Assistant​/Associate Professor and Extension Specialist Nutritional Sciences

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.

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 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 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/.

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