Assistant Professor

Posting Details

Posting Details

Job Title: Assistant Professor

Requisition Number: FE04824

Working Title: Department Name 81500Dietetics and Human Nutrition

Work Location: Lexington, KY

Type of Position: Faculty Position

Time Status: Full-Time

Tenure Track Status: Tenure Track

Required

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. Evidence related to instruction and mentoring of undergraduate and/or graduate students is expected. As well, evidence of potential for grantsmanship, publication, and presentations at regional and national conferences should be provided. The main areas of teaching will vary and be determined by department needs and candidate experience and expertise, however, a professional background or experience teaching in food service management and/or food systems is preferred.

Related Experience

The main areas of teaching will vary and be determined by department needs and candidate experience and expertise, however, a professional background or experience teaching in food service management and/or food systems is preferred.

Required License/Registration

RDN required with licensure or eligibility for licensure in Kentucky.

Job Summary

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 Regular Title Series. The position has an expected distribution of effort of approximately 60 instruction, 35 research, and 5 service through annual agreement with the Department Chair. The anticipated start date is July 1, 2026. The successful candidate is expected to:

1. Exhibit excellence in classroom instruction at both the undergraduate and graduate levels, including Management for Food Industries and Quantity Food Production.
2. Mentor graduate students theses and evidence-based projects for students pursuing the MS in Nutrition and Food Systems.
3. Support experiential learning opportunities for students, including innovative programming in the new state-of-the-art teaching kitchen in Scovell Hall.
4. Develop a research program with an emphasis in the area of nutrition and food systems, food service management.
5. Support and expand multidisciplinary opportunities with other units in the college and at the university.
6. Contribute to the multi-functional land-grant mission of the Department through outreach and engagement efforts.

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. Evidence related to instruction and mentoring of undergraduate and/or graduate students is expected. As well, evidence of potential for grantsmanship, publication, and presentations at regional and national conferences should be provided. The main areas of teaching will vary and be determined by department needs and candidate experience and expertise, however, a professional background or experience teaching in food service management and/or food systems is preferred.

Salary and Benefits

Salary is commensurate with training and experience. Employment at UK is subject to fund availability and comes with comprehensive 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.

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 • Academic Transcript • Statements of teaching and research interests (1-2 pages each) upload under Special Request 1 • Names and contact information for three references upload under Specific Request 2

Application materials should be submitted by April 1, 2026. This posting will remain open until filled.

The Environment

The Department of Dietetics and Human Nutrition at the University of Kentucky is a leading institution in the field of dietetics and human nutrition. The department offers a range of academic programs, including a BS in Human Nutrition, MS in Nutrition and Food Systems, and fully online options. The department is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) and the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND).

The department 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 Kentuckys 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 and economic development.

Questions and Nominations

Contact: Heather Norman-Burgdolf Department of Dietetics and Human Nutrition University of Kentucky 859-257-7480 Heather.norman-burgdolf@uky.edu

Skills

Knowledge Abilities

Does this position have supervisory responsibilities? Yes

Preferred

Education Experience Deadline to Apply 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.

Posting Specific Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk.

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

Curriculum Vita Cover Letter Academic Transcript Specific Request 1 Specific Request 2

Optional Documents