Part-Time Lecturer Pool - Food Science (AY 26/27)

California Polytechnic State University; San Luis Obispo (CA); On-site; USD 40,000 - 60,000; Part time

Job summary

A public university in California is seeking applications for a part-time lecturer in Food Science for the 2026-27 academic year. The role includes teaching undergraduate lectures and laboratory sections in various food science areas, such as food safety and processing. Candidates must hold a Master’s degree and demonstrate teaching and industry experience, especially in working with diverse populations. This position requires flexibility and the ability to respond to short-notice appointments, fostering an inclusive university environment.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Food Science or related field required.
• Bachelor’s degree for laboratory course assignments with relevant experience.
• Teaching and industry experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Teach undergraduate lectures and laboratory sections.
• Supervise student experiences and undergraduate research projects.

Skills

Teaching experience

Industry experience

Experience with diverse populations

Education

Master’s degree in Food Science or related field

Bachelor’s degree in food science or closely related field

Job description

Locations

Central California

Cal Poly - San Luis Obispo Campus

Job Details

Job no: 556283

Work type: Instructional Faculty - Temporary/Lecturer

Location: Cal Poly - San Luis Obispo Campus

Categories: Unit 3 - CFA - California Faculty Association, Temporary, Part Time, Faculty - Agriculture, On-site (work in-person at business location)

Position Overview

APPOINTMENTS FROM THE PART-TIME POOL ARE TEMPORARY AND OFTEN MADE JUST PRIOR TO THE START OF THE ACADEMIC TERM; APPLICANTS MUST BE AVAILABLE ON VERY SHORT NOTICE.

FOOD SCIENCE PART-TIME LECTURER POOL. The Food Science and Nutrition Department within the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo is seeking applications for a pool of part‑time lecturers with positions available as determined by need during the 2026-27 academic year.

Responsibilities

Lecturers in the Food Science program are expected to teach undergraduate lectures and/or laboratory sections in one or more of the following areas: food quality assurance, food processing, food packaging, food safety, food engineering, food law, sensory evaluation, an upper‑division GE food science course, and other courses assigned at the discretion of the department. Lecturers are also expected to supervise student experiences and undergraduate research projects.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Food Science or related field.
• For laboratory course assignments, Bachelor’s degree in food science or closely related field & at least 1‑2 years of relevant experience.
• Industry experience, teaching experience, and/or Ph.D. preferred.
• Preference will be given to those with experience in working with diverse populations and fostering a collaborative, supportive and inclusive environment.

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.

Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo will not sponsor an H‑1B for this position.

Equal Opportunity Statement

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, 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 programs. At Cal Poly, excellence is built on merit, talent, diversity, accessibility, and equal opportunity for all.

How to Apply

Attach to the application: 1) a cover letter providing some detail of the applicant's qualifications and interest in the position; 2) a current CV; 3) a list of CSU courses previously taught and courses requesting consideration to teach (if applicable); 4) copy of unofficial transcripts; and 5) a statement of teaching philosophy. Please be prepared to provide three professional references with names and email addresses when completing your application. Selected applicants will be required to submit sealed official transcripts of highest degree prior to appointment.

For questions, please contact the Food Science and Nutrition Department by phone at [phone] or by email at [e-mail].

Application Deadline

Advertised: April 02, 2026
Applications close: March 31, 2027