Assistant/Associate Professor in Culinary

Auburn University; Auburn (AL); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Summer teaching assignments

Job summary

Auburn University is seeking a tenure-track Assistant or Associate Professor in Culinary Science. This role involves teaching undergraduate courses, conducting research, and advising students. Applicants need a Ph.D. in a related field, at least three years of industry experience, and ServSafe certification. Additional experience in program development and administrative roles is a plus. The position begins in January or August 2027, and applications are due by August 24, 2026.

Qualifications

• Minimum of three years of industry experience in culinary or food and beverage field.
• ServSafe certification required.
• Familiarity with accreditation procedures and national standards.

Responsibilities

• Teach undergraduate courses in culinary science and food production.
• Establish and sustain an active research program.
• Advise undergraduate students within the Culinary Science Program.

Skills

Teaching effectiveness

Research experience

Industry experience

Administrative experience

Education

Earned doctorate (Ph.D. or equivalent) in culinary or hospitality management

Job description

Overview

Auburn University seeks applications for a nine-month, tenure-track faculty position at the rank of either Assistant or Associate Professor in the Culinary Science Program Study Option within the Horst Schulze School of Hospitality Management, College of Human Sciences. The anticipated start date is January (Spring Semester) 2027 or August (Fall Semester) 2027. This position carries a distribution of 50 percent teaching, 35 percent research, 10 percent student advising, and 5 percent service. The teaching load will be two courses per semester (2-2) during the fall and spring terms. There will also be an opportunity for summer teaching assignments.

The College of Human Sciences at Auburn University advances human well‑being through programs focused on innovation and global impact. The Horst Schulze School of Hospitality Management offers undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral degree programs through three study options: Hotel and Restaurant Management, Event Management, and Culinary Science. All academic activity takes place in the Tony and Libba Rane Culinary Science Center, a 142,000-square‑foot facility that integrates classroom learning with applied teaching laboratories and an operating teaching restaurant. The Center features demonstration and production kitchens, a bakery, a microbrewery, sensory labs, the 1856 Restaurant, The Laurel Hotel, and a rooftop garden, all of which together serve as living laboratories for student and faculty innovation.

Responsibilities

The successful candidate will join a collegial and expanding team of hospitality/culinary educators and researchers in a dynamic program known for experiential learning and strong industry partnerships. Responsibilities include:

• Teaching undergraduate courses in culinary science and food production, such as HOSP 2350 Culinary Fundamentals, HOSP 3450 Advanced Culinary, and HOSP 4480 Global Gastronomy.
• Establishing and sustaining an active research program that results in peer‑reviewed publications and attracting the necessary external funding to support this research program. To this end, the successful candidate is expected to collaborate with other program faculty on research and scholarship.
• Advising undergraduate students within the Culinary Science Program Study Option and mentoring them in academic and professional development activities.
• Contributing to program assessment, accreditation, and curricular innovation in collaboration with faculty and staff.
• Providing service to the School of Hospitality Management, the College of the Human Sciences, Auburn University, the profession, and community consistent with rank and expertise.
• Potentially, the coordination and administration of the Culinary Science Study Option.
• Collaborating with faculty and various other program culinary operations, including the 1856 Teaching Restaurant, The Culinary Incubator in the Hey Day Market, and other facilities within the Tony and Libba Rane Culinary Science Center, to integrate instruction, research, and applied projects.

Qualifications

• Earned doctorate (Ph.D. or equivalent) from an accredited institution in culinary, hospitality management, food service management, or a closely related field at the time of appointment.
• Applicants must have a minimum of three (3) years of industry experience in the culinary or food and beverage field, be ServSafe certified, and have prior administrative experience.
• The candidate should be familiar with accreditation procedures and national standards for the discipline. Proven record of teaching effectiveness and scholarly publications in food service, culinary, or hospitality management.
• Eligibility to work in the United States at the time of appointment and throughout employment.

Desired

• Experience with culinary program development, assessment, and delivery. Senior‑level experience in managing educational or commercial culinary or hospitality operations is also desired.
• Research and teaching experience in applied or experimental culinary arts, sensory evaluation, or food and beverage innovation.
• Evidence of effective engagement with industry or interdisciplinary research teams.
• Experience in curriculum development or program administration. Appointment level will be determined by experience and qualifications.

Applications must be submitted online through Auburn University’s employment portal. A complete application will include: A cover letter describing teaching, research, and administrative interests. A curriculum vitae. Academic transcripts from all universities attended. A statement of teaching philosophy, with evidence of student feedback. A statement of current and planned research. Contact information for three professional references (name, address, phone, and email).

Application review will begin on August 24, 2026, and will continue until the position is filled.

For additional information, contact:

David S. Martin, PhD
Search Committee Chair
Horst Schulze School of Hospitality Management
Email: [e-mail]

Contract Type

Continuing

Equal Opportunity Compliance Statement

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