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

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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:

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.

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.

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.

The University follows both the federal and state Constitutions as well as all applicable federal and state laws on nondiscrimination. The University provides equal opportunities for qualified persons in all aspects of institutional operations and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnic origin, religion, creed, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, uniformed service, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information or social or economic status.

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.