About UMass Amherst

UMass Amherst, the Commonwealth's flagship campus, is a nationally ranked public research university offering a full range of undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees. The University sits on nearly 1,450-acres in the scenic Pioneer Valley of Western Massachusetts, and offers a rich cultural environment in a bucolic setting close to major urban centers. In addition, the University is part of the Five Colleges (including Amherst College, Hampshire College, Mount Holyoke College, and Smith College), which adds to the intellectual energy of the region.

The Department of Food Science at UMass Amherst is regarded as one of the best departments for research in the country, ranked #1 in food science in the US and among the best in the world by several organizations. The department currently has 15 faculty. Several of our faculty are ranked among the most highly cited in the world, further underscoring the world-class research conducted in the department. The department currently has about 120 undergraduate and 90 graduate students, in addition to numerous visiting scientists and postdoctoral scholars. The department also has four full-time lab technicians, each working with a specific group of labs based on research topics. Additionally, the department has three administrative staff members to aid the department.

The UMass Amherst Center for Agriculture, Food, and the Environment (CAFE) combines research with public education and extension/outreach. The Center plays a leadership role in fulfilling the university’s public land-grant mission, creating linkages between academic expertise and a variety of stakeholders to solve problems and address issues related to food and agriculture, natural resources, community health, nutrition, and youth development. CAFE is based in the College of Natural Sciences and relies on a combination of state and federal (USDA) funds to manage the two major land-grant units: UMass Extension and the Massachusetts Agricultural Experiment Station. CAFE also manages research and extension farms and field stations across the state, as well as smaller units focused on water resources and clean energy.

Job Summary

The Department of Food Science seeks a dynamic candidate to establish and lead an integrated extension and research program addressing critical food system challenges. This position offers a pathway to advance into a leadership role managing extension efforts with cutting-edge facilities (e.g., GMP pilot plant and innovation kitchen). Under exceptional circumstances, highly qualified candidates at other ranks may receive consideration.

The new faculty member would link efforts in these areas within the Department of Food Science with research and extension programs managed by the Center for Agriculture, Food & the Environment (CAFE) and the University. We are committed to teaching and serving a diverse student body, professional practitioners, and the broader public.

Essential Functions

• Extension & Research (70%):
  • Develop a high impact, externally funded extension and research program that supports and promotes local and state food through workshops, technical assistance, and other forms of public outreach and education. Examples of areas the faculty member can work on include:
    • Support regional, state, and national initiatives, for example, the Pioneer Valley Food Innovation Hub and the Massachusetts Food Systems Collaborative.
    • Lead and participate in initiatives that promote interdisciplinary and cross-campus collaborations that result in public/education programs and significant community impacts. Enhance cross-campus impact and strengthen connections between food science and other campus initiatives (e.g., food as medicine, sustainability, translational research).
    • Support and maintain collaboration with the food industry, such as the UMass Food Science Industrial Strategic Research Alliance.
• Teaching (20%):
  • Teach relevant courses and mentor students, fostering the next generation of food science professionals. The new faculty member will have the opportunity to modify and develop courses in food science for both campus and online programs and guide students in related internships.
• Service (10%):
  • Engage in departmental, college, and university committees and represent the department at local, state, and national levels.

Other Functions

• Work collaboratively and effectively to promote teamwork and inclusive excellence. 
• Work in partnership with colleagues within the CNS community and across the campus to support the Dean’s strategic priorities.
• Perform other duties as assigned in support of the mission and goals of the College of Natural Sciences.

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)

• A PhD in Food Science, Nutrition, Agricultural Sciences, or a related field; or an MS in Food Science, Nutrition, Agricultural Sciences, or a related field with at least three (3) years of industry or extension experience.

Preferred Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)

• Strong commitment to research and extension, as well as to industry and community engagement.
• Record of success in higher education, industry, policy/government, entrepreneurship or other areas related to food science research and extension.
• Broad expertise in food or relevant sciences, with flexibility to address emerging areas in food processing, access, health, sustainability, and/or safety.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to effectively teach students and adults from diverse backgrounds.
• Capacity for successful engagement with the food industry.
• Capacity for successful engagement with community organizations, policymakers, farmers, advocacy groups, and other public entities.
• Experience and interest that aligns with at least one of UMass Food Science’s research emphases.

Additional Details

• Some travel is required.
• This is a 12-month, non-tenure track faculty appointment.
• Expected start date of September 1, 2025.

Work Location

• This is an in-person position located at the University of Massachusetts Amherst Campus.

Salary Information

• Commensurate with experience.

Special Instructions to Applicants

Along with the application, applicants should submit a (1) Cover Letter (2-page maximum), (2) Curriculum Vitae, (3) Statement of Interest and Vision for Integrating Extension and Research (3 pages maximum), (4) Statement of Teaching Philosophy (2-page limit), (5) Contact information for three references and a (6) Statement of Contribution to Inclusive Excellence (see below).

The department values candidates who have experience working in settings with students from diverse backgrounds and who possess a strong commitment to contributing to the success of historically underrepresented groups. Review of applications will begin February 1, 2025.

At UMass Amherst and in CNS, we strive to be a community where every individual feels a sense of belonging, where every individual is included, and where every individual is valued. You can find these values and goals here: https://www.umass.edu/strategicplan/strategic-plan. For this reason, we request that all applicants submit a Contributions to Inclusive Excellence Statement that addresses how you see yourself contributing to our community and campus climate and/or our shared goals of building a more inclusive, equitable, and diverse community.

A statement from the college on inclusive excellence can be found at www.umass.edu/natural-sciences/diversity-equity-and-inclusion

The University is committed to active recruitment of a diverse faculty and student body. The University of Massachusetts Amherst is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer of women, minorities, protected veterans, and individuals with disabilities and encourages applications from these and other protected group members. Because broad diversity is essential to an inclusive climate and critical to the University’s goals of achieving excellence in all areas, we will holistically assess the many qualifications of each applicant and favorably consider an individual’s record working with students and colleagues with broadly diverse perspectives, experiences, and backgrounds in educational, research or other work activities. We will also favorably consider experience overcoming or helping others overcome barriers to an academic career and degree.