Description

Duties and Responsibilities 
The Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences is creating an environment that affirms community across all dimensions. We particularly welcome applicants who can contribute to such an environment through their scholarship, teaching, mentoring, and professional service. If an accommodation due to a disability is needed to apply for this position, please call 352-392-2477 or the Florida Relay System at 800-955-8771 (TDD) or visit Accessibility at UF. 
 
This is a 9-month tenure-accruing/eligible position at the rank of assistant, associate, or full professor that will be 70% Extension (Florida Cooperative Extension Service) and 30% research (Florida Agricultural Experiment Station), available in the Department of Family, Youth and Community Sciences, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS), at the University of Florida (UF). This assignment may change in accordance with the needs of the unit. Tenure will be granted in the Department of Family, Youth and Community Sciences (FYCS).  
 
The successful candidate will collaborate across UF to develop an integrated research and Extension program that connects nutrition science with chronic disease prevention and community health improvement. Priority content areas for this faculty position include but are not limited to: Food as Medicine, Behavioral Nutrition, Food Security, and Geriatric Nutrition. Duties include the following:  

Extension
The faculty member will lead statewide Extension efforts that translate research-based dietary strategies into practical, community-level programs. They will collaborate with county Extension agents, healthcare providers, and local organizations to design and implement programs that utilize dietary approaches to address chronic conditions such as diabetes and heart disease. These initiatives will emphasize the role of nutrition in health and disease prevention, while promoting healthy eating practices and improving local food security to drive measurable improvements in community health.  
 
The faculty member will: 

• 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. 

Research 
The faculty member’s research will focus on applied, interdisciplinary studies that evaluate the effectiveness and impact of innovative dietary interventions on chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease. This may include collaborating with health care partners on clinical trials, community-based intervention research, and program evaluation. The faculty member will be expected to secure competitive funding, publish in peer-reviewed journals, and contribute to the scientific understanding of nutrition and community health. 

Teaching and Mentoring 
The successful candidate will participate actively in undergraduate and graduate education by chairing and serving on graduate committees, supervising thesis, dissertation and undergraduate research, and publishing research results with students. Faculty are encouraged to participate in professional development activities related to teaching and advising, and may teach courses and seminars. 
 
Because of the IFAS land-grant mission, all faculty are expected to be supportive of and engaged in all three mission areas—Research, Teaching and Extension—regardless of the assignment split specified in the position description. 

Requirements

Qualifications  
 
Required 
A doctorate (foreign equivalent acceptable) in Nutrition, Public Health Nutrition, Community Health or a closely related discipline is required. Candidates should demonstrate strong verbal and written communication skills and the ability to build positive interpersonal relationships, including working across disciplines and sectors with Extension, public health, or community-based partners.  
 
We welcome applicants who show promise for and demonstrate excellence in research, teaching, Extension, and service. Evidence of scholarly productivity, such as peer-reviewed publications and presentations, is expected. Interest and/or experience in leading, developing, implementing, and evaluating extension community health and nutrition programs is required. While a proven track record of procurement of extramural funding is preferred, candidates who demonstrate readiness and a clear plan to pursue funding are encouraged to apply. Candidates must be supportive of the mission of the Land-Grant system. Candidates must also have a commitment to UF core values.   
 
Preferred 
Experience working with Cooperative Extension in faculty development and training coordination; Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) credentials; and proven ability to thrive in an interdisciplinary, collaborative, and high performing academic environment. 

Application Information

• Cover letter that describes the applicant’s interest in the position, highlights relevant qualifications, and provides specific examples of Extension contributions and experiences that align with the credentials listed above.
• Curriculum vitae
• Contact information (including email addresses) for 3 individuals willing to provide a recommendation
• Unofficial transcripts