Sports Nutrition Graduate Assistants

Middle Tennessee State University
Murfreesboro, TN

Sports Nutrition Graduate Assistants

Middle Tennessee State University is seeking two full-time sports nutrition graduate assistants to  serve as the liaison/primary sports dietitian for 1-2 intercollegiate athletic teams. Candidates must be available to work 20 hours/week. This is a 12-month graduate assistantship offering a monthly stipend and full tuition waiver towards a master’s degree within the College of Behavioral Health Science. Several master’s degree options are available to choose from. Applicants with an interest in working towards the CSSD credential are preferred. Applicants may begin duties as soon as June 1, 2025.

Duties & Essential Job Functions:
1. Provides nutritional counseling, supplement evaluation, and educational services to student athletes.
2. Develops effective sport-specific nutrition education presentations and handout materials for student athletes.

3. Creates evidence-based social media posts/reels for MTSU Sports Nutrition social media account.

4. Maintains ongoing communications with coaching staff, strength & conditioning staff, athletic trainers, team physicians, mental health staff, and administration regarding nutritional issues affecting student athletes.

5. Helps perform body composition testing (DEXA) and other assessments, supporting collection and implementation of the data. Communicates information with Head Sports Dietitian and other multi-disciplinary team members as necessary.

6. Conducts assessment of all nutrition screening forms completed by each student athlete for assigned team and flags those deemed high risk for RED-s or ED/DE. 

7. Aids coaching staff selecting restaurants/menu items for travel games or training table with local catering options.

8. Work collaboratively with campus dining during pre-season designing menu selections that would fuel optimized performances.

9. Aids in fueling station with purchasing, restocking, sanitation and inventory.

Education & Experience:

·         Bachelor's degree in nutrition or nutrition related field from an accredited college/university required

·         At least 6 mos. of sports nutrition-related experience in the college athletic setting desired

 

Licensure/Certification/Specialized Training:

• Registered Dietitian (RD) with active registration through the Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics (AND) or RD eligible (pass exam within 2 months of hire) working towards the CSSD credential
• Obtain certification/licensure as required by the state of Tennessee upon hire
• ServSafe Food Handler’s Certification upon hire
• Valid driver’s license 

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

·         Ability to work a non-standard work week which may include nights, weekends, holidays

·         Time and priority management skills

·         Effective communication, presentation, & counseling skills

·         Must be able to work independently & effectively in a fast-paced, intense environment

·         Contribute to a positive team environment

 

About Middle Tennessee State University:

Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) is a public institution located in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, approximately 30 miles southeast of Nashville. As of the 2024–25 academic year, MTSU enrolls over 20,000 students, offering more than 300 undergraduate and graduate programs. ​

The university's athletic teams, known as the Blue Raiders, compete in NCAA Division I as members of Conference USA. MTSU sponsors a total of 17 sports teams: eight men's teams—including baseball, basketball, cross country, football, golf, tennis, and track and field (indoor and outdoor)—and nine women's teams—including basketball, cross country, golf, soccer, softball, tennis, track and field (indoor and outdoor), and volleyball. ​

Throughout its athletic history, MTSU has achieved notable success. The Blue Raiders have secured multiple conference championships and have made several bowl game appearances in football. Notably, during their tenure in the Sun Belt Conference, MTSU won eight All-Sports trophies and 54 conference championships. Additionally, each of MTSU's 17 athletic teams has earned a multiyear Academic Progress Rate (APR) of over 945 from 2019–20 to 2022–23, reflecting the university's commitment to academic excellence among its student-athletes.

 

To Apply:

Send a cover letter describing interest and experience related to the job summary, resume, and the names and contact information of three professional references by May 2, 2025 for full consideration. The positions will remain open until filled. Send application materials to Lindsay Opie at lindsay.opie@mtsu.edu.