Assistant/Associate Professor and Extension Specialist

POSITION AVAILABILITY: The Department of Human Development and Family Science ( HDFS) in the College of Human Sciences and Alabama Cooperative Extension at Auburn University invite applications for a 12-month, tenure-track Extension specialist position at the Assistant/Associate rank in the area of aging and quality of life to begin August 16, 2025.

RESPONSIBILITIES: Successful candidates must maintain a productive area of Extension programming and related applied research in their area of focus. Specialists are expected to obtain external funding to support their area of programming and scholarship. Responsibilities will include 75% Extension with the remaining split with instruction, research, and/or service assignments.

We are seeking candidates with an area of programming and applied research pertinent to aging and quality of life. Possible areas of expertise include but are not limited to mental and/or physical health and aging; family and caregiver relationships and support; aging and healthy food decisions and related behaviors; food security and/or health disparities in the context of aging; aging in place; aging-centered design; and sense of purpose, community engagement, and volunteerism in aging.

Responsibilities include:

THE DEPARTMENT: The Department includes 34 faculty members (19 full-time, tenure track) and offers undergraduate, masters, and doctoral degrees in HDFS. The department also has a strong interest in hiring faculty who have demonstrated commitment. Additional information about the Department can be found at http://www.humsci.auburn.edu/hdfs.

The Alabama Cooperative Extension System is the outreach and engagement organization for the land grant mission of AU and Alabama A & M University. Extension professionals, including Regional Extension Agents and Specialists, deliver science-based educational programs in all 67 counties that enable individuals, families, and communities to improve their quality of life and economic well-being. Additional information on the Alabama Cooperative Extension System can be found at https://www.aces.edu/.

THE UNIVERSITY: Auburn University is one of the nation's premier public land-grant institutions with a multicultural student enrollment of over 31,000, including 5,800 graduate students. Organized into twelve academic colleges and schools, Auburn's 1,450 faculty members offer more than 200 educational programs. Auburn University is nationally recognized for its commitment to academic excellence and community engagement, its positive work environment, its thriving student life programs, and its beautiful campus. The University is home to dozens of research centers and state of the art facilities ( https://cws.auburn.edu/ovpr). Auburn is located in eastern Alabama and is recognized as one of the "best small towns in America," with moderate climate and easy access to beach and mountain recreational facilities. The combined twin towns of Auburn and historic Opelika boast excellent public school systems and regional medical centers. The cities of Montgomery and Columbus are nearby and the large cities of Birmingham and Atlanta are less than two hours away.

For additional information about joining the faculty, visit http://www.auburn.edu/academic/provost/facultyjobs/. Auburn University is understanding and sensitive to the needs of faculty, including dual-career couples.

PhD in Human Development and Family Sciences, Psychology, Gerontology or a closely related field at the time employment begins. The candidate selected for this position must be able to meet eligibility requirements to work in the United States at the time the appointment is scheduled to begin and continue working legally for the proposed term of employment; excellent communication skills required.

Please provide an application letter (containing research and teaching interests), a current CV, Ph.D. transcripts, and samples of no more than three recent publications. In addition, candidates must provide contact information for three professional references who may be contacted after the initial review of applicants. For more information about the position, contact Dr. Laura Downey (334-844-5530; laura.downey@auburn.edu Review of applications will begin on November 15, 2024 and will continue until the position is filled.

AUBURN UNIVERSITY IS AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/ EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER. It is our policy to provide equal employment and education opportunities for all individuals without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other classification protected by applicable law. The Office of Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity (AA/ EEO) strives to ensure an inclusive and equitable working, living, and learning environment for members of the Auburn University community. Please visit their website to learn more.