Professor of Nutrition Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the era of health and wellness, the role of the Professor of Nutrition is more pivotal than ever.

As the world becomes more health-conscious, the demand for knowledgeable experts who can educate, research, and promote nutritional science grows.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a Professor of Nutrition?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the depth of this role,
• A hiring manager defining the ideal candidate,
• Or simply fascinated by the world of nutrition,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable Professor of Nutrition job description template, designed for seamless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right in.

Professor of Nutrition Duties and Responsibilities

A Professor of Nutrition educates students on various aspects of nutritional sciences, carries out research, and contributes to the development of the field.

They use their expertise to develop course material, guide students in their academic pursuits, and promote a healthy lifestyle through proper nutrition.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

• Developing and delivering lectures on various topics related to nutrition, dietetics, and health
• Designing and updating curriculum to reflect the latest research and trends in nutrition
• Conducting research in the field of nutrition and publishing findings in reputable scientific journals
• Advising and guiding students on their research projects, dissertations, and theses
• Participating in academic events such as seminars, conferences, and workshops
• Collaborating with other faculty members in interdisciplinary research and teaching
• Providing academic and career counseling to students
• Participating in departmental and university committees and contributing to the administrative functions of the institution
• Keeping up-to-date with advancements in the field and continually enhancing professional knowledge and skills

 

Professor of Nutrition Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking an experienced and dedicated Professor of Nutrition to join our faculty.

This position involves teaching nutrition courses to undergraduate and graduate students, conducting original research in the field of nutrition, and contributing to the development of our nutrition curriculum.

The successful candidate will have a strong background in nutritional science, a passion for teaching, and a proven track record of research in the field.

 

Responsibilities

• Teach undergraduate and graduate courses in nutrition and related fields
• Develop and revise curriculum in line with the latest advancements in the field
• Conduct high-quality research in nutrition, leading to publication in peer-reviewed journals
• Supervise student research and mentor students in their academic progress
• Participate in departmental and university service activities
• Assist in the recruitment and advisement of students
• Stay current with advancements and trends in the field of nutrition
• Engage with the wider academic and professional community

 

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Nutrition or a closely related field
• Proven experience as a university-level educator
• Strong record of research and publication in the field of nutrition
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Commitment to mentoring and advising students
• Ability to work collaboratively with faculty and staff
• Knowledge of online teaching methods and educational technology

 

Benefits

• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Tuition assistance
• Professional development opportunities
• Access to university facilities and resources

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Professor of Nutrition
• Work Environment: University campus with some remote teaching possible. Occasional travel for conferences and professional development may be required.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Department Chair of Nutrition.
• Salary: Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience and qualifications.
• 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 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 resume, a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience, and a list of 3 references to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Professor of Nutrition Do?

A Professor of Nutrition typically works in higher education institutions where they educate students about various aspects of nutrition, food, and diet.

They can also work as research specialists in nutritional science in public or private research institutions.

They are often responsible for designing and delivering lectures on topics such as nutritional science, dietetics, food safety, and metabolic processes.

This often involves creating comprehensive lesson plans, grading assignments, and mentoring students.

As researchers, Professors of Nutrition conduct studies to explore the effects of diet on health, disease prevention, and the impacts of nutritional deficiencies.

They develop research methodologies, collect and analyze data, and publish their findings in academic journals and other publications.

They may also provide nutritional counseling and develop dietary strategies for specific populations, such as athletes, pregnant women, or individuals with chronic diseases.

Furthermore, Professors of Nutrition often contribute to public health initiatives, working with government agencies or non-profit organizations to develop nutritional guidelines and policies.

In all aspects of their work, they must stay updated with the latest research and advancements in the field of nutrition and dietetics.

 

Professor of Nutrition Qualifications and Skills

A proficient Professor of Nutrition should have a set of specialized skills and qualifications, including:

• Extensive knowledge of the principles, theories, and practices related to nutrition and dietetics to provide comprehensive knowledge to students.
• Strong research skills to stay current with latest trends and developments in the field of nutrition and health, and to contribute to academic research.
• Excellent communication skills to clearly and effectively explain complex nutritional concepts and theories to students.
• Interpersonal skills to interact with students, staff, and other faculty, fostering a positive learning environment.
• Experience in designing and planning course curriculum and lessons that meet educational standards.
• Ability to evaluate student performance and provide constructive feedback.
• Problem-solving skills to address academic and administrative challenges.
• Flexibility and creativity in teaching methods to cater to diverse learning styles and needs of students.
• Commitment to continuing education and professional development in the field of nutrition.

 

Professor of Nutrition Experience Requirements

Candidates for the role of Professor of Nutrition typically need to have a Doctoral degree in Nutrition, Dietetics, or a related field.

Often, these professionals will have completed a significant amount of research during their doctoral studies, thereby gaining substantial experience in the field.

The entry-level candidates are expected to have at least 1 to 3 years of post-doctoral research experience or teaching experience at a college level.

This experience can be gained through part-time or adjunct teaching roles or through research fellowships.

Candidates who have more than 5 years of experience are often considered for tenure-track positions.

They generally have a strong track record of independent research, peer-reviewed publications, and successful grant proposals.

Those with more than 10 years of experience have likely held leadership roles such as Department Chair or Program Director.

They may have also secured substantial research funding and demonstrated excellence in teaching and mentoring.

In addition to these, candidates are often expected to have professional certification, such as the Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) credential.

They may also have completed a dietetic internship or other relevant clinical experience.

 

Professor of Nutrition Education and Training Requirements

A Professor of Nutrition typically requires a doctoral degree in nutrition, dietetics, or a related field.

During their doctoral studies, they should have concentrated on several areas of research such as public health nutrition, clinical nutrition, or food and nutrition, to name a few.

In addition to their doctoral degree, they should have a significant number of published research papers and a solid background in academic teaching, preferably in the area of nutrition.

Some universities may require postdoctoral research or teaching experience.

Although not mandatory, obtaining a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) certification can add significant value to a professor’s profile.

This involves completing a dietetic internship program approved by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) and passing the national exam.

Continued professional development through attending conferences, seminars, and workshops is also desirable, as it helps the Professor of Nutrition to keep up-to-date with the latest findings and research in the field.

In addition to academic qualifications, a Professor of Nutrition must have strong communication skills, the ability to conduct independent research, and a passion for educating the next generation of nutritionists.

 

Professor of Nutrition Salary Expectations

A Professor of Nutrition can expect to earn an average salary of $75,633 (USD) per year.

The salary can fluctuate based on factors such as educational background, years of experience in the field, and the location of the institution.

 

Professor of Nutrition Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Professor of Nutrition need?

A Professor of Nutrition should have an excellent understanding of nutrition science, food sciences, and human physiology.

They should be able to conduct research, analyze data, and publish their findings.

Effective communication and teaching skills are also essential to help students understand complex nutrition concepts.

They should also have excellent time management skills, as professors often juggle teaching, research, and administrative responsibilities.

 

Do Professors of Nutrition need a degree?

Yes, a Professor of Nutrition typically needs a Ph.D. in Nutrition or a related field.

Some universities also require postdoctoral experience or professional experience in the field of nutrition.

Professors often specialize in a specific area of nutrition, such as clinical nutrition, food science, or public health nutrition.

 

What should you look for in a Professor of Nutrition’s resume?

Look for a doctoral degree in nutrition or a closely related field, and any postdoctoral experience or fellowships.

The resume should also list any publications in peer-reviewed journals, indicating the candidate’s research capability.

Also, look for any teaching experience and any professional licenses or certifications related to nutrition.

 

What qualities make a good Professor of Nutrition?

A good Professor of Nutrition is passionate about the field of nutrition and is dedicated to imparting that passion to their students.

They should have excellent research skills and a track record of publications, indicating their contribution to the field.

They should be excellent communicators, able to explain complex concepts in a way that students can understand.

They should also be organized, patient, and approachable, fostering a positive learning environment.

 

Is it difficult to hire a Professor of Nutrition?

The difficulty in hiring a Professor of Nutrition can depend on several factors, including the specific requirements of the position and the location of the institution.

In general, finding candidates with the necessary educational credentials, research experience, and teaching skills can be challenging.

It can be particularly difficult to find candidates who are experts in specialized areas of nutrition.

 

Conclusion

And there we have it.

Today, we’ve unveiled the true essence of being a Professor of Nutrition.

Guess what?

It’s not just about understanding the science behind food.

It’s about shaping a healthier future, one nutritious meal at a time.

With our comprehensive Professor of Nutrition job description template and real-life scenarios, you’re ready to take the leap.

But why stop there?

Venture further with our job description generator. It’s your next step to meticulously crafted listings or refining your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every food choice is a part of the bigger picture.

Let’s nurture that future. Together.