Assistant Extension Professor of Agricultural Economics (Food and Agribusiness Entrepreneurship)

Job Title
Assistant Extension Professor of Agricultural Economics (Food and Agribusiness Entrepreneurship)


Requisition Number
FE04554


Working Title
Agribusiness Extension


Department Name
81040:AGR ECONOMICS


Work Location
Lexington, KY


Type of Position
Faculty


Position Time Status
Full-Time


Tenure Track Status
Tenure Track


Required Education

A Ph.D. in agricultural economics, economics, or a closely related field with an emphasis on food and agribusiness entrepreneurship.



Required Related Experience

N/A



Required License/Registration/Certification

N/A



Job Summary

This is a full-time, twelve-month, tenure-eligible position in the Extension Title Series with an approximate start date of January 1, 2026. The anticipated distribution of effort is 75% Extension, 20% teaching, and 5% service. The candidate should have interests in entrepreneurship and strategic planning at the food business level and food business supply chain management. The candidate will be expected to build programs supporting value-added enterprises across various scales and partner with Extension to help develop areas including i) commercial opportunities for food and wellness, ii) place-based markets, iii) local food system resilience, iv) business innovations to reach emerging local and regional consumer segments, v) agritourism and vi) experience-based goods and services.


The successful candidate is expected to: 1) develop a nationally recognized extension program evidenced by collaborative initiatives with food industry groups, USDA food business programs, SBDCs and university-based leaders in food science and business; 2) successfully attract external funding to support extension and research efforts, including funding of graduate students and Extension Associates; 3) demonstrate a commitment to working with teams of researchers on interdisciplinary/transdisciplinary problems including working with Blueprint Kentucky, Kentucky Center for Ag and Rural Development, Food Systems Innovation Center, The Food Connection, and other economic development partners in the state; 4) direct graduate student research; 5) contribute to the multi-functional, land-grant mission of the Department through outreach and engagement efforts with community stakeholders; and 6) exhibit excellence in classroom instruction at both the undergraduate and graduate level.


For more information about the Department of Agricultural Economics please visit http://agecon.ca.uky.edu/.

APPLICATION
Application can be made online and requires:

• Cover letter
• Curriculum vitae
• Graduate transcripts
• Statements of extension and teaching interests (Specific Request 1)
• Contact information for three references (Specific Request 2)
• A job paper (Specific Request 3)

Applications will be reviewed beginning September 1, 2025, and continue until position is filled. Please direct any questions to Dr Tim Woods tim.woods@uky.edu.



Skills / Knowledge / Abilities

Ability to conduct high-level independent research, direct graduate student research, and effectively teach at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. Outstanding written and verbal communication skills are required, as are strong quantitative skills.



Does this position have supervisory responsibilities?
Yes


Preferred Education/Experience

A PhD in Ag Economics or related field is required. An MBA, business school degree, or industry experience in a food business may be helpful.



Deadline to Apply

Open Until Filled
Yes


Our University Community

We value the well-being of each of our employees and are dedicated to creating a healthy place for everyone to work, learn and live. In the interest of maintaining a safe and healthy environment for our students, employees, patients and visitors the University of Kentucky is a Tobacco & Drug Free campus.

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we strongly encourage veterans, individuals with disabilities, women, and all minorities to consider our employment opportunities.

Any candidate offered a position may be required to pass pre-employment screenings as mandated by University of Kentucky Human Resources. These screenings may include a national background check and/or drug screen.