Teaching Professor in Nutrition and Dietetics

Position Specifics

The Department of Nutritional Sciences in Penn State’s College of Health and Human Development seeks a highly motivated and versatile Assistant, Associate, or Full Teaching Professor for a non‑tenure track appointment. The successful candidate will teach undergraduate and graduate Nutritional Sciences courses and serve as Director of the Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD). The DPD Director is the ACEND liaison for the DPD/ISPP program, working with an undergraduate success team that 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.

Teaching responsibilities are expected to total 24 credits, with 6 credits of course release provided for DPD Director duties. The applicant will also participate in service roles within the Department and may contribute service to the College, University, and profession.

• Leadership experience that highlights high emotional intelligence
• Outstanding interpersonal verbal and written communication skills
• Course development experience
• Applied experience in nutrition and dietetics
• Effective understanding of the nutritional sciences curricula
• Ability to quickly learn 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
• Coordination of curricular updates to ensure alignment with ACEND Standards
• Sound judgment, ethical decision‑making, and professionalism

The appointment may be for an Assistant, Associate, or Full Teaching Professor based on the candidate’s qualifications. All candidates must be a Registered Dietitian‑Nutritionist (RD/RDN) and hold a doctoral degree in Nutrition or a closely related discipline. Specific experience requirements vary by rank:

• Assistant Teaching Professor: 1–2 years of related experience.
• Associate Teaching Professor: 5–10 years of teaching experience with demonstrated excellence in course design, innovative teaching or assessment methods, or curricular support.
• Full Teaching Professor: 10 or more years of teaching experience with similar demonstrated excellence.

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

Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full‑time employees, including comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, a robust retirement plan, and a generous 75% tuition discount for employees and eligible spouses and children.

Employment requires successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.

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 the online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814‑865‑1473.