Political Science Department
The Department of Political Science at California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo, CA, seeks applications for a full-time (academic year), tenure-track Assistant/Associate Professor with a specialization in Public Policy to begin August 17th, 2026. The second specialty field is open. Salary is commensurate with qualifications and experience. Ph.D. in Public Policy, Political Science, or a related field is required at the time of appointment. Evidence of strong teaching skills is required.
Applicants should be prepared to offer graduate and undergraduate courses in their substantive area of expertise. The successful candidate should also be able to teach core public policy courses at the graduate and undergraduate levels, including but not limited to: Public Policy and Administration, Public Policy Analysis, Regulatory and Economic Policy, Research Design, Quantitative Methods, and/or a graduate research seminar. Preference is given to candidates who can teach core undergraduate and graduate courses and can expand the Department’s expertise. Preference is given to candidates whose teaching and/or research address justice, broadly defined.
An earned doctorate (Ph.D.) in Public Policy, Political Science, or a closely related field from an accredited institution or international equivalent is required. Candidates nearing completion of the doctorate (ABD) may be considered but must provide proof that the doctorate has been completed and conferred prior to the start of the appointment. The initial appointment is for two years, subject to renewal.
Required Qualifications
- Ph.D. in Public Policy, Political Science, or a closely related field, completed and conferred by August 2026;
- Demonstrated university teaching experience;
- Demonstrated proficiency in written and oral use of the English language is required.
Preferred Qualifications
- Demonstrated teaching and/or research related to justice, broadly defined;
- The ability to expand the Department’s existing areas of expertise;
- Demonstrated experience and commitment to student-centered learning and teaching;
- Demonstrated ability to collaboratively work in multidisciplinary settings;
- Demonstrated experience working with diverse populations and fostering a collaborative, supportive, and inclusive environment;
- Preference will also be given to those with relevant work experience and those who bring professional capabilities.
Salary: Anticipated Hiring Range: $90,276 - $98,244/year, $7,523 - $8,187/month
(Note that hiring level will be commensurate with the qualifications and experience of the candidate.)
Although Cal Poly is primarily a teaching university, our faculty are expected to balance teaching with an active program of research/professional development (including publication), student supervision and advising, and participation in service activities at the department and college/university level. The typical teaching load is 12 units per semester, with a reduction in course load in each of the first two years to help new faculty establish an active program of research and professional development.
Subject to further planning and approval, Cal Poly anticipates a possible transition to semester-based year-round operations (YRO). Under YRO, full-time academic year faculty may be assigned to teach in two consecutive semesters (Fall/Spring, Spring/Summer, or Summer/Fall) out of the three semesters offered annually. The two-semester sequence will constitute the regular academic year appointment. Faculty may also be eligible to teach in the third semester for additional compensation, subject to departmental needs and University policy.
Equal Opportunity and Excellence in Education and Employment
This position is open and available to all regardless of race, sex, color, ethnicity or national origin. Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, Cal Poly provides equal opportunity in education and employment without unlawful discrimination or preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin. Our commitment to equal opportunity means ensuring that every student and employee has access to the resources and support they need to thrive and succeed in a university environment and in their communities. Cal Poly complies with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the California Equity in Higher Education Act, California’s Proposition 209 (Art. I, Section 31 of the California Constitution), other applicable state and federal anti-discrimination laws, and CSU’s Nondiscrimination Policy. We prohibit discriminatory preferential treatment, segregation based on race or any other protected status, and all forms of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in all university programs, policies, and practices.
Cal Poly is a diverse community of individuals who represent many perspectives, beliefs and identities, committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful, and intellectually vibrant environment. We cultivate a culture of open dialogue, mutual respect, and belonging to support educational excellence and student success. Through academic programs, student organizations and activities, faculty initiatives, and community partnerships, we encourage meaningful engagement with diverse perspectives. As a higher education institution, we are dedicated to advancing knowledge and empowering individuals to reach their full potential by prioritizing inclusive curriculum development, faculty and staff training, student mentorship, and comprehensive support programs. At Cal Poly, excellence is built on merit, talent, diversity, accessibility, and equal opportunity for all.
Special Conditions
The person holding this position is considered a 'mandated reporter' under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment.
Following a conditional offer of employment, a background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily before any candidate may start work with Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may result in the withdrawal of the offer of employment. Note: Cal Poly cannot deny an applicant a position solely or in part due to a criminal conviction history until it has performed an individualized assessment and linked the relevant conviction history with specific job duties in the position being sought.
Please note: Current employees who are offered positions on campus will be required to undergo a background check for any position where a background check is required by law or that Cal Poly has designated as sensitive. Sensitive positions are those requiring heightened scrutiny of individuals holding the position based on potential for harm to children, concerns for the safety and security of people, animals, or property, or heightened risk of financial loss to Cal Poly or individuals in the university community.
For health and well-being, Cal Poly is a smoke & tobacco-free campus. The university is committed to promoting a healthy environment for all members of our community.
In accordance with the California State University (CSU) Out-of-State Employment Policy, the CSU is a state entity whose business operations reside within the State of California and prohibits hiring employees to perform CSU related work outside of California. It is also expected that faculty establish an on-campus presence to fulfill their responsibilities. At Cal Poly, tenure-line faculty are expected to establish an on-campus presence.
About the Department
The Cal Poly Political Science Department prides itself on its collegiality and commitment to excellence in teaching and scholarship. The department serves approximately 320 majors, 220 minors, and 25 graduate students. At the undergraduate level, the department offers concentrations in U.S. Politics, Global Politics, Pre-Law, and Individualized Courses of Study, as well as minors in Law & Society, Political Science, and Global Politics. It also administers a Master of Public Policy Program.
How to Apply
To apply, please visit http://jobs.calpoly.edu/, complete a required online faculty application and apply to Requisition 552007 Please upload the following required materials as part of the electronic application:
(1) Cover letter (may wish to address the feasibility of conducting research, scholarship, and/or creative activities within the context of a primarily teaching-oriented undergraduate program)
(2) Current Curriculum Vitae
(3) Teaching Statement
(4) Research Statement
(5) Universal Student Success Statement: Cal Poly is a public, student-centered university that serves the diverse constituents of the state of California and has a strong emphasis on the teacher-scholar model. Please detail your approach to teaching and learning at the collegiate level, including evidence of experience with inclusive, accessible, and intentional teaching, to a wide variety of students and a description of how you will continue to develop this expertise at Cal Poly. Service or scholarship related to skills developed in these areas might also be included here.
(6) copy of unofficial transcripts (sealed official transcripts and letters of recommendation will be required for final consideration)
Please be prepared to provide three professional references with names and email addresses when completing the online faculty application. Applicants are encouraged to submit materials by the review begin date for full consideration; however, applications received after this date may be considered.
Projected Start Date: August 17th, 2026
Review Begin Date: November 20, 2025. Applicants with complete files by the Review Begin Date will be given full consideration. Applications received after this date may be considered.
For questions about the position please contact Department Chair, Dr. Helene Shanruo Ning Zhang, via email at nizhang@calpoly.edu.