Professor of Nutritional Sciences

Penn State University•Ferguson Township, PA

6d•Onsite

About The Position

The Department of Nutritional Sciences (https://nutrition.hhd.psu.edu) and the Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences (https://www.huck.psu.edu/) at The Pennsylvania State (Penn State) University, a Land-grant University, seeks a tenure-eligible Professor whose work centers on the biological underpinnings of nutrition, food choice, and/or nutrition-related health outcomes. This position will also come with a prestigious 5-year appointment as the Dorothy Foehr Huck Endowed Chair in Nutrition, with possibility for renewal. The Dorothy Foehr Chair is expected to further scholarly excellence through contributions to instruction, research, and public service. Penn State consistently ranks among the nation’s top 25 public research universities, with fiscal year 2025 research expenditures exceeding $1.4 billion. The Department of Nutritional Sciences is one of the most research-active in the College of Health and Human Development with a long tradition of impactful scholarship. The start-up package will be highly competitive, and the endowed chairship can provide ongoing discretionary research support. Salary is based on 36-weeks of service annually, which can be supplemented with additional salary up to a total of 48 weeks. The University offers an excellent package of benefits LINK/WEBSITE. Successful candidates are expected to have an established track record of successful extramural funding, published results from multidisciplinary research projects, and evidence of leadership of multidisciplinary scientific teams. The candidate will complement the research of existing faculty within the Department, the Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, College of Health and Human Development, and other academic units across the University. Areas of interest prioritize the biological underpinnings of nutrition and food choice across the translational spectrum. Priority will be given to applicants who demonstrate, through prior achievements, intentional and actioned commitment to academic excellence. In addition to establishing a rigorous externally funded research program at Penn State, duties also include: Promote a culture of excellence in interdisciplinary nutritional sciences research, teaching, and outreach across the Penn State system. Promote Penn State as a global leader in interdisciplinary nutrition research through novel collaborations that integrate existing strengths. Contribute to leading the growth of nutritional sciences at Penn State through strategic initiatives and development of collaborative, interdisciplinary research teams and development of center, program, and training grants. Support the training of next generation of nutritional sciences researchers via classroom and experiential learning opportunities. Participate in strategic planning to contribute to the impact of the Department of Nutritional Sciences and the Huck Institute of Life Sciences. Actively engage in mentorship of early career faculty. Support community development and engagement at the student, staff, postdoctoral and faculty levels. This position is located at the University Park campus of Penn State in State College, Pennsylvania, a picturesque locale in the heart of the Commonwealth known as Happy Valley. As a vibrant college town, State College hosts year-round festivals and activities and is near countless miles of hiking trails and state parks. State College is not only centrally located in Pennsylvania, but also the Mid-Atlantic region. Major metropolitan areas including Baltimore, Washington DC, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and Harrisburg are just a short drive away. The preferred start date for the position is Fall 2026.

Requirements

Having earned a doctoral degree in any nutrition-related field (PhD, MD and/or equivalent)
A demonstrated record of research accomplishments befitting the rank of full professor
Currently maintaining an innovative and successful research program
Demonstrating excellence in teaching undergraduate and graduate courses and mentoring students.
Either have demonstrated a commitment to advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging for all individuals, or describing one or more ways they would envision doing so, given the opportunity.

Responsibilities

Promote a culture of excellence in interdisciplinary nutritional sciences research, teaching, and outreach across the Penn State system.
Promote Penn State as a global leader in interdisciplinary nutrition research through novel collaborations that integrate existing strengths.
Contribute to leading the growth of nutritional sciences at Penn State through strategic initiatives and development of collaborative, interdisciplinary research teams and development of center, program, and training grants.
Support the training of next generation of nutritional sciences researchers via classroom and experiential learning opportunities.
Participate in strategic planning to contribute to the impact of the Department of Nutritional Sciences and the Huck Institute of Life Sciences.
Actively engage in mentorship of early career faculty.
Support community development and engagement at the student, staff, postdoctoral and faculty levels.

Benefits

Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional wellbeing.
In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans.
One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children.

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