Professor and Head, Department of Biosystems Engineering and Soil Science

Description

POSITION SUMMARY 

The University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture (UTIA) seeks applications and nominations for the position of Professor and Head of the Department of Biosystems Engineering and Soil Science. This is a 12-month, tenured position. We seek a dynamic and visionary leader who will foster excellence in teaching, research, and Extension programs. The department head is responsible for executing a department-developed strategic vision for the department to support UTIA’s Land Grant mission of advancing agriculture and natural resources through research, education, and service. 

ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT 

The Department of Biosystems Engineering and Soil Science is an integral part of UTIA. It is a unique combination of agricultural engineering, soil science, environmental science, construction science and management, and biosystems engineering faculty. It has close academic, research, and Extension connections with other UTIA departments, with other colleges and units at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and with collaborative research partners at nearby Oak Ridge National Laboratory. The Department includes award-winning faculty who advance knowledge through research in precision agriculture, water resources, soil health, energy systems, bioprocessing, environmental quality, AI and sensor technology, circular bioeconomy, and sustainable land use. High-quality graduate and undergraduate programs are offered in biosystems engineering, environmental and soil sciences, construction science and management, and biosystems engineering technology. The teaching program in biosystems engineering is closely aligned with course offerings in Tickle College of Engineering. Extension faculty are actively engaged in high-impact educational programs across the state on issues important to Tennessee and the nation. Department personnel include 34 AgResearch, Extension, and Teaching faculty (16  biosystems engineering, 5 construction science and management, and 13 soil and environmental science), 5 professional staff, and 4 support staff. Funding comes from recurring, appropriated funds and active and successful grants and contracts programs. Unique strengths of the Department include the ability to approach research and Extension problems with multidisciplinary teams of engineers and soil scientists.  

Additional information about the department is available at https://bess.tennessee.edu  and more information on the Knoxville area can be found at https://www.utk.edu/about/knoxville. 

JOB DESCRIPTION  

The Department Head’s responsibilities include leadership of all departmental programs and administrative responsibility for planning, fiscal management, human resources, and facilities. The Department Head reports to the Deans of AgResearch, UT Extension, and the Herbert College of Agriculture, working with their offices to accomplish departmental goals and objectives. The Head guides the Department in its mission to deliver nationally and internationally recognized programs in teaching, research, and Extension. The Head helps articulate and promote the Department’s vision to provide high quality, relevant education and training for undergraduate and graduate students that encompasses the vision of the University of Tennessee - a world enriched by our ideas, improved through action, and inspired by the Volunteer spirit of service and leadership- thus positioning students to take their places as academic and industry leaders in the state of Tennessee and the world.  

The Department Head will serve as the chief executive officer of the department and will be responsible for providing dynamic, visionary leadership in the following key areas: 

• Strategic Leadership: Provide direction for the department’s teaching, research, Extension, and service missions, ensuring alignment with institute and university goals. 

• Stakeholder Engagement: Collaborate with faculty, staff, students, administration, alumni, industry partners, advisory groups, and external constituencies to establish priorities and guide departmental growth. 

• Faculty and Staff Development: Recruit, support, mentor, and evaluate a diverse team of faculty and staff; lead efforts in performance management, retention, and professional development. 

• Student Success: Oversee student recruitment, advising, and support efforts to enhance enrollment, retention, and student achievement within the department’s disciplines. 

• Academic Program Quality: Ensure the health, accreditation, and continuous improvement of academic programs, maintaining high standar