Full Time Lecturer, Food Science

Cal Poly • San Luis, CA

21d • $5,507 - $15,211

About The Position

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 Full Time Lecturer in Food Science starting August 17, 2026. Rank and salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. The candidate’s primary teaching contribution will be in food science. Courses taught depend on student demand, with the successful candidate having the ability to teach courses at the undergraduate level in any of the following topics: food chemistry and analysis, food processing and engineering, quality assurance, food safety, food laws and regulations, food sanitation, sensory analysis and product development.

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 possess the critical thinking, scientific knowledge, and applied technical expertise needed to innovate and lead the development of safe, sustainable, and health-promoting 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 Food Science program that encourages both national and international perspectives in teaching and research. Beginning in Fall 2026, the Food Science curriculum will include three concentration options: (1) Sustainable Food Technology, (2) Food Safety and (3) Culinology®. The Sustainable Food Technology concentration is approved by the Institute of Food Technologists; the Culinology® concentration is approved by the Research Chefs Association. The department also offers 2 graduate degree options in food science, including a traditional MS in Food Science and a blended BS/MS in Food Science. 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/ ).

Requirements

• An earned Master’s in Food Science, Nutrition, or a closely related field.
• Candidates must demonstrate, or show potential for, excellence in teaching, effective communication, interpersonal skills, and ability to be a team player.
• Demonstrated experience and commitment to student-centered learning and teaching, as well as the ability to collaboratively work in multidisciplinary settings is required.
• Work effectively with teams, be a productive team player, and interact well with peers, students, industry, government agencies, and the general public.
• Demonstrated effective communication and interpersonal skills, and excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Demonstrated proficiency in the written and oral use of the English language.

Nice To Haves

• Preference will be given to candidates with demonstrated experience teaching multiple classes and those with relevant work experience.
• The ability to collaborate with faculty across the College and University is desirable.
• Experience working with varied populations and fostering a collaborative, supportive, equitable, and inclusive learning environment.

Responsibilities

• The candidate’s primary teaching contribution will be in food science.
• Courses taught depend on student demand, with the successful candidate having the ability to teach courses at the undergraduate level in any of the following topics: food chemistry and analysis, food processing and engineering, quality assurance, food safety, food laws and regulations, food sanitation, sensory analysis and product development.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time