Part-Time Lecturer Pool - Culinary/Foodservice (AY 26/27)

Appointments from the part-time pool are temporary and often made just prior to the start of the academic term. Applicants must be available on very short notice.

About the Role

The Food Science and Nutrition Department within the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo is seeking applications for a pool of part-time lecturers. Positions are available as determined by need during the 2026-27 academic year.

Lecturers are expected to teach undergraduate lectures, laboratory sections, and/or supervised field experiences in one or more of the following areas:

• Fundamentals of food
• Cereal and bakery science
• Contemporary issues in food choice and preparation
• Institutional foodservice
• Food systems management

In addition, lecturers are expected to supervise student experiences and undergraduate research projects.

Pay

Initial rank and salary for lecturer faculty are based on professional experience and educational background. Most new lecturers are hired at the Lecturer A or B rank. As of July 2024, the classification salary ranges are:

• Lecturer A: $5,507–$6,677 per month
• Lecturer B: $6,221–$13,224 per month
• Lecturer C: $6,825–$14,523 per month
• Lecturer D: $8,593–$15,211 per month

Requirements

Required Qualifications

• Master's degree in culinary sciences/arts, food science, nutrition, food service, hospitality, or a closely related field.
• For laboratory course assignments: Bachelor's degree in culinary sciences/arts, food science, nutrition, food service, hospitality, or a closely related field, and at least 2–3 years of relevant experience.
• Demonstrated experience and commitment to student-centered learning and teaching, as well as the ability to collaboratively work in multidisciplinary settings.
• Demonstrated proficiency in written and oral use of the English language.

Preferred Qualifications

• Two or more years of professional experience in the food service industry.
• Teaching experience and/or a doctorate.
• Registered Dietitian (RD) credential preferred.
• Experience working with diverse populations and fostering a collaborative, supportive, and inclusive environment.
• Relevant work experience and professional capabilities.

Special Conditions

• The person holding this position is considered a "mandated reporter" under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and must comply with requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083.
• A background check (including a criminal records check) is required following a conditional offer of employment. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may result in withdrawal of the offer.
• Cal Poly cannot deny an applicant a position solely or in part due to a criminal conviction history until an individualized assessment is performed linking the conviction history with specific job duties.
• Cal Poly will not sponsor an H-1B visa for this position.
• Current employees offered positions on campus may be required to undergo a background check for sensitive positions.
• Cal Poly is a smoke- and tobacco-free campus.
• The CSU prohibits hiring employees to perform work outside of California.

About the Department

The Food Science and Nutrition Department has 15 full-time faculty, numerous part-time faculty, support staff, and approximately 600 majors. The department offers two majors: Nutrition and Food Science. It also provides a post-graduate Dietetic Internship, an MS in Nutrition, and MS and Blended programs in Agriculture with a specialization in Food Science.

The department houses:

• A State-certified pilot plant
• A culinary foods lab
• A nutrition assessment lab with a DXA
• A molecular nutrition lab
• Human nutrition lab and chemistry-style teaching and research labs

Students in the Food Science major choose from concentrations in Advanced Food Science (IFT-approved) or Culinary Science. Nutrition majors choose between Applied Nutrition or Nutrition Science, with the Applied Nutrition concentration accredited by ACEND of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

The department’s mission is to educate students with contemporary knowledge and problem-solving skills to prepare them for rewarding careers in food, nutrition, and health. Learning experiences blend theory and application, reflecting Cal Poly’s "learn by doing" philosophy.