
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 two-year, full-time, academic year lecturer starting September 11, 2025 and ending May 21, 2027. This lecturer is an embedded clinical nutrition preceptor who will coordinate rotation experiences and supervise a group of Cal Poly dietetic interns during their clinical nutrition rotations at a local hospital(s). Rank and salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.
Duties of the lecturer include: serving as the lead clinical nutrition preceptor for Cal Poly’s dietetic interns placed at local hospital(s); provide patient care, work with interdisciplinary healthcare teams, and maintain medical documentation, as appropriate; work closely with the dietetic internship director and other key stakeholders, including local hospital administrators and nutrition care team, to coordinate and schedule clinical nutrition supervised practice rotations and experiences for Cal Poly dietetic interns; work closely with the dietetic internship director and local hospital staff to plan and implement competency-based experiences and assignments to meet the Standards for Dietetic Internships as set forth by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND); assist with the selection of dietetic interns; oversee the clearance and onboarding processes for all clinical nutrition rotations; monitor and evaluate student intern performance in the clinic and on required assignments.
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 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
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY AND EXCELLENCE IN EDUCATION AND EMPLOYMENT - 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.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- An earned bachelor’s degree in nutrition, dietetics, or closely related field and a minimum of 3 years of clinical experience OR an earned master’s degree in nutrition, dietetics, or closely related field, and a minimum of 2 years of clinical experience.
- RD/RDN credential through the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) and maintain credential during appointment.
- 2 years of inpatient clinical nutrition experience.
- Demonstrated commitment to and evidence of quality, student-centered learning, precepting, or teaching, as well as the ability to collaboratively work in multidisciplinary settings.
- The successful candidate must be able to work effectively with teams and interact well with peers, students, industry, government agencies, and the general public.
- Effective communication and interpersonal skills.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills, with demonstrated proficiency in the written and oral use of the English language.
- Candidates who have international experience or the desire to cultivate international links, are of particular interest.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience with motivational interviewing.
- Specialty certifications in dietetics, e.g., renal, nutrition support, diabetes, etc.
- Involved in professional organizations in nutrition or dietetics.
- Evidence working with diverse populations.
- The ability to collaborate with faculty across the College and University is desirable.
Preference will be given to those with relevant work experience who bring professional capabilities, including building connections, working with diverse populations and fostering a collaborative, supportive, and inclusive environment.
SPECIAL CONDITIONS
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 the 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.
ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT
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 16 full-time faculty, 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: Applied Nutrition and Nutrition Science. The Applied Nutrition 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, and a blended BS/MS in Nutrition. Lastly, Cal Poly has an accredited dietetic internship program with two options: 1. a stand-alone dietetic internship and 2. a combined MS in Nutrition and Dietetic Internship.
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/).
HOW TO APPLY
Review begin date is April 10, 2025. Applicants are encouraged to submit materials by April 10, 2025 for full consideration; applications received after this date may be considered. Interested candidates must attach: (1) a cover letter, (2) resume/curriculum vitae, (3) unofficial transcripts of the highest degree, and (4) statement of teaching philosophy. Please be prepared to provide at least three professional references with names and email addresses when completing the online faculty application. The selected candidate will be required to provide sealed official transcripts prior to appointment for final consideration. Inquiries can be directed to the committee chair, Dr. Anna Cahn at acahn@calpoly.edu.