Department Head, Food Science and Technology

Position Details

Position Information

Department Food Science and Techno (AFS)

Position Title Administrator 1-Dept Head

Job Title Department Head, Food Science and Technology

Appointment Type Professional Faculty

Job Location Corvallis

Benefits Eligible Full-Time, benefits eligible

Remote or Hybrid option?

Job Summary

The Department of Food Science & Technology is seeking a Department Head. This is a full-time (1.00 FTE ), 12-month, professional faculty position.

The Department of Food Science and Technology ( FST ) is in the College of Agricultural Sciences at Oregon State University ( OSU ), Corvallis. FST is internationally recognized for excellence in teaching, research, Extension, and outreach, with strengths spanning sustainable food processing and packaging, dairy science, fermentation and microbiology, food and flavor chemistry, sensory, food safety, food and health, product and process development, and artificial intelligence applications in food systems. The Department has a strong land-grant mission and delivers impactful Extension programming in enology, fruit and vegetable processing, dairy, and sustainable food systems. FST is home to a dynamic and collaborative community of faculty, staff, and students and maintains strong partnerships with industry, supported by an engaged and impactful Advisory Board.

The Department Head provides overall administrative leadership to the Department of Food Science and Technology ( FST ) for all of its education, research, and Extension functions. These functions include undergraduate and graduate teaching, research, outreach, development, and international activity. The Head oversees a food science and technology program spanning the Corvallis campus including pilot winery, brewery, and dairy operations, the Food Innovation Center ( FIC ) in Portland, and the OSU Seafood Research & Education Center ( SREC ) in Astoria as one program in three locations. The Department Head is responsible for ensuring the delivery of high standards for teaching, research, and Extension and Outreach by departmental faculty, and for managing, administering, and coordinating the operations of the Department. The Department Head reports directly to the Dean of the College of Agricultural Sciences, and makes management decisions, affecting programs, budget, staffing, and related matters.

This position of Department Head and Jacobs-Root Professorship appointment is subject to reappointment at the discretion of the Dean of the College of Agricultural Sciences. The successful candidate must be tenured or eligible for tenure within the Department and have demonstrated scholarship and the potential for successful academic leadership, as shown by their record of professional service.

The Department Head directly supervises 17 tenured and tenure-track faculty, four professors and instructors in other ranks, 6 professional faculty (staff), and several research and courtesy appointments on the Corvallis campus, and collaborates with leadership at the FIC and SREC as the academic homes for faculty at those locations. The student population consists of 47 graduate students and 95 undergraduate majors.

The Department of Food Science and Technology is supported by approximately $5 million in state funding, $6 million in grants and contracts, and over $9 million in foundation endowments supporting scholarships and research. The department offers a BS in Food Science & Sustainable Technologies including degree options in Food Science, Fermentation Science, and Enology & Viticulture. The Food Science and Fermentation Science options are accredited by the Institute of Food Technologists. The unit offers M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in Food Science and Technology. The unit also operates Beaver Classic, our student-led brand which develops, produces, and sells products on campus and in our community. FST has an externalAdvisory Board ( that advocates for the department and provides advice and strategic direction to the Department Head.

College of Agricultural Sciences faculty are committed to enhancing student success by engaging students in quality opportunities related to their academic program, research, internships, global studies, and other experiential learning. Positions primarily responsible for extension and outreach are committed to learner success through programming appropriate for diverse audiences. The Department Head is expected to embody and advance the principles and practices conveyed in the CAS CARE Commitment ( document.

Oregon State University's commitment to student success includes hiring, retaining, and developing diverse faculty to mentor and educate our undergraduate and graduate students from entry through graduation. The Oregon State Plan, Prosperity Widely Shared, exhibits the strategies we believe are critical to advancing and equalizing learner success. The College of Agricultural Sciences is likewise committed to the success of all learners, as evidenced by its extension and outreach programs under our Strategic Advantages. The new OSU Jen-Hsun Huang and Lori Mills Huang Collaborative Innovation Complex ( will be a dynamic home for team-based transdisciplinary research and teaching. It will be a place where creative, driven faculty and students come together to solve critical challenges facing the world in areas such as climate science, clean energy and water resources. The complex will be home to one of the nation's most powerful supercomputers and will advance the application of AI to OSU's areas of strength.

Why OSU?

Working for Oregon State University is so much more than a job!

Oregon State University is a dynamic community of dreamers, doers, problem-solvers and change-makers. We don't wait for challenges to present themselves - we seek them out and take them on. We welcome students, faculty and staff from every background and perspective into a community where everyone feels seen and heard. We have deep-rooted mindfulness for the natural world and all who depend on it, and together, we apply knowledge, tools and skills to build a better future for all.

FACTS :

-Top 1.4% university in the world

-More research funding than all public universities in Oregon combined

-1 of 3 land, sea, space and sun grant universities in the U.S.

-2 campuses, 11 colleges, 12 experiment stations, and Extension programs in all 36 counties

-7cultural resource centers ( that offer education, celebration and belonging for everyone

-100+ undergraduate degree programs, 80+ graduate degrees plus hundreds of minor options and certificates

-35k+ students including more than 2.3k international students and 10k students of color

-217k+ alumni worldwide

-For more interesting facts about OSU visit:

Locations:

Oregon State has a statewide presence with campuses in Corvallis and Bend, the OSU Portland Center and the Hatfield Marine Science Center on the Pacific Coast in Newport.

Oregon State's beautiful, historic and state-of-the-art main campus is located in one of America's best college towns. Corvallis is located close to the Pacific Ocean, the Cascade mountains and Oregon wine country. Nestled in the heart of the Willamette Valley, this beautiful city offers miles of mountain biking and hiking trails, a river perfect for boating or kayaking and an eclectic downtown featuring local cuisine, popular events and performances.

Total Rewards Package:

Oregon State University offers acomprehensive benefits package ( with benefits eligible positions that is designed to meet the needs of employees and their families including:

-Medical, Dental, Vision and Basic Life. OSU pays 95% of premiums for you and your eligible dependents.

-Free confidential mental health and emotional support services, and counseling resources.

-Retirement savings paid by the university.

-A generous paid leave package, including holidays, vacation and sick leave.

-Tuition reduction benefits for you or your qualifying dependents at OSU or the additional six Oregon Public Universities.

-Robust Work Life programs including Dual Career assistance resources, flexible work arrangements, a Family Resource Center, Affinity Groups and an Employee Assistance Program.

-Optional lifestyle benefits such as pet, accident, and critical illness insurance, giving you peace of mind and the support you need to thrive in all aspects of your life.

Oregon State University is deeply committed to the principles of a Health Promoting University. This commitment drives a collaborative approach across OSU's safety and well-being programs, reducing silos and coordinating efforts to enhance employee safety and well-being. By prioritizing resources that support the health of both employees and students, OSU fosters a culture of care and a healthier campus environment where everyone can thrive.

2025 Best Place for Working Parents® Designation! (

Future and current OSU employees can use theBenefits Calculator ( to learn more about the full value of the benefits provided at OSU .

Key Responsibilities

60% Administration

• Lead and coordinate the department's research, extension, outreach, recruiting, and teaching activities. Conduct this work in shared governance with the FST Leadership Council and College of Agricultural Sciences administrators.

• Oversee daily operations of the department, including ongoing cooperative opportunities and issues.

• Recruit and retain high-quality faculty, communicate expectations and goals, and provide criterion-based performance evaluations. Encourage, support, and create opportunities for faculty and staff development and sabbaticals. Develop effective mentoring relationships and programs to optimize faculty promotion and tenure success. Nominate faculty and staff for department, college, university, or national recognition. Build and promote a work environment that respects and values wide-ranging opinions.

• Champions student success within FST , supporting active engagement in scholarship, industry engagement, and overall student experience.

• Oversee undergraduate and graduate curricula in collaboration with undergraduate and graduate committees, including committee leadership, instructional assignments, peer teaching evaluations, and mentoring, and conduct annual undergraduate curriculum assessments to maintain accreditation by the Institute of Food Technologists.

• Manage departmental budget, making sound investments that advance departmental programs in alignment with the departmental and OSU strategic plans and the college's strategic advantages, while exhibiting sound stewardship and fiscal responsibility. Strive for robust, diverse revenue sources to enhance program resilience. This includes PACE (Continuing Education and Professional Development courses), Extension education, fee-for-service programs, Beaver Classic (our flagship brand for selling student-made products in the College of Agricultural Sciences), and other revenue-generating programs.

• Provides active leadership in advancing the department's goals related to inclusive excellence. Maintains a positive, welcoming, and inclusive work environment.

• Ensures FST compliance with college and university policies.

• Where appropriate, work with other department heads, program, center, station, and Extension regional directors to support critical programs and maintain adequate resources to ensure success.

• Lead facility planning, upgrading, and space allocation to meet department needs and growth.

• Assure that FST programming is relevant to stakeholders including Oregon's Food & Beverage industries, commodity commissions, professional organizations, and other partners and stewards the departmental resources and facilities, including the newly renovated pilot plants.

• Actively fosters relationships with industry, stakeholders, clientele groups, alumni, other universities, state, federal, and international agencies, and public groups.

• Actively encourage engagement by FST's Industry Advisory Board and be sensitive to the board members' guidance.

• Take initiative in working with faculty and the FST Industry Advisory Board comprised of alumni and industry representatives to develop and periodically revise the strategic vision, goals, and objectives for the department that are compatible with CAS and University goals and objectives, and that identify program priorities. These priorities will be used to develop future recommendations for faculty hiring, curriculum changes, and facility upgrades and expansion.

• Interface with Directors for Food Innovation Center and Astoria Seafood Research and Education Station. Contribute to the vision that OSU food science is one program in three locations.

• Participate as a member of the College of Agricultural Sciences administrative team. Contribute to long-range planning, foster inter-unit cooperation, and support college-wide programs. Work collaboratively with the heads of other units to help ensure cross-college planning, coordination, joint programs, and other activities that advance the department's mission.

• Participates in department, college, and university committees.

20% ResearchorTeaching

Research

• Carry out an independent research program funded externally.

• Sustain high scholarly productivity with peer-reviewed publications, presentations at professional conferences, and strong grantsmanship.

• Professional development. Participate in professional, scientific meetings, workshops, direct research programs, and other training.

• Maintain professional and administrative scientific collaborations with other scientists within and outside the University, including state, federal, and international agencies.

• Advise and mentor students (undergraduate and graduate).

• Participates in service to professional organizations as appropriate to achieve departmental, college, university, and professional goals.

Teaching

• Contribute to undergraduate/graduate student teaching in the FST program by teaching and/or co-teaching 1-2 undergraduate classes annually and 1 graduate class every other year.

• Participate in graduate or undergraduate level seminars, workshops, guest lectures, and/or discussion groups.

• Along with all graduate faculty, participate in rotational teaching of writing-intensive courses and graduate seminars. In addition to formal coursework, provide mentorship to graduate students in their advanced degree programs and undergraduate students in experiential learning projects.

• Demonstrate a commitment to promoting inclusive excellence, including efforts in promoting equitable outcomes among all learners. Modality may include a combination of in-person and Ecampus delivery of instruction.

20% Development and Fundraising:

• Work collaboratively with OSU Foundation development officers and the Dean of the College of Agricultural Sciences to develop private gifts that provide new department facilities, endowed professorships, student scholarships, or support of department personnel and operations.

• Develop effective alumni, industry partner, and stakeholder relationships to support FST operations and facilities.

• Actively apply for or raise external funding to support continued development and renovation of FST facilities to ensure world-class infrastructure for teaching, research, and industry partnerships.

What You Will Need

Earned doctorate in food science or a closely related disciplinary field.

Record of teaching, mentoring, research, outreach, Extension and other professional accomplishments that will support tenure at the rank of Professor. This includes a national/international record of scholarly achievement in research, Extension, instructional and/or service activities within the food sciences or related disciplines. Leadership experience and demonstrated success as an interdisciplinary team player who actively seeks collaboration, promotes the success of the teams and people with whom they collaborate and manage.

Budget management and administrative experience.

Excellent oral and written communication skills.

Demonstrated effectiveness in working with a diverse group of industry partners, public agencies, private organizations, students, staff, and/or faculty. Demonstrated commitment to inclusive excellence.

This position is designated as a critical or security-sensitive position; therefore, the incumbent must successfully complete a criminal history check and be determined to be position qualified as per University Standard: 05-010 et seq. Incumbents are required to self-report convictions and those in youth programs may have additional criminal history checks every 24 months.

What We Would Like You to Have

Demonstrated success in donor development, fundraising, and stewardship.

Demonstrated successful and visionary leadership in the strategic planning and management of a large and complex organization or research program.

A demonstrated appreciation for the mission of a Land-, Sea-, Sun-, and Space-Grant institution.

Proven success in public/private (i.e., academic/industry) partnerships.

Demonstrated experience in entrepreneurship, technology transfer, and/or development of intellectual property.

Demonstrated ability to generate and actively manage multiple, diverse revenue streams.

Demonstrated success in training, mentoring, and facilitating career advancement of team members.

Working Conditions / Work Schedule

Primarily office environment, teaching in classrooms and lab environment. After hour and weekend, work may be required to fulfill the duties of the position. Travel to meetings and conferences will be required as needed to fulfill the duties of the position. The incumbent will determine the appropriate travel methods.

Pay Method Salary

Pay Period 1st through the last day of the month

Pay Date Last working day of the month

Recommended Full-Time Salary Range Salary is commensurate with skills, education, and experience

Link to Position Description

Posting Detail Information

Posting Number P09847UF

Number of Vacancies 1

Anticipated Appointment Begin Date 01/01/2027

Anticipated Appointment End Date

Posting Date 04/10/2026

Full Consideration Date 06/30/2026

Closing Date 07/31/2026

Indicate how you intend to recruit for this search Competitive / External - open to ALL qualified applicants

Special Instructions to Applicants

To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by June 30, 2026.Applications will continue to be accepted after the full consideration date, until a sufficient applicant pool has been achieved or the position is filled. The closing date is subject to change without notice to applicants.

When applying you will be required to attach the following electronic documents:

1. A resume/CV; and

2. A cover letter. In your cover letter, please address how you meet each minimum and preferred (if applicable) qualification.

You will also be required to submit the names of at least three professional references, their e-mail addresses and telephone numbers as part of the application process. References will not be contacted until the search committee or hiring authority has approval from the candidate to do so.

For additional information please contact:

Adam Ward

View email address on click.appcast.io

We anticipate conducting initial interview for the position in July 2026, with on-campus interviews in Fall 2026, with the selected candidate starting as early as January 2027.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability, protected veteran, and other protected status.

OSU will conduct a review of the National Sex Offender Public website prior to hire.

Starting salary within the salary range will be commensurate with skills, education, and experience.

OSU is a fair chance employer committed to inclusive hiring. We encourage applications from candidates who bring a wide range of lived experience including involvement with the justice system. This job has "critical or security-sensitive" responsibilities. If you are selected as a finalist, your initial job offer will be contingent upon the results of a job-related pre-employment check (such as a background check, motor vehicle history check, sexual misconduct reference check, etc.). Background check results do not automatically disqualify a candidate. Take a look at ourBackground Checks ( website including thefor candidates ( section for more details. If you have questions or concerns about the pre-employment check, please contact OSU's Employee and Labor Relations team View email address on click.appcast.io.

Supplemental Questions

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OSU commits to inclusive excellence by advancing equity and diversity in all that we do. We are an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer, and particularly encourage applications from members of historically underrepresented racial/ethnic groups, women, individuals with disabilities, veterans, LGBTQ community members, and others who demonstrate the ability to help us achieve our vision of a diverse and inclusive community.