Assistant Professor

Job Summary

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 (DOE) of approximately 60% instruction, 35% research, and 5% service through an annual agreement with the Department Chair. The anticipated start date is July 1 2026.

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. Evidence of potential for grantsmanship, publication, and presentations at regional and national conferences should also be provided.

A professional background or experience teaching in food service management and/or food systems is preferred.

The successful candidate is expected to:

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

Primary qualifications include:

• Terminal degree (PhD, EdD, DCN) in dietetics or human nutrition (or related field).
• RDN required with licensure, or eligibility for licensure, in Kentucky.
• Evidence of instruction and mentoring of undergraduate/graduate students.
• Evidence of potential for grantsmanship, publication, and conference presentations.
• Preferred experience teaching in food service management and/or food systems.

Salary is commensurate with training and experience. Employment is subject to fund availability and comes with comprehensive rewards, focusing on overall wellbeing and career development. The university generously contributes to employees’ retirement plans, medical coverage, and life insurance. Optional benefits include dental and vision insurance, additional retirement plans, and more. For more information, visit www.uky.edu/HR/benefits
.

Application materials should be in PDF format and include:

• Cover letter describing background and expertise specifically related to this position at the University of Kentucky.
• 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 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). The department offers a BS in Human Nutrition, MS in Nutrition and Food Systems (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 curriculum incorporates high‑impact experiential learning including internships, undergraduate research, and international and domestic study programs. 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) fulfills the land‑grant promise of educational excellence, civic leadership, transformational…