Assistant Professor, Extension Title Series

University of Kentucky; Lexington (KY); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive medical coverage

Retirement plans

Life insurance

Job summary

The University of Kentucky invites applications for a full-time Assistant Professor in the Extension Title Series within the Department of Dietetics and Human Nutrition. The successful candidate will develop and implement innovative nutrition programming to address community health needs, secure funding for applied research, and provide educational leadership.

Preferred qualifications include RDN licensure or eligibility in Kentucky, with strong communication skills and experience in mentoring. The role involves classroom instruction and working collaboratively to support diverse stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Candidates must hold a terminal degree in dietetics or human nutrition.
• Evidence of applied research, strong written and oral communication skills.
• Experience in community engagement is expected.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement innovative nutrition programming.
• Secure funding for applied research supporting extension activities.
• Provide educational leadership related to nutrition's role in health.

Skills

Applied research expertise

Strong communication skills

Community engagement experience

Teaching in nutrition biochemistry

Education

Terminal degree (PhD, EdD, DCN)

Job description

Job Title

Assistant Professor, Extension Title Series

Requisition Number

FE04916

Department Name

81500:Dietetics and Human Nutrition

Work Location

Lexington, KY

Type of Position

Faculty

Position Time Status

Full-Time

Tenure Track Status

Tenure Track

Required Education

Candidates must hold a terminal degree (PhD, EdD, DCN) in the field of dietetics or human nutrition (or a related field).

Required Related Experience

Evidence of expertise in applied research, strong written and oral communication skills to translate science for technical and non-technical audiences, and experience in community engagement is expected

Required License/Registration/Certification

NA

Job Summary

Location: Lexington, KY

The Position

The Department of Dietetics and Human Nutrition at the University of Kentucky invites applications for a full‑time, twelve‑month, tenure‑eligible assistant professor position in the Extension Title Series. The position has an expected distribution of effort (DOE) of approximately 75% Extension, 20% instruction, and 5% service through annual agreement with the Department Chair. The anticipated start date is January 1, 2027. The University of Kentucky is a Land‑Grant University that holds a tripartite mission of research, teaching, and extension. Extension refers to sharing research and innovations with the people, organizations, and communities of the Commonwealth through outreach initiatives, such as the Cooperative Extension. The University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service is the most comprehensive outreach and engagement program of the University. This Extension faculty position is based on campus and will support communities in Kentucky with research and training that addresses local needs.

Responsibilities

1. Develop, implement, and evaluate innovative nutrition programming that addresses the health and wellness needs of Kentucky.
2. Secure funding to conduct applied research that supports extension activities.
3. Provide educational leadership and expertise for the Cooperative Extension Service and statewide networks related to nutrition’s role in health and wellness.
4. Build mutually beneficial relationships with a variety of stakeholders to co‑produce and implement innovations that address nutrition, health, and wellness issues.
5. Support experiential learning opportunities for students through outreach and engagement efforts.
6. Exhibit excellence in classroom instruction at both the undergraduate and graduate levels (instruction includes Advanced Nutrition and/or Nutritional Biochemistry).
7. Support and expand multidisciplinary opportunities with other units in the college and at the university.

Qualifications

Candidates must hold a terminal degree (PhD, EdD, DCN) in the field of dietetics or human nutrition (or a related field). RDN required with licensure, or eligibility for licensure, in Kentucky is preferred. Evidence of expertise in applied research, strong written and oral communication skills to translate science for technical and non‑technical audiences, and experience in community engagement is expected. As well, evidence of potential for grantsmanship, publication, and presentations at regional and national conferences should be provided. Evidence related to instruction and mentoring of undergraduate and/or graduate students is expected. The main areas of teaching can vary and be determined by department needs and candidate experience and expertise; however, a professional background or experience teaching in nutrition biochemistry and/or advanced nutrition (micronutrients) is preferred.

Salary and Benefits

Salary is commensurate with training and experience. Employment at UK is subject to fund availability and comes with many rewards, focusing on your total wellbeing and career development, with leadership striving to provide a strong work‑life integration. The university generously contributes to employees’ retirement plans, medical coverage, and life insurance. In addition, UK offers optional benefits such as dental and vision insurance, additional retirement plans and much more. To learn more about these benefits, please visit www.uky.edu/HR/benefits.

Application

1. Application cover letter describing background and expertise specifically related to this position at the University of Kentucky.
2. Career CV.
3. Statement of extension and applied research interests (1‑2 pages; upload under Special Request).
4. Statement of teaching (1‑2 pages; upload under Special Request).
5. Names and contact information for three references (upload under Specific Request).

Application materials should be submitted by August 1, 2026.

The Environment

The department’s Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) and Accelerated Coordinated Program in Dietetics (ACP) are accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) and the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND). In addition, the department offers a BS in Human Nutrition, MS in Nutrition and Food Systems (with fully online option), two undergraduate certificates (Nutrition Issues in Physical Activity and Food Systems and Hunger Studies), and one graduate certificate (Applied Nutrition and Culinary Medicine). The dietetics and human nutrition curriculum incorporates high‑impact experiential learning experiences including internships, undergraduate research, and international and domestic study programs. The Department of Dietetics and Human Nutrition has a rich tradition of community engagement and integration in Extension projects throughout the Commonwealth. Faculty service includes service on departmental and college committees and participation in student‑focused events such as Commencement.

The Martin‑Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment (MGCAFE) is fulfilling the land‑grant promise of educational excellence, civic leadership, transformational research, and shared knowledge serving the common good. We serve the people of the Commonwealth and across the world through education, outreach, service, and research by finding solutions to improve lives today and create a sustainable future. We integrate teaching, research, and extension in our work. We recruit, retain, and graduate students who are competent, responsible, and workforce ready.

For more than 130 years, MGCAFE has provided research results to the community. From traditional labs and research farms to high‑tech diagnostic and research centers, we offer science‑based, practical solutions that affect the everyday lives of Kentuckians and people around the world. Our Cooperative Extension programs are engaged in Kentucky’s 120 counties, identifying and addressing needs not only in agriculture and natural resources, but also 4‑H and youth development, family and consumer sciences, as well as community & economic development.

Questions and Nominations Contact

Courtney Luecking
Department of Dietetics and Human Nutrition
University of Kentucky
859-257-9047
[e-mail]

Does this position have supervisory responsibilities?

No

Preferred Education/Experience

RDN required with licensure, or eligibility for licensure, in Kentucky is preferred; evidence of potential for grantsmanship, publication, and presentations at regional and national conferences should be provided. Evidence related to instruction and mentoring of undergraduate and/or graduate students is expected.

Open Until Filled

Yes

Our University Community

We value the well‑being of each of our employees and are dedicated to creating a healthy place for everyone to work, learn and live. In the interest of maintaining a safe and healthy environment for our students, employees, patients and visitors, the University of Kentucky is a Tobacco & Drug Free campus.

The University follows both the federal and state Constitutions as well as all applicable federal and state laws on nondiscrimination. The University provides equal opportunities for qualified persons in all aspects of institutional operations and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnic origin, religion, creed, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, uniformed service, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information or social or economic status or whether the person is a smoker or nonsmoker, as long as the person complies with University regulation concerning smoking.

Any candidate offered a position may be required to pass pre‑employment screenings as mandated by University of Kentucky Human Resources. These screenings may include a national background check and/or drug screen.