, Food Analysis, Quality Control, Governmental Regulation, and Food Product Development. Outstanding graduate programs leading to either the M.S. or Ph.D. degree are supported by a large graduate faculty with diverse research programs and broad disciplinary expertise. Graduate studies and research programs are characterized by strong interdepartmental and interdisciplinary ties. The Department hosts a large Extension program focused on applied research to address the needs of farmers and the public in Georgia and worldwide. FST offers an undergraduate B.S. degree in Food Science & Technology, a thesis-based M.S. in in Food Science & Technology and a Ph.D. in Food Science & Technology. Additionally, FST offers an online Masters in Food Technology (MFT). With nearly 28 faculty and over 100 graduate students across the Athens and Griffin campuses, we are one of the largest departments of FST in the U.S. The department is recognized internationally for its comprehensive and integrative research and outreach portfolio, spanning basic, translational, and applied programs. The Center for Food Safety (CFS) and the Food Product Innovation and Commercialization center (FoodPIC) are core units within the Department of FST.

ABOUT THE COLLEGE: The mission of the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences is to seek, verify, and apply knowledge related to agriculture and the environment, and to disseminate this knowledge through student education and public outreach programs. CAES is among the best and most established colleges of agriculture in the U.S. In its classrooms, its Agricultural Experiment Stations, and its statewide network of UGA Cooperative Extension offices, the faculty, and staff of CAES are dedicated to discovering, teaching, and delivering the science required for healthy living to flourish in Georgia. Agricultural and environmental sciences are only as important as the food you eat, the clothes you wear, and the water and air around you. To improve the quality and guard the safety of life's necessities, the UGA College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences has gathered world- renowned scientists and exceptional students. See https://www.caes.uga.edu/ for additional information.

Inquiries should be directed to Dr. Manpreet Singh, Chair of the Search Committee (manpreet@uga.edu).

Materials to be uploaded include i) a formal letter stating the applicant's qualifications for the position and a statement of leadership philosophy with specific examples of how it has been demonstrated; ii) curriculum vitae; and iii) names and contact information of four professional references (referees will not be contacted without further communication with the applicant). Selected applicants will be required to submit transcripts and a background investigation demonstrating eligibility for employment with the University of Georgia.

Applications received by March 15, 2026, are assured full consideration; however, applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or veteran status or other protected status. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR (hrweb@uga.edu).

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Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found online at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653.