Ubbink new head of Food Science and Nutrition

Johan B. (“Job”) Ubbink, Ph.D., has been named the new head of the Department of Food Science and Nutrition. Job will begin serving in his role on August 26.

Job comes to us from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, where he is professor and head of the Food Science and Nutrition department. Prior experiences include positions as senior scientist at Givaudan, as global expert materials science at the Nestlé Research Center in Switzerland and in various consulting roles in the food industry. 

Job’s proven experience, record as a leader in several capacities, and understanding of the critical role food science and nutrition plays in a strong food-secure future will serve him well in his new role in CFANS. 

"The current generation of students is not only looking for a stable job and a sound career perspective, but is increasingly also looking for a broader purpose in life with the ambition to make a change for the benefit of others and for society," Job said. "This is one of the factors that make nutrition appealing as an academic study, but it should be emphasized that, via food science, students engage in solving many important societal issues related to the sustainability of the food chain and to human health."

His research has focused on the exploration of the physical science of complex food systems, aiming to develop novel, sustainable technologies and products in the food field; to support the development of appealing and healthy foods for culturally-diverse populations; and to facilitate industry engagement in research and stimulating innovation in the food and foodservice industries. Additional interests include culinary science and the cultural aspects of food choice and habits.

Job’s past affiliations include a visiting professorship in food engineering at the University of Campinas in Brazil, an honorary fellowship at the School of Physics at the University of Bristol, and a lectureship in the Department of Health Sciences and Technology at the ETH Zurich. He has published extensively and among his other extensive accomplishes are his roles as founding member of the editorial board of Food & Function, Royal Society of Chemistry; founder of the symposium series on the Delivery of Functionality in Complex Food Systems; and as invited expert to the European Commission.

Job earned his Ph.D. in chemical engineering and materials science from the Delft University of Technology and his B.Sc. and M.Sc. in physical and macromolecular chemistry from Leiden University, both in the Netherlands.

"I am looking forward to developing strong relationships with the department and our outstanding students,” Job said. “Part of being a global leader in food science and nutrition is knowing how to connect faculty and students with stakeholders in society, and industry. This is essential to ensure a robust future for our food system that is sustainable as well as providing healthy and appealing foods that cater to the diverse needs of today’s population."