Assistant Professor of Nutrition – Community and Public Health Nutrition

About Us - Values Overview

Department Summary

The Department of Kinesiology, Health Promotion and Recreation (KHPR) at the University of North Texas has over 1,100 students and offers a bachelor and a master’s degree in Kinesiology and a Ph.D. in Human Performance and Movement Science. Graduate students can specialize in applied physiology, performance psychology, or movement science. The research laboratory supporting this position is the Applied Physiology Laboratory.

The department is part of the College of Public Affairs and Health Sciences (PAHS) that prepares graduates to address diverse and complex social issues such as aging, disability, disaster management and recovery, criminal justice, health disparities and public safety, and find solutions to challenges in public administration, public and mental health, exercise physiology, and urban design.

We have nine academic departments with undergraduate and graduate programs, the Kristin Farmer Autism Center, the Center for Public Management, the UNT Speech and Hearing Center, the UNT Work Inclusion and Supported Employment (UNTWISE) program, UNT ELEVAR, and several professional development and clinical training programs to facilitate careers to address a global society.

UNT has a highly diverse campus with a wide range of languages spoken in addition to English. We welcome candidates who have experience with HSI/MSIs and/or who speak Spanish, Vietnamese, American Sign Language, Chinese (Cantonese, Mandarin and other variations), Arabic, Tagalog, Farsi, French, or/and Yoruba.

Position Overview

The Department of Kinesiology, Health Promotion and Recreation within the College of Public Affairs and Health Sciences at the University of North Texas invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor of Nutrition with expertise in community and public health nutrition.

We seek an innovative scholar whose research advances nutrition and health at the individual, community, or population level. The successful candidate will develop an externally funded research program that addresses today's most pressing nutrition and public health challenges while preparing the next generation of nutrition professionals and researchers.

This is an exciting opportunity to join an interdisciplinary, collaborative environment at one of the nation's leading public research universities, where faculty are encouraged to pursue bold ideas that create healthier communities. Furthermore, this is an opportunity to help guide the development of innovative degree programs in nutrition to prepare students to meet the rapidly evolving job market and health needs of the community.

The successful candidate will:
• Develop and sustain an externally funded research program in community and public health nutrition.
• Teach undergraduate and graduate courses in nutrition, public health nutrition, and related disciplines.
• Mentor undergraduate, master's, and doctoral students in research and professional development.
• Publish impactful research in high-quality peer-reviewed journals and present findings at national and international conferences.
• Build collaborative partnerships with community organizations, healthcare systems, government agencies, and interdisciplinary research teams.
• Contribute to curriculum development, accreditation efforts, departmental governance, and professional service.

We welcome applicants whose research aligns with community and public health nutrition, including but not limited to:

• Community nutrition interventions
• Nutrition and food access
• Food insecurity and social determinants of health
• Chronic disease prevention and management
• Obesity prevention and healthy lifestyles
• Nutrition policy and program evaluation
• Behavioral nutrition and health promotion
• Nutrition across the lifespan
• Nutrition communication and health literacy

Applicants employing innovative methodologies—including community-engaged participatory research, implementation science, behavioral interventions, digital health technologies, geographic information systems (GIS), data analytics, or mixed-methods research—are especially encouraged to apply.

Minimum Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Nutrition, Public Health Nutrition, Nutritional Sciences, Public Health, or a closely related field. ABD will be considered but candidates must hold degree at the time of appointment.
• Evidence of a strong and growing research agenda with potential for sustained external funding.
• Demonstrated record of scholarly publications.
• Commitment to excellence in teaching and mentoring students.

Preferred Qualifications

• Postdoctoral research experience.
• Experience conducting community-engaged research.
• Demonstrated success in developing collaborative partnerships with community organizations or public health agencies.
• Experience mentoring undergraduate or graduate researchers.
• Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) credential is welcomed but not required.

Required License/Registration/Certifications

Physical Requirements

Communicating with others to exchange information.

Environmental Hazards

No adverse environmental conditions expected.

Work Schedule

varies based on assignment

Driving University Vehicle

No

Security Sensitive

This is a Security Sensitive Position.

Special Instructions

Review of applications will begin October 9th and continue until the position is filled. Compensation will be commensurate with experience and align with institutional guidelines for faculty salaries.

Application materials should include:
1. A cover letter expressing your interest in and qualifications for the position including a brief teaching/mentoring statement
2. A current curriculum vitae
3. A research statement highlighting your past research accomplishments and an outline of your proposed 5-year research plan at UNT.
4. Contact information (email and phone) for at least 3 (no more than 6) professional references. References will be contacted only if you are selected for an on-campus interview.

Questions can be directed to the search committee chair, Priscilla Connors, Ph.D. [email protected]

Benefits

For information regarding our Benefits, click here.

EEO Statement

The University of North Texas System is firmly committed to equal opportunity and does not permit –and takes actions to prevent – discrimination, harassment (including sexual violence, domestic violence, dating violence and stalking), and retaliation on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information, or veteran status in its application, employment practices, and facilities; nor permits race, color, national origin, religion, age, disability, veteran status, or sex discrimination and harassment in its admissions processes, and educational programs and activities. UNT System Administration promptly investigates complaints of discrimination, harassment, and related retaliation and takes remedial action when appropriate. System Administration also takes actions to prevent retaliation against individuals who oppose any form of harassment or discriminatory practice, file a charge or report, or testify, assist, or participate in a related investigation or proceeding.