Nutrition and Dietetics Professor Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the era of health-conscious living, the importance of nutrition and dietetics professors is more pronounced than ever.

The science of nutrition advances, and with each development, the demand for knowledgeable individuals who can educate, research, and contribute to this field grows stronger.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a nutrition and dietetics professor?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to comprehend the depth of this role,
• A hiring manager aiming to profile the perfect candidate,
• Or simply fascinated by the realm of nutrition and dietetics,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable nutrition and dietetics professor job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Nutrition and Dietetics Professor Duties and Responsibilities

Nutrition and Dietetics Professors are responsible for teaching courses related to nutrition, dietetics, and health.

They also conduct research and supervise students’ work.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

• Design and deliver lectures on nutrition, dietetics, and health-related topics
• Develop and implement curriculum plans that fulfill the requirements of the dietetics program
• Supervise students’ research and practical work
• Evaluate and grade students’ class work, assignments, and papers
• Prepare course materials such as syllabi, homework assignments, and handouts
• Conduct research in a particular field of knowledge and publish findings in professional journals, books, or electronic media
• Keep abreast of developments in the field by reading current literature, talking with colleagues, and participating in professional conferences
• Advise students on academic and vocational curricula, and on career issues
• Perform administrative duties such as serving as department head
• Collaborate with colleagues to address teaching and research issues

 

Nutrition and Dietetics Professor Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a knowledgeable Nutrition and Dietetics Professor to teach, guide and inspire our students.

The responsibilities of the Nutrition and Dietetics Professor include delivering lectures on nutrition, health and dietetics, conducting and supervising student research, developing curriculum, and publishing scholarly articles.

Our ideal candidate should have a strong academic background in nutrition and dietetics, along with excellent teaching and mentoring skills.

The goal of the Nutrition and Dietetics Professor is to educate students to become professionals who promote health and manage disease through the use of food and nutrition.

 

Responsibilities

• Prepare and deliver lectures on topics such as human nutrition, community nutrition, food preparation, and food chemistry.
• Supervise student research and internship experiences.
• Develop and revise curriculum in line with current trends and developments in the field of nutrition and dietetics.
• Publish research findings in scholarly journals.
• Participate in professional organizations and attend academic conferences.
• Guide students on their thesis projects and offer career guidance.
• Perform administrative duties such as serving on departmental committees.

 

Qualifications

• PhD in Nutrition, Dietetics or a related field.
• Proven teaching experience in a university setting.
• Strong research background and a track record of published research.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Proficient in using technology and relevant software for teaching.
• Membership in professional organizations related to nutrition and dietetics.

 

Benefits

• Retirement plan
• Health, dental and vision insurance
• Tuition reimbursement
• Paid time off
• Professional development and continuing education opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Nutrition and Dietetics Professor
• Work Environment: University campus. Some travel may be required for academic conferences and events.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Head of the Department.
• Salary: Salary is commensurate with experience, qualifications, and university standards.
• Pay Range: $75,000 minimum to $160,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our university. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume, a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience, and a list of publications to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Nutrition and Dietetics Professor Do?

A Nutrition and Dietetics Professor works in colleges and universities, teaching students about the principles of nutrition, the science of dietetics, and how these elements affect overall health and well-being.

They are responsible for creating a learning environment that fosters students’ understanding of dietary requirements and nutritional science.

They develop course materials, conduct lectures, and assess students’ performance through tests and assignments.

Nutrition and Dietetics Professors also keep themselves updated on the latest research in the field of nutrition and dietetics to provide up-to-date, accurate information to their students.

They may also conduct their own research, often working alongside students to study aspects of nutrition, dietetics, food science, health, and wellness.

Their role also includes publishing their research findings in academic journals or presenting them at conferences.

They may also be consulted by individuals or organizations for advice on diet and nutrition, leveraging their expertise to help guide health and wellness initiatives.

In addition, they often advise students on career paths within the field of nutrition and dietetics, and may also supervise student internships and practical experiences.

They are also involved in academic tasks such as participating in departmental meetings, serving on committees, and contributing to curriculum development.

 

Nutrition and Dietetics Professor Qualifications and Skills

A Nutrition and Dietetics Professor should possess certain skills and qualifications, including:

• Comprehensive knowledge of nutrition and dietetics to provide education on various nutritional concepts, diet management and health promotion.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills to explain complex concepts in an understandable manner and to stimulate class discussions.
• Strong interpersonal skills to establish supportive relationships with students, faculty, and staff.
• Analytical and research skills to conduct investigations in the field of nutrition and dietetics, interpret data, and share findings with students and the academic community.
• Organizational skills to manage coursework, grade assignments, prepare lesson plans and balance other administrative tasks.
• Proficiency in using technology for teaching and research, such as presentation software, online learning platforms, and statistical analysis tools.
• Experience or willingness to engage in grant writing and fundraising for research projects.
• Commitment to ongoing professional development to stay current with the latest research and developments in the field of nutrition and dietetics.
• A minimum of a master’s degree, although a Ph.D. is often preferred, in Nutrition, Dietetics, or a closely related field.
• License as a Registered Dietitian (RD) or similar credential may be required depending on the institution’s regulations.

 

Nutrition and Dietetics Professor Experience Requirements

To become a Nutrition and Dietetics Professor, one typically needs significant academic and practical experience in the field of nutrition and dietetics.

Aspiring professors should ideally have a master’s degree in nutrition, dietetics, or a closely related field.

However, a doctoral degree is often preferred or required, especially for tenured positions.

This implies several years of academic study and research.

Before or during their postgraduate studies, potential professors often gain practical experience by working in a clinical setting, such as a hospital, private practice, or public health organization, where they gain hands-on experience in dietary planning, counselling, and healthcare consulting.

A background in teaching or mentoring is also valuable.

This could be gained through serving as a teaching assistant during postgraduate studies, or by mentoring students or junior colleagues in a professional context.

Those aspiring to a professorship should ideally have published research in reputable academic journals.

This demonstrates expertise in their field and the ability to contribute new knowledge to it.

Professors with more than five years of experience may also have experience in academic leadership roles, such as department head or program director, which would prepare them for more senior or administrative roles within a university setting.

Continuing education and professional development are also important, as professors are expected to stay up-to-date with the latest research and advancements in the field of nutrition and dietetics.

 

Nutrition and Dietetics Professor Education and Training Requirements

Nutrition and Dietetics Professors typically require a doctoral degree in nutrition, dietetics, or a related field.

This advanced degree program provides in-depth knowledge of food, nutrition, metabolism, and the application of research methodology in this sector.

In addition to their degree, prospective professors must have substantial experience in the field.

This could be gained through research work, clinical practice, or other professional experiences in the field of dietetics and nutrition.

Nutrition and Dietetics Professors also need to demonstrate a strong track record in teaching.

This is because they would be expected to deliver lectures, facilitate discussions, mentor students, and guide research projects.

In some cases, a registered dietitian (RD) or registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) credential may be required or preferred.

These credentials are granted by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) and involve additional education and supervised practice.

Continuing education is important in this field to stay updated with the latest research and advancements in nutrition and dietetics.

Professors may also choose to gain additional certifications in specialized areas, such as pediatric or geriatric nutrition, sports dietetics, or eating disorders, to enhance their expertise and increase their career prospects.

Professors, regardless of their specialization, are also usually expected to contribute to their field through research and publication, which means skills in academic writing and research are critical.

 

Nutrition and Dietetics Professor Salary Expectations

A Nutrition and Dietetics Professor earns an average salary of $76,400 (USD) per year.

The actual earnings may fluctify based on experience, tenure, research contributions, geographical location, and the institution they are employed at.

 

Nutrition and Dietetics Professor Job Description FAQs

What qualifications does a Nutrition and Dietetics Professor need?

A Nutrition and Dietetics Professor typically needs to hold at least a Master’s degree in Nutrition, Dietetics, or a related field.

However, many universities prefer candidates with a Doctoral degree.

Apart from educational qualifications, they should have a significant amount of experience in clinical nutrition or dietetics.

Certification from a recognized body such as the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics can be beneficial.

 

What skills are important for a Nutrition and Dietetics Professor?

Critical skills include in-depth knowledge of nutrition and dietetics, excellent teaching abilities, strong research skills, and the capacity to inspire and engage students.

They should also have good communication skills for delivering lectures and interacting with students, peers, and other professionals in the field.

Organizational and administrative skills are also important for managing class schedules, grading, and curriculum development.

 

What is the typical work schedule for a Nutrition and Dietetics Professor?

The work schedule for a Nutrition and Dietetics Professor is usually full time.

However, their time is not solely spent teaching.

It also includes preparing lessons, grading papers, advising students, conducting research, and contributing to departmental meetings and committees.

Some professors may also work part-time or have flexible schedules.

 

What qualities make a good Nutrition and Dietetics Professor?

A good Nutrition and Dietetics Professor should be passionate about the field of nutrition and dietetics and be able to impart this passion to their students.

They should be patient, understanding, and able to motivate students to learn and achieve their best.

They should also stay updated with the latest research and developments in their field, and be able to incorporate this knowledge into their teaching.

 

How do Nutrition and Dietetics Professors keep current in their field?

Nutrition and Dietetics Professors often keep current in their field by conducting their own research, reading peer-reviewed journals, attending professional conferences, and participating in professional development opportunities.

They might also be members of professional organizations, which often offer resources and updates on the latest developments in the field.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve uncovered the real essence of being a Nutrition and Dietetics professor.

Surprised?

It’s not just about teaching.

It’s about shaping the future of health and wellbeing, one nutrition lesson at a time.

With our specialized Nutrition and Dietetics professor job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to make your mark.

But why stop there?

Explore further with our job description generator. It’s your next step to creating meticulous job listings or tailoring your resume to excellence.

Remember:

Every lesson on nutrition is a piece of the larger wellness puzzle.

Let’s create a healthier future. Together.

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