Assistant Professor

Employer: University of Nebraska - Lincoln, Nutrition and Health Sciences

Location: Lincoln, Nebraska

Salary: Salary commensurate with education and experience.

Closing date: Jan 11, 2026

Discipline: Health Sciences, Nutrition

Position Type: Full Time

Job Type: Faculty

Organization Type: Academia

Job Details

The Department of Nutrition and Health Sciences at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) seeks to add additional strength to its strategic priority areas in human health by hiring a highly motivated individual in the field of extracellular vesicles (EVs). We seek a scholar with a strong record in EV-related research and a strong publication record in peer-reviewed journals for a faculty position at the rank of Assistant Professor. This is a full-time, tenure-track, 9-month appointment with an apportionment of 75% research, 20% teaching, and 5% service. Areas of study must include extracellular vesicles, combined with at least one of the following: regulation of nutrient metabolism, exercise, vesicle modifications and engineering, microbiome, bioinformatics, and cell signaling as they relate to human health and wellness. The successful candidate will also demonstrate a strong commitment to teaching, mentoring, and advising a diverse population of postgraduate, pre-graduate, and/or undergraduate students.

The Department of Nutrition and Health Sciences at UNL provides a dynamic teaching and research environment with approximately 1000 undergraduate and 60 graduate students. The incumbent will become a member of the NIH-funded Nebraska Center for Obesity Prevention (NPOD, https://cehs.unl.edu/npod/), which offers excellent research support, facilities and a vibrant research environment. NPOD has facilitated the acquisition of $210 million in external research funding since 2014 and supports a cutting-edge research core facility, the Biomedical and Obesity Research Core (BORC, https://cehs.unl.edu/borc/). Faculty research is supported by NIH, NSF, USDA/NIFA, foundations, and industry.

The University of Nebraska-Lincoln offers outstanding research facilities for small and large animals, including a gnotobiotic facility and BORC’s animal imaging facility, nanoparticle tracking analysis, microscopy facilities, metabolic cages, phenotyping, and body composition analysis equipment. NPOD supports a vibrant seminar series with external speakers, a spring research retreat and fall research symposium, two annual recognition events for students and postdocs, and monthly meetings of its members with an emphasis on grant proposal development. NPOD is home to a cluster of investigators with research programs in the EV space.

Nebraska offers an attractive compensation and benefits package, commensurate with the successful candidate’s background and experience. UNL is responsive to the needs of dual-career couples. Lincoln is ranked among the most livable and affordable cities in the U.S. (https://livability.com/ne/lincoln/).

Minimum Required Qualifications

• Ph.D. in molecular biology, biochemistry, immunology, nutrition, or a comparable degree and field.
• Expertise in extracellular vesicles, mammalian models, and molecular biology techniques.
• Minimum of two years of postdoctoral experience or equivalent.

Preferred Qualifications

• Research in metabolic disease, nutrition, kinesiology, or obesity.
• Experience in teaching and mentoring in the field of metabolism
• Ability to work independently and in a collaborative team environment.

Application Process

Electronic submissions are required. Review of applications begins January 9, 2026, and continues until the position is filled or the search is closed. Interviews will take place virtually (e.g., via Zoom), and selected candidates will interview on campus. Anticipated start date for this position is the beginning of the 2026-2027 academic year. To view details of the position details and submit your application, go to https://employment.unl.edu, requisition F_250084. Click “Apply for this job,” complete the faculty information form, and attach the following required documents:

1. A letter of interest that describes your qualifications for the job and anticipated contributions.
2. Curriculum vitae.
3. Contact information for three professional references, including name, title, mailing address, phone number, and e-mail address.
4. A research statement that describes your research plans (up to three pages).
5. A statement that describes your experience, philosophy, and approach to teaching and mentoring (up to one page).

Please combine research and teaching statements into a single document and attach it using the “Other Document” option.

Three signed letters of reference will be requested if the candidate advances in the search. Candidates wishing additional information are encouraged to contact Dr. Zempleni by email (jzempleni2@unl.edu).