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.

The successful candidate is expected to: 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.

For more information about the Department of Dietetics and Human Nutrition, please visit https://dhn.mgcafe.uky.edu/.

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:

Application materials should be in PDF format and include:

• Application cover letter describing background and expertise specifically related to this position at the University of Kentucky
• Career CV
• Statement of extension and applied research interests (1-2 pages; upload under Special Request)
• Statement of teaching (1-2 pages; upload under Special Request)
• 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
Courtney.Luecking@uky.edu