Teaching Professor in Nutrition and Dietetics

Position Specifications

The Department of Nutritional Sciences in Penn State’s College of Health and Human Development is seeking a highly motivated and versatile Assistant, Associate, or Full Teaching Professor for a non‑tenure track appointment. The successful candidate will teach Nutritional Sciences undergraduate and graduate majors and serve as the Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) Director. The DPD Director serves as the ACEND liaison for the DPD/ISPP program and is supported by an undergraduate success team, which includes the Department Head, the Person‑in‑Charge of the Undergraduate program, a full‑time professional academic advisor, and a full‑time undergraduate staff coordinator.

The administrative role of DPD Director is assessed annually.

The successful candidate will possess instructional expertise and demonstrate skills in communicating with undergraduate and graduate students and the ability to teach courses both in‑residence and online focused on nutrition and dietetics. The expected teaching responsibilities total 24 credits, with 6 credits of course release as DPD Director. In addition, the applicant will be expected to participate in service roles within the Department and may contribute service to the College, University and profession.

Competencies critical to success include:

• Leadership experience that highlights high emotional intelligence
• Outstanding interpersonal verbal and written communications
• Course development
• Applied experience in nutrition and dietetics
• Effective understanding of the nutritional sciences curricula
• Ability to quickly learn how to use relevant software systems such as learning management systems
• Analytical problem‑solving and organizational skills
• Self‑motivation and the ability to handle multiple tasks and meet deadlines
• Student‑centered teaching and mentoring approaches
• Coordinating curricular updates to ensure alignment with ACEND Standards
• Consistent use of sound judgment, ethical decision making, and professionalism

The position requires the credential of a Registered Dietitian‑Nutritionist (RD/RDN) and a doctoral degree in Nutrition or a closely related discipline. For an Assistant Teaching Professor, 1–2 years of related experience is required. For an Associate Teaching Professor, 5 to 10 years of teaching experience and demonstrated excellence in one or more areas such as the design and development of new courses and/or course revisions, introduction of innovative teaching and/or assessment methodologies, or support of curricular affairs.

For a Full Teaching Professor, at least 10 years of teaching experience and similar demonstrated excellence are required.

The appointment may be a 36‑ or 48‑week term and is a term appointment funded for one year from the date of hire with an excellent possibility of re‑funding.

Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full‑time employees designed to support both personal and professional wellbeing. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans. Employees also receive a generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children.

Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814‑865‑1473.

For additional information on remote work or further details regarding the position, please refer to the Penn State website or contact the Department Head, Meg Bruening, at mmb
203.