Assistant/Associate Professor and Extension Specialist Nutritional Sciences

Auburn University; Auburn (AL); On-site; USD 60,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Auburn University invites applications for a 12-month, tenure-track Extension specialist in nutrition and chronic disease prevention to begin January 6, 2027. This position is at the Assistant/Associate rank within the Department of Nutritional Sciences and Alabama Cooperative Extension System.

Responsibilities include leading innovative programs, training regional extension agents, developing educational tools, conducting applied research, securing funding, and disseminating results through

Qualifications

• PhD in Nutrition or related area or completion of 18+ graduate credit hours of Nutrition coursework at start date.
• Excellent communication skills required for collaboration and reporting.

Responsibilities

• Lead planning, development, implementation, and evaluation of evidence-based nutrition programs and applied research.
• Train and support Regional Extension Agents to implement and report impacts.
• Identify, develop, and deliver educational tools grounded in scientific research.
• Design and undertake Extension and applied research projects engaging communities.
• Establish and maintain a funded Extension and applied research program.
• Disseminate programming and research findings through journals and conferences.
• Participate in annual plans of work, federal reports, and impact reporting.
• Collaborate with faculty on interdisciplinary research and program planning.
• Mentor students in developing and delivering educational tools and programs.
• Teach 1 course per year as assigned.
• Meet AAES/ACES reporting requirements and contribute to service.
• Contribute to department, college, ACES, AAES, and professional service.

Skills

Communication skills

Education

PhD in Nutrition or related area

18 graduate nutrition credits

Job description

Overview

The Department of Nutritional Sciences in the College of Human Sciences and Alabama Cooperative Extension at Auburn University invite applications for a 12-month, tenure-track Extension specialist position at the Assistant/Associate rank in the area of nutrition and chronic disease prevention and management to begin January 6, 2027.

POSITION AVAILABILITY:

We are seeking candidates with an area of programming and applied research pertinent to the application of nutrition to promote health and prevent/manage chronic diseases. Possible areas of expertise include but are not limited to health; healthy food decisions and related behaviors; food security; health disparities in the context of nutrition; and preventing and managing nutrition-related chronic diseases.

Responsibilities

Responsibilities include:

• Lead planning, development, implementation, and evaluation of innovative, evidence-based programs and applied research.
• Train, collaborate with, and support the team of Regional Extension Agents (REAs) to implement, evaluate, and report impacts on the practical information and technical instruction that they provide to individuals and families in communities throughout Alabama.
• Identify, develop, and deliver educational tools (e.g., presentations, publications, videos, and website information) grounded in scientific research.
• Design and undertake evidence-based Extension and applied research projects that engage and involve client groups, stakeholders, and communities to improve their quality of life.
• Establish and maintain a strong funded Extension and applied research program.
• Disseminate programming and research scholarship through journals and conference presentations and seek recognition of excellence in programming in accordance with Promotion and Tenure requirements.
• Participate in and assist the Human Sciences Extension program team in the development of annual plans of work, federal reports, and other impact reports for stakeholders.
• Collaborate with Human Sciences faculty on interdisciplinary research and program planning.
• Engage and mentor Human Sciences students in developing and delivering educational tools and programs.
• Guide student’s research, as appropriate.
• Teach 1 course per year as assigned by the Department of Nutritional Sciences
• Meet annualAAESHatch Project andACESreporting requirements
• Contribute to departmental, college, ACES, AAES, and professional service.

THE DEPARTMENT:

The Department of Nutritional Sciences employs 11 faculty members and is affiliated with the College of Human Sciences. The department offers a baccalaureate degree with program options in Nutrition Science, Dietetics, and Wellness, and a master’s, and doctoral degree programs in Nutrition. Opportunities to engage in collaborative research include other departments in The College of Human Sciences, Hunger Solutions Institute, The College of Agriculture, Alabama Cooperative Extension System, Auburn University Boshell Diabetes and Metabolic Disease Research Program, East Alabama Health, and the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM). More information about the department can be found at http://humsci.auburn.edu/nutrition/.

The Alabama Cooperative Extension System is the outreach and engagement organization for the land grant mission of AU and Alabama A & M University. Extension professionals, including Regional Extension Agents and Specialists, deliver science-based educational programs in all 67 counties that enable individuals, families, and communities to improve their quality of life and economic well-being. Additional information on the Alabama Cooperative Extension System can be found at https://www.aces.edu/.

The University:

Auburn University is one of the nation’s premier public land-grant institutions with a multicultural student enrollment of over 31,000, including 5,800 graduate students. Organized into twelve academic colleges and schools, Auburn’s 1,450 faculty members offer more than 200 educational programs. Auburn University is nationally recognized for its commitment to academic excellence and community engagement, its positive work environment, its thriving student life programs, and its beautiful campus. The University is home to dozens of research centers and state of the art facilities (https://cws.auburn.edu/ovpr). Auburn is located in eastern Alabama and is recognized as one of the “best small towns in America,” with moderate climate and easy access to beach and mountain recreational facilities. The combined twin towns of Auburn and historic Opelika boast excellent public school systems and regional medical centers. The cities of Montgomery and Columbus are nearby and the large cities of Birmingham and Atlanta are less than two hours away.

For additional information about joining the faculty, visit http://www.auburn.edu/academic/provost/facultyjobs/. Auburn University is understanding and sensitive to the needs of faculty, including dual-career couples.

Qualifications

PhD in Nutrition or Nutrition-related area or successful completion of 18 or more graduate credit hours of coursework in Nutrition at the time employment begins. The candidate selected for this position must be able to meet eligibility requirements to work in the United States at the time the appointment is scheduled to begin and continue working legally for the proposed term of employment; excellent communication skills required.

Please provide an application letter (containing research and teaching interests), a current CV, Ph.D. transcripts, and samples of no more than three recent publications. In addition, three professional references with names, email addresses, and phone numbers must be provided. Only complete application materials will be considered. The review of applications will begin on October 5, 2026 and continue until the position is filled. For more information, please contact: Laura Downey, Search Committee Chair at [e-mail].

Minimum Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Registered Dietitian (RD) credential desired.

Contract Type

Continuing

Why Work at Auburn?

Ready to lead and shape the future of higher education?

• Life-Changing Impact: Our work changes lives through research, instruction, and outreach, making a lasting impact on our students, our communities, and the world.
• Culture of Excellence: We are committed to leveraging our strengths, resources, collaboration, and innovation as a top employer in higher education.
• We’re Here for You:Auburn offers generous benefits, educational opportunities, and a culture of support and work/life balance.
• Sweet Home Alabama:The Auburn/Opelika area offers southern charm, vibrant downtown scenes, top-ranked schools, and easy access to Atlanta, Birmingham, and the Gulf of Mexico beaches.
• A Place for Everyone:Auburn is committed to fostering an environment where all faculty, staff, and students are welcomed, valued, respected, and engaged.

Equal Opportunity Compliance Statement

It is our policy to provide equal employment and education opportunities for all individuals without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other classification protected by applicable law. Please visit their website to learn more.