Senior Lecturer in Dietetics and Nutrition

About the job

Interview date - TBC May 2026

The Faculty of Health, Sport and Behavioural Sciences at the University of Northampton has an exciting opportunity for an Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and British Dietetic Association (BDA) registered Dietitian to work with senior leadership to develop and lead a brand‑new BSc (Hons) Dietetics programme.

This is a rare opportunity to shape the profession both locally and nationally, influencing how future Dietitians are educated and prepared for contemporary practice. You will draw directly on your clinical experience to shape a robust, practice‑focused curriculum that supports the development of a future‑ready, employable Dietetic workforce.

The University is entering a significant phase of growth within the School of Health, with several new health programmes planned to launch from September 2027. This creates a supportive community of course leaders, offering opportunities for collaboration, shared learning and collective innovation.

As Course Leader, you will work alongside established course leaders across the wider Allied Health Professions, setting the vision, identity and expectations for the programme. Through effective course leadership, a commitment to continuous enhancement, and engagement with key clinical and practice partners, you will play an important part in strengthening the profile of Dietetics within the region and beyond.

You will be joining a forward‑thinking and supportive School, where creativity, professional identity and academic growth are actively encouraged. With a committed leadership team alongside you, you will have both the autonomy and the backing to bring your ideas to life and to shape an outstanding student experience that reflects the values and standards of the profession.

If you are passionate about Dietetics education, excited by course design and leadership, and motivated by the opportunity to make a lasting contribution to the profession, we would be delighted to hear from you.

We want you to be able to carry out your work in a way that best supports UON and our students, but also you as an individual. We understand this may vary between different areas of the university as well as from one person to another.  With Smarter Working you can work with increased flexibility, if you would like to, which can facilitate greater freedom and autonomy.

This post is subject to a background disclosure check by the Disclosure and Barring Service before any appointment can be confirmed.

About you

You will be a registered Dietitian (HCPC and BDA) with a professional identity and a clear commitment to the future of dietetic education. You will bring substantial clinical experience, ideally within the NHS or related practice settings, alongside a genuine enthusiasm for developing students and supporting others to succeed.

You will have experience of contributing to education and learning, for example through supervising students on placement, supporting colleagues, delivering teaching or training, or playing a part in service development. You will be motivated by the opportunity to shape how future Dietitians are prepared for contemporary practice and professional registration.

You will bring a clear and informed vision for how a Dietetics course should be designed and delivered to produce confident, compassionate and employable graduates, grounded in real‑world clinical practice and responsive to the evolving needs of health and care services. You will be comfortable working collaboratively, engaging colleagues, practice partners and students, and contributing to a shared academic vision.

With the support of School and Faculty leadership, and alongside an established community of course leaders, you will play a central position in shaping and developing this new BSc (Hons) Dietetics programme. Using your communication skills, organisational ability and professional judgement, you will provide leadership for this exciting innovation and contribute positively to the wider academic and professional community.

Qualifications

Essential;

• Degree qualification or equivalent in relevant subject area of Dietetics
• Registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and the British Dietetic Association (BDA)
• Professional Recognition as HEA Fellow (D2) or teaching qualification recognised by HESA, or willingness to obtain within an agreed timescale 

Desirable;

• Master’s degree in relevant subject
• Doctorate in relevant subject, completed or within 12 months of completion

Faculty of Health, Sport, and Behavioural Sciences

The School of Health located within the Faculty of Health, Sport and Behavioural Sciences is a high‑performing centre for Allied Health Profession (AHP) education, recognised for inspirational teaching, excellent professional outcomes, and a consistently excellent student experience.

We are proud of our exceptional National Student Survey 2025 results, with satisfaction rates of 95% in Paramedic Science, 92% in Podiatry, and 91% in Occupational Therapy, contributing to our ranking as one of the top three providers of Health Professions education in the UK.

Our portfolio spans undergraduate, postgraduate, and CPD programmes, supporting learners at every stage of their professional journey. We currently offer established courses in Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy, Paramedic Science, and Podiatry, all underpinned by partnerships and a commitment to contemporary, practice‑focused education.

Looking ahead, the school is undergoing a significant period of growth, with three new undergraduate degrees in development: Dietetics and Nutrition, Speech and Language Therapy, and Operating Department Practice. These additions reflect our ambition to meet future workforce needs and to expand our multi‑professional learning community.

Our modern campus provides specialist teaching spaces, immersive simulation environments, and authentic clinical facilities, giving students access to high‑quality, applied learning experiences that mirror real‑world healthcare practice.

About us 

At the University of Northampton, we are committed to supporting aspirations, creating opportunities, and delivering meaningful impact. Our people are at the heart of everything we do, and we foster a progressive, inclusive environment where excellence thrives for our students and staff.

Our People
Our staff are our greatest asset. We are dedicated to building an inclusive community that values diversity, promotes wellbeing, and supports personal and professional growth. By developing a first-rate People Strategy, we aim to attract and retain top talent, enhance career progression, and ensure that every colleague feels empowered to achieve their best.

Our Values

• Inclusivity: We celebrate diversity and ensure that everyone has the opportunity to excel.
• Sustainability: We are committed to becoming a net zero carbon institution, taking collective action for the benefit of society and the environment.
• Aspiration: We strive for excellence in all we do, empowering our staff, students, and partners to reach their highest potential.
• Trust: We build relationships based on respect, transparency, and shared goals.

Together, we are creating a future where our community, our work, and our impact truly make a difference.

Right to work 

All candidates will be required to provide proof of their eligibility to work in the UK during the interview process. The University is open to considering Skilled Worker visa sponsorship, provided that the eligibility criteria of the points-based immigration system are met.

Equality

We welcome applications from individuals from underrepresented groups.

The University of Northampton is committed to providing a vibrant, ethical, and sustainable environment that values equality, diversity, and inclusion. Our commitment ensures an inclusive atmosphere for staff, students, and the public. We manage equality and diversity through key committees and formal policies, extending our responsibility to subsidiary companies and partnerships.

Together @ UON
Our Commitment to Equality and Inclusion

Together @ UON affirms our dedication to creating an environment that celebrates diversity and promotes equality. We aim to foster a space where all can thrive, aligning with our mission to transform lives and inspire change.

Commitments Include:

1. Creating an Inclusive Environment: Adopting a zero-tolerance approach to discrimination and ensuring all activities are inclusive.
2. Supporting Students and Staff: Strengthening mental health support, enhancing disability confidence, and ensuring academic and professional support.
3. Tackling Inequalities: Involving students in recruitment, integrating forums for equality data analysis, and supporting networks for protected characteristics.

UON’s Major Commitments:

• Disability Confident
• Standalone Pledge
• IHRA Working Definition

For more details, visit: Equality and Diversity at UON