Assistant/Associate Professor, Nutrition Science

The California State University; San Luis Obispo (CA); On-site; USD 91,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, seeks a tenure-track Assistant or Associate Professor of Nutrition Science starting August 2027. Primary teaching contributions will be in Nutrition courses for Nutrition majors, with a focus on nutrient metabolism at both undergraduate and graduate levels.

Applicants should demonstrate commitment to teaching excellence, effective communication, and teamwork, and participate in MS Nutrition program supervision and graduate coursework in

Qualifications

• Earned a doctorate in Human Nutrition or closely related field. ABD may be considered but must have doctorate before start.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills and strong interest in undergraduate and graduate teaching.
• Demonstrate or show potential for securing external funding and publishing research.
• Demonstrate or show potential for excellence in teaching, communication, interpersonal skills, and teamwork.
• Experience with student-centered learning and teaching; ability to collaborate in multidisciplinary settings.
• Experience with diverse populations and fostering inclusive environments.
• Interact well with peers, students, industry partners, and the public.
• Proficiency in written and spoken English.

Responsibilities

• Teach Nutrition courses for Nutrition majors, focusing on nutrient metabolism at undergrad and grad levels.
• Supervise graduate students and contribute to MS Nutrition program through team-teaching and graduate courses (in-person and online).
• Develop a successful nutrition research program, obtain external funding, publish in peer‑reviewed journals, present at conferences.
• Collaborate with Cal Poly researchers and community partners; engage Learn by Doing experiences and undergraduate research.

Skills

Teaching

Communication

Interpersonal Skills

Team Collaboration

Diversity & Inclusion

Grant Funding

Education

PhD in Human Nutrition or closely related field

Job description

The Food Science and Nutrition Department in the College of Agriculture, Food, and Environmental Sciences at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, CA, is seeking a full-time, academic year, tenure‐track Assistant or Associate Professor of Nutrition Science starting approximately August 12, 2027. Rank and salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Candidates must have a strong interest in and commitment to teaching and working with students of diverse cultural backgrounds. Their primary teaching contribution will be in Nutrition courses for Nutrition majors, with the focus on nutrient metabolism at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. Candidates are expected to demonstrate a commitment to excellence in teaching, effective communication, and interpersonal skills. In addition, candidates should be able to provide opportunities for Learn by Doing experiences and undergraduate research. The incumbent will be expected to actively contribute to the Master of Science in Nutrition program through supervising graduate students, participating in team-teaching assignments, and instructing graduate-level courses offered in both in-person and online modalities. Candidates will be considered in the context of their interest and potential to contribute to the Food Science and Nutrition Department.

The incumbent will be expected to conduct research related to human nutrition. They will be expected to develop a successful research program, obtain external funding, publish in peer-reviewed scientific journals, present research at conferences, and supervise/mentor undergraduate and graduate students. The University and the San Luis Obispo region offer many opportunities for research, including potential collaborations with Cal Poly researchers, the Cal Poly Center for Health Research, local healthcare organizations, and other entities.

Cal Poly’s focus is on undergraduate teaching with an expectation of engaging in research and scholarly activities and service. The incumbent will be expected to contribute to department, college, and university service activities. They will also participate in service to the undergraduate and graduate programs, e.g., curriculum planning, development, and assessment, and active involvement in the MS Nutrition Graduate Group. Expectations also include service to professional organizations. The ability to be a collaborative team player and to interact well with peers, students, industries, government agencies, and the public is essential.

Rank and salary commensurate with qualifications and experience of the individual selected. Anticipated hiring ranges:

Assistant Professor: $90,948-105,156

Associate Professor: $105,492–114,720

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY AND EXCELLENCE IN EDUCATION AND EMPLOYMENT

This position is open and available to all regardless of race, sex, color, ethnicity or national origin. Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, Cal Poly provides equal opportunity in education and employment without unlawful discrimination or preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin. Our commitment to equal opportunity means ensuring that every student and employee has access to the resources and support they need to thrive and succeed in a university environment and in their communities. Cal Poly complies with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the California Equity in Higher Education Act, California’s Proposition 209 (Art. I, Section 31 of the California Constitution), other applicable state and federal anti-discrimination laws, and CSU’s Nondiscrimination Policy. We prohibit discriminatory preferential treatment, segregation based on race or any other protected status, and all forms of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in all university programs, policies, and practices.

Cal Poly is a diverse community of individuals who represent many perspectives, beliefs and identities, and is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful, and intellectually vibrant environment. We cultivate a culture of open dialogue, mutual respect, and belonging to support educational excellence and student success. Through academic programs, student organizations and activities, faculty initiatives, and community partnerships, we encourage meaningful engagement with diverse perspectives. As a higher education institution, we are dedicated to advancing knowledge and empowering individuals to reach their full potential by prioritizing inclusive curriculum development, faculty and staff training, student mentorship, and comprehensive support. At Cal Poly, excellence is built on merit, talent, diversity, accessibility, and equal opportunity for all.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Earned a doctorate (PhD, DrPH, DSc, DCN, etc.) in Human Nutrition or closely related field. Candidates nearing completion of the doctorate (ABD) may be considered but must provide proof that the doctorate was awarded prior to the start of the appointment.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills and strong interest in undergraduate and graduate teaching.
• Demonstrate, or show potential for, an ability to secure external funding and publish research.
• Demonstrate, or show potential for, excellence in teaching, effective communication, interpersonal skills, and the ability to be a productive team player.
• Demonstrated experience and commitment to student-centered learning and teaching, as well as demonstrated ability to collaboratively work in multidisciplinary settings.
• Experience working with diverse populations and fostering a collaborative, supportive, and inclusive environment.
• Interact well with peers, students, industry partners, and the general public.
• Demonstrated proficiency in written and oral use of the English language is required.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• A record of excellence in teaching and research (commensurate with time since degree).
• Experience working collaboratively with industry-relevant partners toward advancing teaching and scholarship.
• A productive record of teaching scholarly activity, and student-involved research that would strengthen current department activities.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS

The person holding this position is considered a ‘mandated reporter’ under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment.

Following a conditional offer of employment, a background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily before any candidate may start work with Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may result in the withdrawal of the offer of employment. Note: Cal Poly cannot deny an applicant a position solely or in part due to a criminal conviction history until it has performed an individualized assessment and linked the relevant conviction history with specific job duties in the position being sought.

Please note: Current employees who are offered positions on campus will be required to undergo a background check for any position where a background check is required by law or that Cal Poly has designated as sensitive. Sensitive positions are those requiring heightened scrutiny of individuals holding the position based on potential for harm to children, concerns for the safety and security of people, animals, or property, or heightened risk of financial loss to Cal Poly or individuals in the university community.

For health and well-being, Cal Poly is a smoke & tobacco-free campus. The university is committed to promoting a healthy environment for all members of our community.

In accordance with the California State University (CSU) Out-of-State Employment Policy, the CSU is a state entity whose business operations reside within the State of California and prohibits hiring employees to perform CSU related work outside of California. It is also expected that faculty establish an on-campus presence to fulfill their responsibilities. At Cal Poly, tenure-line faculty are expected to establish an on-campus presence.

Subject to further planning and approval, Cal Poly anticipates a possible transition to semester-based year-round operations (YRO). Under YRO, full-time academic year faculty may be assigned to teach in two consecutive semesters (Fall/Spring, Spring/Summer, or Summer/Fall) out of the three semesters offered annually. The two-semester sequence will constitute the regular academic year appointment. Faculty may also be eligible to teach in the third semester for additional compensation, subject to departmental needs and University policy.

ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT

The Food Science and Nutrition Department’s strategic vision is to prepare the food science, nutrition and dietetics professionals of tomorrow via experiential learning and leadership experience. Graduates will have the critical thinking, foundational knowledge, and technical skills to solve the challenges related to the health of the community and sustainable and safe food systems. The department has 12 full-time faculty, 3 full-time lecturers, many part-time faculty, support staff, and approximately 600 students in two majors. The department hosts a dynamic and innovative Nutrition program that encourages national as well as international perspectives on teaching and research. The Nutrition curriculum includes two concentration options: (1) Dietetics and (2) Nutrition and Pre-Health Sciences. The Dietetics concentration is accredited by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. The department also offers multiple nutrition graduate degree options including a traditional MS in Nutrition, a combined MS in Nutrition and Dietetic Internship, and a blended BS/MS in Nutrition.

The FSN department has 6 new laboratories in the Boswell Ag Tech Center, a centerpiece of Cal Poly’s new $125 million William and Linda Frost Center for Research and Innovation building, which will enable research and discovery to train tomorrow’s leaders in agriculture and food innovation https://cafesbuilds.calpoly.edu/boswell-ag-tech-center/.

Cal Poly’s ability to sponsor employment-based visas will depend on institutional priorities, budget availability, and current federal regulations. Cal Poly does not commit to providing visa sponsorship for this position, and applicants should not expect that such sponsorship will be offered.

If you have any questions, please reach out to the chair of the search committee, Dr. Samir Amin at [e-mail].