Ast/Aso/Full Prof

Candidates for this rank shall hold the highest degree appropriate to their field. A candidate shall be expected to demonstrate successful experience pertinent to the position they are being recommended and have demonstrated qualities relevant to the goals of the academic unit in which they will be employed.

he Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences is creating an environment that affirms community across all dimensions. 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.

Background Information:

The Department of Family, Youth and Community Sciences has 26 faculty located on the Gainesville campus. The interdisciplinary FYCS academic program has an undergraduate major and minor in FYCS, a master’s program in FYCS (both on campus and online), and a Ph.D. in Youth Development and Family Science (YDFS). The department has approximately 260 undergraduate students (majors and minors) and 80 graduate students (on campus and online) enrolled in its academic programs. The department encompasses programs in youth development, prevention science, family science, consumer economics and resource management, community development and sustainability, and human nutrition, food safety, and health.

The University of Florida is a Land-Grant, Sea-Grant, and Space-Grant institution, encompassing nearly all academic and professional disciplines, with an enrollment of more than 56,000 students. UF is a member of The Association of American Universities.  The Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences includes the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, the Florida Agricultural Experiment Station, the Florida Cooperative Extension Service, the College of Veterinary Medicine, the Florida Sea Grant program, and encompasses 16 on-campus academic departments and schools, 12 Research and Educational Centers (REC) located throughout the state, 6 Research sites/demonstration units administered by RECs or academic departments, and Florida Cooperative Extension Service offices in all 67 counties (counties operate and maintain). The School of Natural Resources and Environment is an interdisciplinary unit housed in IFAS and managed by several colleges on campus. UF/IFAS employs nearly 4,500 people, which includes approximately 990 salaried faculty and 1,400 permanent support personnel located in Gainesville and throughout the state. IFAS, one of the nation’s largest agricultural and natural resources research and education organizations, is administered by a Vice President and four deans: the Dean of the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, the Dean for Extension and Director of the Florida Cooperative Extension Service, the Dean for Research and Director of the Florida Agricultural Experiment Station, and the Dean for the College of Veterinary Medicine. UF/IFAS also engages in cooperative work with Florida A&M University in Tallahassee.

Commensurate with Education and Experience

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. 

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.

For full consideration, candidates should apply and submit materials by March 11, 2026.  The position will remain open until a viable applicant pool is determined.

Employment Conditions

This position is available beginning August 15, 2026, and will be filled as soon thereafter as an acceptable applicant is available. Compensation is commensurate with the education, experience, and qualifications of the selected applicant.

Nominations

Nominations are welcome.  Nominations need to include the complete name and address of the nominee. This information should be sent to:

Please refer to Requisition # 538534

LaToya O’Neal

Chair, Search and Screen Committee

University of Florida

Family, Youth and Community Sciences

PO Box 110310

Gainesville, FL  32611-0310

Telephone:                               352-273-3501

Facsimile:                                352-392-8196

Electronic Mail:                      latoya.oneal@ufl.edu

Application Information

• Individuals wishing to apply should go online to Careers at UF and submit:
• 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

The selected candidate will be required to provide an official transcript to the hiring department upon hire. A transcript will not be considered “official” if a designation of “Issued to Student” is visible. Degrees earned from an education institution outside of the United States are required to be evaluated by a professional credentialing service provider approved by National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES).

Hiring is contingent upon eligibility to work in the US. The University of Florida is a public institution and subject to all requirements under Florida Sunshine and Public Record laws. The University and greater Gainesville community enjoy a variety of cultural events, restaurants, year-round outdoor recreational activities, and social opportunities.