Assistant/Associate Professor and Extension Specialist Nutritional Sciences

POSITION AVAILABILITY: 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 1, 2026.

RESPONSIBILITIES: Successful candidates must maintain a productive area of Extension programming and related applied research in their area of focus. Specialists are expected to obtain funding to support their area of programming and scholarship. Responsibilities will include 70% Alabama Cooperative Extension ( ACES) and 20% Alabama Agricultural Experiment Station ( AAES), with the remaining split with instruction and service assignments.

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:

THE DEPARTMENT: 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/.

THE UNIVERSITY: Auburn University is one of the nation's premier public land-grant institutions with a multicultural student enrollment of over 31,000, including 5,800 graduate students. Organized into twelve academic colleges and schools, Auburn's 1,450 faculty members offer more than 200 educational programs. Auburn University is nationally recognized for its commitment to academic excellence and community engagement, its positive work environment, its thriving student life programs, and its beautiful campus. The University is home to dozens of research centers and state of the art facilities ( https://cws.auburn.edu/ovpr). Auburn is located in eastern Alabama and is recognized as one of the "best small towns in America," with moderate climate and easy access to beach and mountain recreational facilities. The combined twin towns of Auburn and historic Opelika boast excellent public school systems and regional medical centers. The cities of Montgomery and Columbus are nearby and the large cities of Birmingham and Atlanta are less than two hours away.

For additional information about joining the faculty, visit http://www.auburn.edu/academic/provost/facultyjobs/. Auburn University is understanding and sensitive to the needs of faculty, including dual-career couples.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS: PhD in Nutrition or Nutrition-related area or successful completion of 18 or more graduate credit hours of coursework in Nutrition at the time employment begins. The candidate selected for this position must be able to meet eligibility requirements to work in the United States at the time the appointment is scheduled to begin and continue working legally for the proposed term of employment; excellent communication skills required.

Registered Dietitian (RD) credential desired.

To apply for the position, please refer to

Apply online using the link https://www.auemployment.com/postings/ 54929. Please provide an application letter (containing research and teaching interests), a current CV, Ph.D. transcripts, and samples of no more than three recent publications. In addition, three professional references with names, email addresses, and phone numbers must be provided. Only complete application materials will be considered. The review of applications will begin on August 18, 2025 and continue until the position is filled. For more information, please contact: Laura Downey, Search Committee Chair at lmh0141@auburn.edu.

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