Careers

Description:

The University of Washington Food Systems, Nutrition, and Health Program prepares students to improve individual and population health through the study of foods, nutrients, dietary behaviors, health outcomes, and food and policy environments. The Program offers the Food Systems, Nutrition, and Health major (BA) and Nutrition minor; graduate degrees including the MS, MPH, and PhD; and graduate level training through the Graduate Coordinated Program in Dietetics (GCPD) leading to the Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) professional credential.

One teaching assistant (TA) position (average 20 hours per week) is available to support an undergraduate course with an expected enrollment of 125-135 students.

NUTR 302: Food Systems I (Harvest to Health)
Instructor: Aiden Irish

Course Description: Examines the many facets of the modern food supply from production and processing to distribution, marketing, (and) retail, and resource recovery. Systems approach to foods studies considers geopolitical, agricultural, (environmental) ecological, social, equity, and economic factors along the pathway from harvest to human and environmental health.

Duties:

• Attend lectures, if possible (not required): TTh 10:00-11:20 a.m.
• Co-lead two 80-minute discussion sections each week. Content/activities will include various exercises, discussions, and group project work. Please indicate your ability to attend sections in your cover letter to ensure coverage for the scheduled discussion times below (applicants must be available for both sessions to be eligible).
  • AA: F 10:00-11:20 a.m.
  • AB: F 11:30 a.m.-12:50 p.m.
• Contribute to the grading of student assignments, projects, quizzes, and examinations.
• Set up and provide ongoing support for computer equipment, course website (Canvas), and instructional technologies.
• Support guest speakers: coordinate logistics (including parking), assist with on-site visits and presentations (including equipment set up and technical support), and write thank-you notes.
• Respond to student questions in class and via Canvas.
• Hold weekly office hours and facilitate help sessions as needed.
• Meet regularly with instructional team to coordinate responsibilities.
• Additional duties may be assigned.

Skills/Eligibility:

Eligibility Requirements:

• Please read all requirements listed in the job description. If you are unable to meet the posted requirements (especially section attendance), please do not apply for the role.
• Master’s or doctoral students with background (education, experience) in nutrition and/or food systems.
• TAs must be enrolled in at least 10 credits during the quarter of employment.
• TA applicants without prior UW teaching or TA experience must complete the Center for Teaching and Learning’s “Teaching@UW: Strategies for TAs.” Additional training may be necessary.
• If you are not a native English speaker, you must meet the UW Graduate School’s spoken English proficiency requirements to hold a TA or R/G position. Before applying, please review UW Graduate School Policy 5.2 for additional information. If you have questions about this condition of employment or whether you have satisfied the requirement, please contact us at nspfund@uw.edu.
• Students who have or are seeking multiple ASE or training grant positions are required to confirm with their confirmed or potential supervisors that there are no restrictions on being appointed to more than one role.
• Prospective ASEs must complete a Sexual Misconduct Declaration form prior to receiving an offer of employment.

Compensation: Teaching Assistant (TA) positions are appointed at 50% FTE (20 hours/week) from 9/16/26 to 12/15/26. Pay rates are established in accordance with the ASE union contract. The 2026-27 base rate for University of Washington Teaching Assistants (established in accordance with the ASE union contract) is $3,612 per month at the premaster level, $3,794 at the intermediate level, and $3,984 at the candidate level. TAs also receive a tuition waiver (except for approximately $500 in fees) during the quarter of employment and up to 10 paid University holidays, one personal holiday, and 28 hours of sick time (prorated based on FTE). In addition, TAs and their dependents are eligible for UW-paid medical, dental, and vision coverage through the Graduate Appointee Insurance Program (GAIP).

How to Apply:

To Apply: 

• Review and confirm that you have satisfied the position eligibility requirements listed above. (Please use the autumn 2026 quarter time schedule to verify your availability to attend class sessions as requested in the job description.)
• Complete the Autumn 2026 NUTR 302 TA Application (MS Form), which includes uploading a single PDF document that includes your cover letter and CV/résumé.

In your cover letter:

1. If applying for more than one NUTR role, list all positions and course numbers desired and rank them in order of preference.
2. Indicate your ability to attend all lectures and discussion sections (as applicable) for each course.

The application deadline is Sunday, August 17, 2026.

Final hiring selections will be made by the course instructor and Program based on applicants’ qualifications and fit with the skills, knowledge areas, and availability required for each position.

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The University of Washington is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information. 

The University of Washington prohibits sex discrimination and sex-based harassment in any education program or activity that it operates. Individuals may report concerns, make complaints, or direct inquiries to the Title IX Coordinator. The notice of nondiscrimination is located at: uw.edu/titleix/title-ix-notice/.

The University of Washington is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, education and employment for individuals with disabilities. To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services