Assistant Professor

University of Kentucky

Equal Employment Opportunity/M/F/disability/protected veteran status. Posting Details

• Job Title:
  
  Assistant Professor
• Requisition Number: FE04824
• Department:
  Dietetics and Human Nutrition
• Location:
  
  Lexington, KY
• Type of Position:
  Faculty, Full-Time, Tenure Track
• Working Title:
  
  Assistant Professor, Regular Title Series
• Anticipated
  
  Start Date:
  
  July 1, 2026

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 an annual agreement with the Department Chair.

• 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 multifunctional, land‑grant mission of the Department through outreach and engagement efforts.

Candidates must hold a terminal degree (PhD, EdD, or DCN) in the field of dietetics or human nutrition (or a related field). RDN licensure or eligibility for licensure in Kentucky is required. 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 be provided.

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

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. The university generously contributes to employees' retirement plans, medical coverage, and life insurance, and offers optional benefits such as dental and vision insurance, additional retirement plans, and more. For more information about these benefits, visit (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..

Application materials should be in PDF format and 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). 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.

Heather Norman-Burgdolf
Department of…