Nutrition Faculty Member Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the era of health and wellness, the focus on Nutrition Faculty Members has never been more essential.
As our understanding of dietary science advances, the demand for skilled professionals who can educate, innovate, and advocate for a healthier society escalates.
But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a Nutrition Faculty Member?
Whether you are:
- An aspiring professional seeking to understand the core of this position,
- A hiring manager delineating the perfect candidate,
- Or simply fascinated by the realm of nutrition education,
You’re in the right place.
Today, we present a customizable Nutrition Faculty Member job description template, designed for seamless posting on job boards or career websites.
Let’s delve right into it.
Nutrition Faculty Member Duties and Responsibilities
A Nutrition Faculty Member is responsible for educating students in the field of nutrition.
They use their comprehensive knowledge of nutrition and dietetics to prepare students for careers as nutrition professionals.
Their duties and responsibilities include:
- Develop and deliver lectures on various topics related to nutrition, food science, and dietetics
- Prepare course materials such as syllabi, homework assignments, and handouts
- Evaluate and grade students’ class work, assignments, and papers
- Conduct research in the field of nutrition and publish findings in scholarly journals
- Keep abreast of developments in the field by reading current literature, talking with colleagues, and participating in professional conferences
- Supervise undergraduate or graduate teaching, internship, and research work
- Advise students on academic and vocational curricula, and on career issues
- Participate in student recruitment, registration, and placement activities
- Collaborate with colleagues to address teaching and research issues
- Perform administrative duties such as serving as department head
Nutrition Faculty Member Job Description Template
Job Brief
We are seeking a knowledgeable and enthusiastic Nutrition Faculty Member to join our educational team.
The incumbent will be responsible for creating course content, delivering lectures, and guiding students in their research and coursework.
This role requires a deep understanding of nutrition science, excellent communication skills, and a passion for teaching.
Responsibilities
- Prepare and deliver lectures on various aspects of nutrition science
- Conduct research in the field of nutrition and publish findings in peer-reviewed journals
- Guide and mentor students in their academic and research pursuits
- Develop curriculum and course materials that align with latest trends and advancements in nutrition science
- Contribute to departmental administration and participate in faculty meetings and committees
- Participate in student recruitment and advising
- Assess, monitor and report on student performance
- Maintain a respectful and inclusive learning environment for all students
Qualifications
- PhD or similar degree in Nutrition, Dietetics or a closely related field
- Previous experience in an academic or teaching role
- Significant knowledge of current nutrition science research and practices
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Experience with curriculum development and assessment
- Ability to work well with diverse student populations
- Published research in the field of nutrition is a plus
Benefits
- Competitive salary
- Comprehensive health benefits (medical, dental, vision)
- Retirement plan with employer match
- Professional development opportunities
- Paid vacation and holidays
- Tuition remission for employees and their dependents
Additional Information
- Job Title: Nutrition Faculty Member
- Work Environment: University campus setting. May require occasional travel for conferences or research.
- Reporting Structure: Reports to the Head of the Nutrition Department.
- Salary: Salary is commensurate with experience and qualifications, in line with university pay scales.
- Location: [City, State] (specify the location or if remote options are available)
- Employment Type: Full-time
- Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity in our institution. 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 CV, a cover letter outlining your teaching philosophy and experience, and a list of three professional references to [email address or application portal].
What Does a Nutrition Faculty Member Do?
A Nutrition Faculty Member typically works in academic institutions such as colleges, universities, or research institutions.
Their primary responsibility is to educate students about various aspects of nutrition, including food science, diet, wellness, and other related subjects.
They plan, prepare, and deliver lectures, create and mark assignments, and conduct examinations to assess students’ understanding and knowledge.
Nutrition Faculty Members also conduct research in their field of expertise, publishing their findings in academic journals, presenting at conferences, and constantly staying up-to-date with the latest developments in the field of nutrition.
They may also be involved in supervising students’ research projects, advising them on their academic progress, and helping them develop their career paths.
In addition, Nutrition Faculty Members often contribute to their institutions’ administrative tasks, such as curriculum development, accreditation efforts, and committee service.
They may also engage in community outreach to promote health and nutrition awareness.
Nutrition Faculty Member Qualifications and Skills
A proficient Nutrition Faculty Member should possess the qualifications and skills that align with the job description, such as:
- Advanced understanding and knowledge of human nutrition and dietary needs.
- Excellent communication and presentation skills to educate students in various nutritional concepts and principles.
- Strong research skills to keep up-to-date with the latest nutritional science and dietary guidelines.
- Ability to develop and implement engaging and interactive lesson plans that cater to the needs of diverse student populations.
- Experience in academic advising and curriculum development in the field of nutrition.
- Ability to critically analyze and interpret nutritional research and data.
- Organizational skills to manage courses, grading, and student consultations effectively.
- Teamwork and collaboration skills for working with other faculty members in cross-disciplinary projects and initiatives.
- Relevant certification or licensure and a Master’s or Doctorate degree in Nutrition or related field.
Nutrition Faculty Member Experience Requirements
Entry-level candidates for a Nutrition Faculty Member position generally have at least a Master’s degree in Nutrition, Dietetics, or a related field, along with a few years of experience in a clinical or academic setting.
Internships and part-time roles in nutrition counseling, diet planning, or public health education can provide valuable hands-on experience.
Candidates with 3 to 5 years of experience often have worked in various roles such as Registered Dietitian, Clinical Nutritionist, or Nutrition Researcher, thereby gaining a deep understanding of nutritional science and its practical applications.
They may also have some experience in teaching, developing educational materials, or conducting research.
Candidates with more than 5 years of experience typically possess extensive knowledge and expertise in the field of nutrition.
They often have a PhD in Nutrition or a related field, and have contributed to academic research, published papers, or led seminars on nutrition topics.
These candidates may have leadership experience and are typically ready to take on more responsibility, such as heading a department, supervising student research, or developing new courses or programs.
They should also have a substantial record of successful teaching experience at the collegiate level.
Nutrition Faculty Member Education and Training Requirements
A Nutrition Faculty Member typically requires a minimum of a master’s degree in nutrition, dietetics or a related field.
However, many universities prefer candidates with a doctoral degree.
Extensive knowledge in areas such as food science, dietary needs, and wellness strategies is vital.
It is also important to have a good understanding of the biological and chemical processes that occur during digestion and how these processes affect a person’s health.
In addition to formal education, practical experience in clinical, community, or food service settings is highly beneficial.
This experience can come from internships, fellowships, or work as a Registered Dietitian.
Most universities require Nutrition Faculty Members to have teaching experience, often gained through teaching assistantships during graduate school or by teaching at the community college level.
Faculty members are also expected to conduct research, so experience in research methodology and statistical analysis is a major plus.
Having a certification or registration as a Registered Dietitian (RD) or Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) is highly desirable, indicating a professional’s commitment to the ongoing development and adherence to industry standards.
Continuous education is also important for a Nutrition Faculty Member, as they need to stay updated on the latest scientific research and trends in the field of nutrition and dietetics.
Some faculty members may also choose to specialize in a particular area of nutrition such as sports nutrition, pediatric nutrition, or nutritional epidemiology.
Nutrition Faculty Member Salary Expectations
A Nutrition Faculty Member earns an average salary of $74,000 (USD) per year.
The salary can fluctuate depending on factors such as the level of education, years of experience in the field, and the location of the institution.
Nutrition Faculty Member Job Description FAQs
What qualifications does a Nutrition Faculty Member need?
A Nutrition Faculty Member typically requires a minimum of a Master’s degree in Nutrition, Dietetics, or a closely related field.
However, some institutions may prefer candidates with a Doctorate.
Additionally, it’s desirable for candidates to have relevant work experience in the field of nutrition or dietetics, as well as teaching experience.
What are the daily duties of a Nutrition Faculty Member?
A Nutrition Faculty Member is responsible for preparing and delivering lectures, designing and grading assignments, and conducting research within the field of nutrition.
They also provide academic advising to students, participate in departmental meetings, and contribute to the development and revision of the curriculum.
What skills are important for a Nutrition Faculty Member?
Nutrition Faculty Members need strong verbal and written communication skills to effectively deliver lectures and interact with students.
They should have extensive knowledge about nutrition and dietetics, be able to conduct and interpret research, and have the ability to inspire and motivate students.
Good organizational skills are also crucial for managing coursework and maintaining records.
What makes a good Nutrition Faculty Member?
A good Nutrition Faculty Member has a passion for teaching and a deep understanding of nutrition science.
They should be committed to their students’ success, be open to new teaching methods, and stay updated on the latest research and developments in the field of nutrition.
Patience, empathy, and good listening skills also contribute to the success of a Nutrition Faculty Member.
What should you look for in a Nutrition Faculty Member’s resume?
A strong Nutrition Faculty Member’s resume will display a high level of education in the field of nutrition or dietetics, along with relevant work and teaching experience.
Look for any research conducted or publications authored by the candidate in the field of nutrition.
Additional certifications, like Registered Dietitian (RD), can also add value.
Lastly, assess the individual’s communication skills, passion for the field, and commitment to education through their cover letter and personal statement.
Conclusion
There you have it.
Today, we’ve shone a light on what it truly means to be a Nutrition Faculty Member.
And guess what?
It’s not just about teaching nutrition.
It’s about cultivating healthier futures, one nutritional lesson at a time.
With our essential Nutrition Faculty Member job description template and real-world examples, you’re fully equipped to take the next step.
But why stop there?
Take a deeper dive with our job description generator. It’s your ultimate guide to creating carefully-curated job listings or refining your CV to perfection.
Remember:
Every lesson you teach is a step towards a healthier society.
Let’s shape that future. Together.
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