Assistant​/Associate Professor, Nutrition Science

Overview

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 August 17, 2026. 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, including courses in 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.

• Teach Nutrition courses for Nutrition majors, including courses in nutrient metabolism, at both undergraduate and graduate levels.
• Contribute to the Master of Science in Nutrition program by supervising graduate students, participating in team-teaching, and instructing graduate-level courses in-person and online.
• Engage in research related to human nutrition, develop a productive research program, obtain external funding, publish in peer-reviewed journals, present at conferences, and supervise/mentor graduate students.
• Engage in department, college, and university service activities, including curriculum planning, development, assessment, and involvement in the MS Nutrition Graduate Group; participate in service to professional organizations.
• Collaborate with peers, students, industry partners, government agencies, and the public; demonstrate the ability to work as a collaborative team player.

• Earned a doctorate (PhD, DrPH, DSc, DCN, etc.) in Human Nutrition or a 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 a strong interest in undergraduate and graduate teaching.
• Demonstrated potential to secure external funding and publish research.
• Demonstrated 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, with the ability to collaborate in multidisciplinary settings.
• Experience working with diverse populations and fostering an inclusive environment.
• Interact well with peers, students, industry partners, and the general public.
• Proficiency in written and oral English is required.

• Record of excellence in teaching and research (commensurate with time since degree).
• Experience collaborating with industry partners to advance teaching and scholarship.
• Productive record of teaching scholarly activity and student-involved research that strengthens department activities.

• The position is subject to mandatory reporting under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment.
• Following a conditional offer, a background check (including criminal records) must be completed satisfactorily before start of employment. Cal Poly may withdraw the offer if the background check is not satisfactory.
• Current employees offered on-campus positions may be required to undergo a background check where required by law or designated as sensitive.
• Cal Poly is a smoke and tobacco-free campus.
• In accordance with CSU Out-of-State Employment Policy, hiring is restricted to work within California. Faculty are expected to establish an on-campus presence.
• Subject to planning and approval, Cal Poly anticipates a possible transition to semester-based year-round operations (YRO) with two-semester regular appointments and the option for a third semester for additional compensation, subject to needs and policy.

The Food Science and Nutrition Department’s strategic vision is to prepare food science, nutrition, and dietetics professionals via experiential learning and leadership experience. The department has 12 full-time faculty, 3 full-time lecturers, other faculty, support staff, and approximately 600 students in two majors. The Nutrition program includes two concentrations:
Dietetics and Nutrition and Pre-Health Sciences. The Dietetics…