CAL POLY ETHNIC STUDIES DEPARTMENT

The Ethnic Studies Department in the College of Liberal Arts at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, California, is seeking applications for a full-time, academic-year, tenure-track Assistant Professor to begin August 17, 2026. Area of Specialization (AOS): African American Studies with preferences in Black Feminisms and/or Queer/Trans Black Studies. Special teaching needs might include: Introduction to African American Studies, African American Popular Culture, and/or African American Gender, Queer, and Trans Studies. Depending on Ethnic Studies Department teaching needs and the candidate’s teaching interests, the successful candidate would also teach other general education and major courses in the department. Candidates must have completed a Ph.D. in Ethnic Studies, African American Studies, Black Studies, or a related field at the time of appointment which starts in fall 2026. The successful candidates will present an excellent teaching record, be able to teach survey courses, and sustain an active publication agenda. 

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.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Ph.D. in Ethnic Studies, African American Studies, Black Studies, or a related field completed by time of appointment.
• Demonstrated university teaching experience.
• Demonstrated proficiency in written and oral use of the English language is required.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• The department has a preference for candidates whose expertise fall within the areas of Black Feminisms and/or Queer/Trans Black Studies.
• 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.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS

All CSU employees are designated "mandated reporters" under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act. As a condition of your employment, you will be required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 and any subsequent amendments.

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.

ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT

The Department of Comparative Ethnic Studies offers both a major and minor designed to centralize the interdisciplinary study of race, ethnicity, and racism in the United States. The curriculum is intended to prioritize historically marginalized groups in the United States such as Native Americans/American Indians, African Americans, Latinx Americans, and Asian Americans. This hire will expand our capacity to teach more of our existing courses in African American Studies and to meet the demands of the CSU Ethnic Studies Graduation Requirement. We also expect this new faculty member to propose courses that align with their specific expertise. Our curriculum seeks to analyze interlocking and intersecting systems of oppression embedded in the formation of the U.S. nation where students can develop a greater understanding of the legacies of racism, discrimination, and inequity in the United States as well as of the movements for social justice. The department's website is https://ethnicstudies.calpoly.edu/

HOW TO APPLY

To apply, please visit http://jobs.calpoly.edu/, complete a required online faculty application and apply to Requisition #553109. Please upload the following required materials as part of the electronic application:

• (1) a cover letter providing some details of the applicant's qualifications and interest in the position
• (2) a current Curriculum Vitae
• (3) copy of unofficial transcripts (sealed official transcripts and letters of recommendation will be required for final consideration) 
• (4) a 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. 
• (5) Statement of research interests/ research plan

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.

Cal Poly’s ability to sponsor employment-based visas will depend on institutional priorities, budget availability, and current federal regulations.  Cal Poly SLO does not commit to providing visa sponsorship for this position, and applicants should not expect that such sponsorship will be offered.

Projected Start Date: August 17, 2026

Review Begin Date: 01/08/26. 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 Dr. Jenell Navarro at jnavar18@calpoly.edu