Assistant​/Associate​/Full Professor of Community Health & Nutrition

Assistant/Associate/Full Professor of Community Health & Nutrition

Job No: 538534

Work Type:
Full Time

Location:

Main Campus (Gainesville, FL)

Categories:
Biology/Life Science, Agricultural Sciences

Department:  - AG-FAM YOUTH - COMM SCI

Classification

Title:

Ast/Aso/Full Prof

Classification

Minimum Requirements:

Candidates for this rank shall hold the highest degree appropriate to their field and demonstrate successful experience pertinent to the position and qualities aligned with the academic unit’s goals.

This is a 9‑month tenure‑accruing/eligible position at the rank of assistant, associate, or full professor. The role is 70% Extension (Florida Cooperative Extension Service) and 30% research (Florida Agricultural Experiment Station) within the Department of Family, Youth and Community Sciences, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS). Tenure will be granted in FYCS.

The faculty member will lead statewide Extension efforts that translate research‑based dietary strategies into community‑level programs. Responsibilities include collaborating with county Extension agents, healthcare providers, and local organizations to design and implement interventions that address chronic conditions such as diabetes and heart disease, and to promote healthy eating practices and local food security.

• Develop practical, adaptable, ready‑to‑use tools for county Extension agents to deliver evidence‑based educational programs and resources that advance nutrition and community health.
• Build capacity by training and supporting county Extension agents and other community educators.
• Partner with healthcare systems to integrate nutrition education into patient care to improve health outcomes.
• Advocate for policies that promote health‑enhancing food choices and strengthen sustainable local food systems.
• Collaborate with policymakers, healthcare leaders, and community stakeholders to advance population health.

The faculty member’s research will focus on applied, interdisciplinary studies evaluating the effectiveness and impact of innovative dietary interventions on chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease. The role will involve collaborating with health‑care partners on clinical trials, community‑based intervention research, and program evaluation, securing competitive funding, publishing in peer‑reviewed journals, and contributing to the scientific understanding of nutrition and community health.

The successful candidate will actively participate in undergraduate and graduate education, chair and serve on graduate committees, supervise thesis, dissertation and undergraduate research, and publish research results with students. Faculty are encouraged to engage in professional development activities related to teaching and advising and may teach courses and seminars.

The Department of Family, Youth and Community Sciences is an interdisciplinary FYCS academic program offering undergraduate, master’s and Ph.D. programs in youth development, family science and human nutrition, among other fields. The department supports research, teaching and Extension, and works in partnership with the broader IFAS community.

Commensurate with Education and Experience

A doctorate (foreign equivalent acceptable) in Nutrition, Public Health Nutrition, Community Health or a closely related discipline. Strong verbal and written communication skills, ability to build positive interpersonal relationships across disciplines and sectors, and evidence of scholarly productivity, including peer‑reviewed publications and presentations. Demonstrated excellence in research, teaching, Extension, and service is required. Interest and/or experience in leading, implementing, and evaluating Extension community health and nutrition programs is essential.

Candidates with a proven track record of extramural funding procurement or a clear plan to pursue funding are preferred. Commitment to the Land‑Grant mission and UF core values is required.

Experience working with Cooperative Extension in faculty development…