Lecturer

Candidates shall have received the academic degree appropriate to the assignment of duties.

The Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS) 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 12-month, non-tenure-accruing faculty position that will be 100% teaching, available in the Food Science and Human Nutrition Department within the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and the Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences at the University of Florida. The salary is competitive and comes with a full benefits package. Duties will include teaching undergraduate and graduate food science courses in both in-person and online formats. Teaching responsibilities may include courses such as Food Microbiology, Food Product Development, and other core food science courses, as well as the development and delivery of upper-level undergraduate courses aligned with the successful candidate’s area of expertise and interests. The faculty member is expected to contribute to excellence in teaching through innovative instructional approaches and curriculum development.

The successful candidate will also mentor and advise undergraduate students and support student professional development through participation in experiential learning and competitive activities. This includes coaching and mentoring students involved in organizations and competitions such as the Food Science Club, FFA-related activities, IFT Student Quiz Bowl, Product Development Competitions, and other regional and national student competition events.

The successful candidate is encouraged to engage in scholarly activities related to instruction, participating in curriculum revision and enhancement, actively seeking funding for the teaching program, publishing teaching-related scholarship, producing learning tools, and engaging in professional development activities related to teaching and advising. Faculty are encouraged to support and participate in the CALS Honors Program, distance education, and international education.

A successful candidate with a Ph.D. degree would be eligible to use the ‘Instructional Assistant Professor’ working title.

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 Food Science and Human Nutrition Department (FSHN), a large interdisciplinary unit within IFAS, comprises three distinct undergraduate programs: Food Science, Nutritional Sciences, and Dietetics. The Food Science program is an approved curriculum with the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT). The department has approximately 30 full-time faculty members, including a significant group of federally funded researchers with a rich history of national research awards. The undergraduate student enrollment in Food Science and Human Nutrition is approximately 550, including 72 Food Science students. The graduate program enrolls over 60 M.S. and Ph.D. students in Nutritional Sciences, Dietetics, and Food Science. Within walking distance are superb opportunities to participate in basic and translational research with the UF Diabetes Institute, the Clinical and Translational Science Institute, and collaborate with faculty from the Colleges of Medicine, Health and Human Performance, Public Health, Pharmacy, Liberal Arts and Sciences, Engineering, and Agricultural and Life Sciences.

The University of Florida is a Land-Grant, Sea-Grant, and Space-Grant institution, encompassing virtually 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 Experience and Education

A master’s degree (foreign equivalent acceptable) in food science or a closely related discipline is required.  Candidates should have demonstrated skills in teaching, verbal and written communication, and interpersonal relationships. The successful candidate must be able to work effectively with students, faculty, and staff and demonstrate a commitment to student success. Candidates must be supportive of the mission of the Land-Grant system and committed to the University of Florida’s core values.    

A Ph.D. degree (foreign equivalent acceptable) in Food Science or a closely related discipline is preferred, but not required (only required for use of the ‘Instructional Assistant Professor’ working title). Preference will be given to candidates with experience teaching food science courses in both in-person and online learning environments, including course development and curriculum enhancement. Familiarity with the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) Higher Education Review Board (HERB) approval process assessment, or securing extramural funding to support educational programs is also desirable.

For full consideration, candidates should apply and submit materials by November 1, 2026.  The position will remain open until a viable applicant pool is determined.

Employment Conditions

This position is available after January 1st, 2027 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 # 541417

Soohyoun Ahn, Ph.D.

Chair, Search and Screen Committee

University of Florida

Food Science and Human Nutrition

P.O. Box 110370

Gainesville, FL  32611

Telephone:                               352-294-3710

Electronic Mail:                      sahn82@ufl.edu

Application Information

• Individuals wishing to apply should go online to Careers at UF and submit the following documents:
• Cover letter that states the applicant’s interest in the position and qualifications relative to the credentials listed above (2-page limit)
• Statement of teaching and mentoring philosophy and interests relative to the duties and responsibilities above (2-page limit)
• Curriculum vitae
• Contact information (including email addresses) for three individuals willing to write letters of recommendation
• Unofficial transcripts

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.