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Job Summary
The Physics Department in the Bailey College of Science and Mathematics at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, is seeking applications to fill a full-time, academic year, tenure-track position, with appointment beginning August 17, 2026.
The teaching assignment will include courses at both the introductory and advanced undergraduate levels. Applicants with expertise in all sub-fields of physics are encouraged to apply.
Appointment at the Assistant Professor rank is anticipated; higher ranks will be considered. Rank and salary are commensurate with qualifications and experience of the individual selected.
- If appointed at the Assistant Professor rank, the anticipated hiring range is $97,788 - $107,628.
- If appointed at the Associate Professor rank, the anticipated hiring range is $112,500 - $118,524.
Bailey College is committed to maintaining the excellence of the University and to offering our students a rich variety of expertise, perspectives, and ways of knowing and learning. The successful candidate will be mindful to promote student success. Successful candidates should consider the University’s goals in their approach to teaching, research, and service.
Cal Poly embraces a teacher-scholar model in which faculty are expected to be excellent teachers, produce scholarship in their field of interest, and provide service to the institution. The selected candidate will consider using creative teaching approaches that enhance student learning and participate in scholarly practices such as peer-reviewed research, conference presentations, and grant development that leads to publication. The selected candidate will pursue a systematic program of research and scholarship, curricular improvement, and participate in service activities including committee service, student advising, and building industry relationships.
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Required Qualifications
- Ph.D. in Physics, or a related field, is required prior to the start date of the appointment.
- The focus of an individual's research specialization is open to all sub-fields of physics.
- 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.
- Must provide evidence of (or potential for) high quality teaching and research with students.
- Must provide evidence of (or potential for) scholarly productivity.
- Must provide evidence of (or potential for) promoting higher education as well as a dedication to the well-being and advancement of students, colleagues, and the department.
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Preferred Qualifications
- Ability to work with a diverse population fostering a respectful, collaborative, supportive, and inclusive environment.
- Expertise in an area compatible with or broadening the research activities of the department.
- Experience supervising student research.
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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.
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About the Department
The Physics Department has approximately 50 faculty, whose primary function is teaching undergraduate physics courses to students in technical disciplines. Our faculty are also engaged in a wide array of research projects that include undergraduates. We offer programs of study leading to Bachelor's Degrees in Physics, with approximately 200 majors currently enrolled. We also offer courses in astronomy, geology, geophysics, and oceanography. For more information about the Physics Department, please see https://physics.calpoly.edu/.
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About the University
Founded in 1901, Cal Poly is one of only five comprehensive polytechnic universities in the nation, with approximately 22,000 undergraduates, 120 postbaccalaureate, and 900 graduate students. U.S. News and World Report has ranked Cal Poly #1 among public master's universities in the western United States for 28 consecutive years. A primarily undergraduate university, Cal Poly offers academically focused students 66 baccalaureate degrees and 27 master's degrees. Operating on the semester calendar system as of August 2026, Cal Poly takes pride in its "Learn-by-Doing" approach to teaching and learning, which has characterized Cal Poly since its founding. One of the 23 campuses of the California State University system, Cal Poly has a statewide mandate as a polytechnic university. Cal Poly is one of the largest land-holding universities in the nation and uses all of its land holdings in active support of its educational programs. Cal Poly is located in historic San Luis Obispo, a city of 47,000, 12 miles from the Pacific Ocean and midway between San Francisco and Los Angeles on California's scenic Central Coast. With excellent public education resources, recreational facilities and an expanding dedication to the arts, the area is known for its scenic landscapes and extraordinarily temperate climate.
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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.
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How to Apply
Interested candidates must submit the following documents:
- Cover Letter
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Teaching Statement - The teaching statement provides an opportunity for candidates to summarize their knowledge of evidence-based instructional practices and articulate their teaching philosophy, approach, and goals.
- Research Plan - The research plan provides an opportunity for candidates to summarize their expertise, outline their proposed research agenda, and articulate how undergraduates may contribute to it.
- Unofficial transcript from institution awarding highest degree.
- If needed, evidence of successful teaching.
These documents are not accepted in hard copy format. When completing the online faculty application, please be prepared to provide three professional references with names and email addresses. Official transcripts are required prior to appointment.
Review of applications will begin October 1, 2025. Complete applications received after that date may be considered. For questions, please contact Prof. Jennifer Klay at jklay@calpoly.edu.
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