Assistant Professor at University of Kentucky – Lexington, Kentucky

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.

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.

RDN required with licensure, or eligibility for licensure, in Kentucky.

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 (DOE) 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 (instruction includes Management for Food Industries and Quantity Food Production); 2) mentor graduate student 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; and 6) contribute to the multi-functional, land-grant mission of the Department through outreach and engagement efforts.

For more information about the Department of Dietetics and Human Nutrition, please visit https://dhn.mgcafe.uky.edu/.

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 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. To learn more about these benefits, please visit: www.uky.edu/HR/benefits.

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 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 (Nurition 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.

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 Kentucky’s 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 & economic development.

Heather Norman-Burgdolf

Department of Dietetics and Human Nutrition

University of Kentucky

859-257-7480

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.