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, tenuretrack Assistant /Associate Professor of Global Nutrition 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, with responsibilities for teaching courses within the Nutrition majors. They will also work collaboratively to develop and teach new undergraduate and graduate-level courses in global nutrition. Candidates are expected to demonstrate a commitment to excellence in teaching, and effective communication and interpersonal skills. In addition, candidates should be able to provide opportunities for Learn By Doing experiences and undergraduate research related to global nutrition and health. 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. Occasional international travel for research and supervision of student experiences in global nutrition and health may also be expected.  

The incumbent will be expected to conduct research related to global/international 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 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.

Candidates will be considered in the context of their interest and potential to contribute to the Food Science and Nutrition Department, as well as their ability to develop and leverage national and international partnerships to advance global health and nutrition initiatives. The successful candidate will demonstrate the potential to collaborate with FSN faculty and interdisciplinary colleagues to create sustainable global nutrition and health education and experiential learning opportunities that align with Cal Poly’s Learn by Doing mission.

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.

Requirements

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 communications 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 demonstrate ability to collaboratively work in multidisciplinary settings.

Interact well with peers, students, industry partners, and the general public.

Demonstrated proficiency in written and oral use of the English language is required.

Experience working with diverse populations and fostering a collaborative, supportive, and inclusive environment.

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.
experience or education in global/international nutrition and health.