Full-Time Lecturer, Foodservice and Nutrition Systems Management

The Food Science and Nutrition Department in the College of Agriculture, Food, and Environmental Sciences at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, is seeking a two-year, full-time, academic year Full Time Lecturer Foodservice and Nutrition Systems Management, starting approximately August 12, 2027. This appointment comes with the possibility of a one-year extension to academic year 2029-2030, contingent on budget, department need, and satisfactory evaluations. Rank and salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.

The candidate’s primary teaching contribution will be in the areas of Management of Foodservice and Nutrition Systems and Culinology® with an emphasis on quantity food planning and preparation to meet specific nutritional requirements/guidelines for various foodservice facilities, including healthcare facilities, large corporate institutions and schools. 

Courses taught depend on student demand with the successful candidate having expertise in the above areas that would translate to one or more of the following courses: FSN 1121: Fundamentals of Food, NUTR 3321: Experimental Foods, FSN 3346: Institutional Food Service, NUTR 4426: Nutrition and Foodservice Systems Management. The department may assign additional courses as needed and appropriate for the candidate’s expertise. Course descriptions are available at  http://catalog.calpoly.edu/coursesaz/fsn/.

The College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences recently completed a multidisciplinary building of $125 million that will benefit this position with seven food and nutrition research labs, including a culinary suite, a sensory laboratory, two food safety laboratories, and a food chemistry and analytical laboratory. 

Initial rank and salary for lecturer faculty are based on professional experience and educational background and are determined by the hiring department. Most new lecturers are hired at the Lecturer A or B rank. As of July 2024, the classification salary ranges per month for the respective ranks are:

Lecturer A: $5,507 - $6,677

Lecturer B: $6,221 - $13,224

Lecturer C: $6,825 - $14,523

Lecturer D: $8,593 - $15,211

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.

• Earned Master’s in Nutrition, Food Science, Foodservice or closely related field. 
• Evidence of professional experience in related field of expertise. 
• Excellent and effective communication and interpersonal skills.
• The ability to be a productive team player and to interact well with peers, students, industry, government agencies, and the public.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, with demonstrated proficiency in the written and oral use of the English language.
• Strong interest in undergraduate and graduate teaching.

• RD/RDN credential. 
• PhD in Nutrition, Food Science, Foodservice or closely related field.
• University-level teaching experience is desirable. 
• Demonstrated experience and commitment to student-centered learning, teaching and the ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary setting.
• Experience in working with diverse populations and fostering a collaborative, supportive and inclusive environment.  
• Relevant work experience who bring professional capabilities and those with the ability to build connections with industry and foster new relationships.

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.

Please note: Current employees who are offered positions on campus will be required to undergo a background check for any position where a background check is required by law or that Cal Poly has designated as sensitive. Sensitive positions are those requiring heightened scrutiny of individuals holding the position based on potential for harm to children, concerns for the safety and security of people, animals, or property, or heightened risk of financial loss to Cal Poly or individuals in the university community.

For health and well-being, Cal Poly is a smoke & tobacco-free campus. The university is committed to promoting a healthy environment for all members of our community.

In accordance with the California State University (CSU) Out-of-State Employment Policy, the CSU is a state entity whose business operations reside within the State of California and prohibits hiring employees to perform CSU related work outside of California.

The Food Science and Nutrition Department’s strategic vision is to prepare the food science, nutrition and dietetics professionals of tomorrow via experiential learning and leadership experience. Graduates will have the critical thinking, foundational knowledge, and technical skills to solve the challenges related to the health of the community and sustainable and safe food systems. The department has 12 full-time faculty, 3 full-time lecturers, many part-time faculty, support staff, and approximately 600 students in two majors. The department hosts a dynamic and innovative Nutrition program that encourages national as well as international perspectives on teaching and research. The Nutrition curriculum includes two concentration options: (1) Dietetics and (2) Nutrition and Pre-Health Sciences. The Dietetics concentration is accredited by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. The department also offers multiple nutrition graduate degree options including a traditional MS in Nutrition, a combined MS in Nutrition and Dietetic Internship, and a blended BS/MS in Nutrition. 

The FSN department has 6 new laboratories in the Boswell Ag Tech Center, a centerpiece of Cal Poly’s new $125 million William and Linda Frost Center for Research and Innovation building, which will enable research and discovery to train tomorrow’s leaders in agriculture and food innovation (https://cafesbuilds.calpoly.edu/boswell-ag-tech-center/).

Review will begin on December 4, 2026.  Applicants are encouraged to submit materials by that date for full consideration; however, applications received after this date may be considered. Interested candidates must attach (1) cover letter, (2) resume/curriculum vitae, (3) unofficial transcripts of the highest degree, (4) Universal Student Success Statement (prompt below), and (5) at least three professional references with names and email addresses when completing the online faculty application.

*Universal Student Success Statement Prompt- Cal Poly is a public, student-centered university that serves the diverse constituents of the state of California and has a strong emphasis on the teacher-scholar model. Please detail your approach to teaching and learning at the collegiate level, including evidence of experience with inclusive, accessible, and intentional teaching, to a wide variety of students and a description of how you will continue to develop this expertise at Cal Poly. Service or scholarship related to skills developed in these areas might also be included here.

Finalists for the position will be required to provide 3 letters of recommendation. The selected candidate will be required to provide sealed official transcripts prior to appointment for final consideration.

Cal Poly’s ability to sponsor employment-based visas will depend on institutional priorities, budget availability, and current federal regulations.  Cal Poly does not commit to providing visa sponsorship for this position, and applicants should not expect that such sponsorship will be offered.

Inquiries can be directed to the Food Science & Nutrition Department at fsn@calpoly.edu. 

Back to search results Apply now Refer a friend