Assistant Professor, Extension Title Series in Nutrition and Dietetics University of Kentucky in United States

The University of Kentucky’s Department of Dietetics and Human Nutrition is recruiting a tenure-eligible Assistant Professor in the Extension Title Series. This is a faculty opening focused on nutrition, dietetics, human nutrition, public health, extension, applied research, teaching, and community engagement.

The position is based in Lexington, Kentucky, and is part of the University of Kentucky’s land-grant mission through the Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment. The successful candidate will spend approximately 75% of effort in Extension, 20% in instruction, and 5% in service. The role emphasizes developing, implementing, and evaluating innovative nutrition programming for Kentucky communities, securing funding for applied research, building stakeholder partnerships, and supporting experiential learning for students.

Teaching responsibilities may include undergraduate and graduate instruction, with preferred expertise in advanced nutrition and/or nutritional biochemistry. The department also highlights its accredited dietetics programs, BS and MS offerings, certificates, and strong tradition of community engagement across the Commonwealth.

Eligibility highlights: applicants must hold a terminal degree (PhD, EdD, or DCN) in dietetics, human nutrition, or a related field. RDN status is required, with Kentucky licensure or eligibility preferred. The department seeks evidence of applied research expertise, strong communication skills, community engagement experience, grantsmanship potential, publication/presentation record, and mentoring/teaching experience.

Funding and benefits: salary is commensurate with training and experience. Employment is subject to fund availability. UK offers retirement contributions, medical coverage, life insurance, and optional dental and vision benefits.

Application window: materials are due by August 1, 2026. Required documents include a cover letter, CV, statement of extension and applied research interests, statement of teaching, and three references.

For more information, applicants can review the department page and submit through the University of Kentucky applicant portal.