Tenure Track Faculty Position

Assistant Professor of Chemistry

Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry

College of Science

California State Polytechnic University, Pomona invites applications for one (1) tenure-track faculty position in the College of Science, Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry at the rank of Assistant Professor in cosmetic or formulation chemistry from any subdiscipline and/or organic chemistry to apply starting Fall 2027. Cal Poly Pomona is one of three polytechnic universities in the 22-campus California State University system and among 12 such institutions nationwide. Since its founding in 1938, Cal Poly Pomona students participate in an integrative experiential learning education that is inclusive, relevant, and values diverse perspectives and experiences. With a variety of degree programs in the arts, humanities, sciences, engineering, and professional disciplines, the university is well known for its learn- by-doing approach and Teacher Scholar Model.

The university is noted for its scenic and historic 1,400-acre campus, which was once the winter ranch of cereal magnate W.K. Kellogg. We acknowledge that Cal Poly Pomona resides on the territorial and homelands of the Tongva and Tataavium people who are the traditional land caretakers of Tovaangar. The university’s nearly 30,000 students are taught and mentored by the campus’s more than 1,400 faculty as part of 54 baccalaureate and 29 master’s degree programs, 11 credential and certificate programs, and a doctorate in educational leadership.

Highly regarded among its peer institutions, Cal Poly Pomona is No. 2 in the U.S. News and World Report rankings of top public regional universities in the west and was named the No. 28 best value college in the nation by Money Magazine. Cal Poly Pomona, a Hispanic-Serving Institution and an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution, stands as a national leader in promoting social mobility, and was placed among the 25 top institutions in the country in awarding bachelor’s degrees to minoritized students by Diverse Issues in Higher Education. In 2022, the campus launched the Black Thriving Initiative recognizing that Cal Poly Pomona’s future as a university is linked to the success of its Black community. More information about our Principles of Community can be found here. 

The Cal Poly Pomona campus is located less than 30 miles east of downtown Los Angeles at the intersection of Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside and San Bernardino counties. It is within an hour’s drive of beaches, mountains and deserts. For additional information about the university, please visit www.cpp.edu, and for more about faculty life, please see YourLife@CPP.

Student Population. Cal Poly Pomona is the number one polytechnic university in the nation for student diversity and economic mobility. Our caring and inclusive campus community is committed to helping anyone who dreams of success achieve it. In Fall 2024, Cal Poly Pomona served more than 25,000 students and close to 2,000 graduate students, mostly residents of California. Over half of Cal Poly Pomona students are first-generation college students, 70% receive financial aid, and 42% are low-income students. The university enrolls 57% percent of historically underrepresented students. Our diverse student body identifies as 54% Hispanic/Latinx, 21% Asian, 13% White, 4% two or more races, 3% unknown, 2% African American/Black, 2% International, less than 1% Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander, and less than 1% Native American. Forty-five percent of students enroll in our STEM majors and our top five enrolled programs across the university include mechanical engineering, computer science, civil engineering, psychology, as well as finance, real estate, and law.  

College of Science: The College’s mission is to educate, mentor, and inspire students through scientific inquiry and hands-on learning. It offers 15 undergraduate degree programs and six Master’s degrees across seven academic departments that include: Biological Sciences, Chemistry & Biochemistry, Computer Science, Geological Sciences, Kinesiology & Health Promotion, Mathematics & Statistics, and Physics & Astronomy. Our Center for Excellence in Math and Science Teaching (CEMaST) supports K-16 education locally and nationally to increase STEM success and participation for all. The College of Science has approximately 150 full-time faculty, 45 staff, and 4,000 active majors. Our commitment to the teacher-scholar model results in our college being the largest recipient of extramural grant funding on campus. We encourage a broad range of applicants who are committed to enhancing a culturally diverse community of faculty, staff, and students dedicated to an inclusive campus environment.  

The Chemistry and Biochemistry Department in the College of Science at California State Polytechnic University, Pomona invites applications for one (1) tenure-track position at the rank of Assistant Professor in cosmetic or formulation chemistry from any subdiscipline and/or organic chemistry to apply starting Fall 2027. Candidates from either of the above divisions with strong interests in teaching and conducting research at a primarily undergraduate institution are encouraged to apply.  

Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry: The Chemistry and Biochemistry Department has 16 tenured/tenure-track faculty, and offers B.S. and M.S. degrees in Chemistry (https://www.cpp.edu/sci/chemistry-biochemistry/index.shtml). The Department and the ACS Chemistry Option are certified by the American Chemical Society, with additional degree options in Biochemistry and General Chemistry.  The Department currently serves a diverse student population of 399 undergraduate Chemistry majors. The B.S. degree includes an optional senior thesis research project, which is integrated into the requirements for graduation, and conducted under the guidance of a faculty mentor. This capstone research experience embodies the mission of the College of Science, which emphasizes a learn-by-doing philosophy. The Department also has an active Master’s degree program with ~30 current students, which culminates with a dissertation and defense of research-based work. In addition, the Department has been successful in attracting students from outside the major (Chemical Engineering, Biological Sciences, and Agriculture), who earn upper-division or graduate credits for conducting research under the guidance of faculty in the Chemistry & Biochemistry Department.   

We demonstrate academic quality, relevance, and excellence through teaching, learning, scholarship, and creative activities with student-centered faculty in an evidence-based culture. Cal Poly Pomona is committed to being the model for an inclusive polytechnic university that inspires creativity and innovation, embraces local and global challenges, and transforms lives.  

Position description: The faculty member will teach undergraduate and graduate lectures and laboratory classes in their area of expertise. The position follows a Teacher-Scholar model and requires excellence in teaching and advising, research and scholarly achievements, and a commitment to service to the University.  Applicants whose work incorporates a global perspective and a commitment to diversity in higher education are particularly encouraged to apply.  

Minimum requirements include: Ph.D. in Chemistry or closely related field, including completion of graduate-level coursework in area of expertise from an accredited university conferred by the start date of the appointment or a certificate of completion indicating imminent conferral of Ph.D. in Chemistry or closely related field.  

• Demonstrated potential for excellence in teaching and developing lecture and laboratory courses within the organic or analytical chemistry division.  
• A commitment to diversity and inclusivity through applicant’s teaching, scholarship, and/or service, demonstrated by Teaching Philosophy addressing at least two of the inclusive excellence criteria listed above.  
• Demonstrated potential to establish an active research program involving undergraduate and M.S.-level students.  
• Demonstrated ability to contribute to the diversity and excellence of the academic community through research, teaching and/or service.  

Preferred/Desired Qualifications: University/college teaching experience in chemistry lecture and/or laboratory courses.  

• Postdoctoral experience in organic or analytical chemistry.  
• Capability and interests in teaching at all levels in the chemistry curriculum.  
• Capability and interests in development of upper division undergraduate and graduate (Master-level) courses.  
• Potential for teaching in organic or analytical is partially determined by having graduate-level coursework in organic or analytical chemistry, respectively.   
• Experience or familiarity with techniques that promote student engagement, equity, and success.  

Application Process:

A completed application will consist of

• A cover letter that summarizes how the candidate’s teaching and research experiences, and career interests, relate to the duties and qualifications of the described position;  
• A statement of the candidate’s anticipated teaching plans with (a) a teaching philosophy that embraces the CPP Teacher Scholar model (including prior teaching experience, if applicable) and (b) short and long-term teaching interests specific to the one chemistry division the candidate is applying for (2-page limit);  
• A curriculum vitae, including list of graduate-level coursework with course titles and number;  
• Teaching Philosophy statement (2-page max) that addresses Cal Poly Pomona’s commitment to excellence in education (see above).
• A statement of the candidate’s proposed research plans that specifically details how undergraduate and graduate (M.S.-level) students will be involved (4-page limit, excluding references);  
• Transcripts showing each degree earned (an official transcript will be required for finalists);   
• Names and contact information for three individuals who will be providing recent letters of recommendation, to be submitted within 2 weeks of a request for a phone interview (if the applicant has not yet received the Ph.D. degree by the date of the application, at least one letter should address the expected graduation date of the applicant); and  
• The names and contact information (with written permission to contact) of two additional individuals who can address the candidate’s potential for success in the described position.  
• It is required to use standard font (Times New Roman 12 pt, Arial 11 pt, etc) and 1-inch margin sizes  

Finalists for the position will:

• • be required to provide official transcripts for highest degree before the on-campus interview;
  • be required to provide three letters of reference dated within the last two years;
  • Final candidates being interviewed are expected to make a presentation of creative work and a teaching demonstration to faculty and interact with students.

Please direct inquiries to ChemSearch2026@cpp.edu.

Applications accepted only via PageUp—online application portal—for University hires.

Disclosures

Education Code 89521 Requirements:

Pursuant to Education Code 89521 applicants will be required to disclose whether they have received a final administrative decision or final judicial decision determining that they have committed sexual harassment within the last 7 years only after a determination is made that they meet the minimum qualifications for the position, and before an offer of employment is extended. Applicants who reach the final stages of the application process must also sign a release form that authorizes the release of information by the applicant’s current and/or former employers to the CSU concerning any substantiated allegations of misconduct.

Background Check: 

A background check (including a criminal records check) must be satisfactorily completed.  Offers of employment are conditional and may be rescinded if the background check reveals disqualifying information, and/or it is discovered that the candidate knowingly withheld or falsified information.  Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the continued employment of a current CSU employee who was conditionally offered the position.

Out of State Employment:

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.

Mandated Reporter: 

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.

International Candidates:

Cal Poly Pomona is not currently sponsoring faculty for H-1B work status if they are subject to the $100,000 fee established under the Presidential Proclamation: Restriction on Entry of Certain Nonimmigrant Workers issued on September 19, 2025. For faculty already in the United States who hold a valid nonimmigrant visa (such as F-1, J-1, or O-1), Cal Poly Pomona is able to consider filing a petition to change their status to H-1B based on the current determination that the fee does not apply. For questions, please contact the Office of Faculty Affairs at avpfa@cpp.edu. We strongly recommend that faculty review their individual circumstances carefully with their personal immigration legal counsel.

Clery Act:
In compliance with state and federal crime awareness and campus security legislation, including the Jeanne Clery Campus Safety Act, California Education Code section 67380, and the Higher Education Opportunity Act (HEOA), Cal Poly Pomona’s Annual Security Report and Annual Fire Safety Report are available for viewing at Cal Poly Pomona’s Annual Security Report and Cal Poly Pomona’s Annual Fire Safety Report.

EEO Statement: 

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 Pomona 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 Pomona 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 Pomona 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 Pomona, excellence is built on talent, merit, diversity, accessibility, and equal opportunity for all.

Reasonable Accommodation:
We provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants with questions about access or requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact the ADA Coordinator by email at ADACoordinator@cpp.edu. For more information, go to Employment Notices.

Other Notices:
For other important employment notices, we invite you to visit Cal Poly Pomona’s Employment Notices web page.