Position description

The San Diego State University School of Nursing (SON) seeks to hire a tenure-track assistant professor with expertise as a Clinical Nurse Specialist. Applicants must hold an earned doctorate [PhD] in nursing or in a related field with graduate-level preparation as a Clinical Nurse Specialist. Apply via PageUp by November 30, 2026 to receive full consideration. The position will remain open until filled. To learn more, please visit the SDSU School of Nursing website.

The SON offers dynamic educational programs, employs creative and innovative teaching methods, and provides faculty with opportunities to conduct research and pursue external funding. The SON offers prelicensure BSN and RN-to-BS programs and a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program with Family Nurse Practitioner, Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Clinical Nurse Specialist, and post-master's pathways. The successful candidate will contribute to undergraduate and doctoral nursing education, maintain a program of research and scholarship, and engage in service to the School, University, profession, and community. The SON connects faculty and students with more than 100 community partners throughout San Diego and Imperial Valley Counties and beyond, providing strong opportunities for clinical education, community engagement, interprofessional collaboration, and research. 

Required qualifications by date of application

• A record of original research or scholarly accomplishments and demonstrated capacity to: (a) develop a vigorous and independent program of research or scholarship; (b) teach graduate and undergraduate courses; and (c) engage in campus and professional service activities

• Demonstration of past accomplishments and/or future plans in at least two (2) or more of the “Building on Inclusive Excellence” criteria

• Graduate-level preparation as a Clinical Nurse Specialist

Required qualifications by date of hire

• An earned research doctorate (PhD) in nursing or a related field, with all degree requirements completed.1

• National Board Certification as a Clinical Nurse Specialist in any specialty 

• California Clinical Nurse Specialist certification or eligibility for California certification

• Current California registered nurse licensure or eligibility for California registered nurse licensure

• Additional background checks and/or drug screens (at a cost to the employee) maybe required by affiliated clinical agencies

Preferred qualifications 

• Expertise in acute care nursing and Clinical Nurse Specialist education and practice

• Record of, or strong potential for, peer-reviewed publications, presentations, and extramural funding

• College-level teaching experience, including experience with varied student populations

• Experience with curriculum development, innovative teaching methods, simulation, online or hybrid education, and/or interprofessional education

• Ability to mentor undergraduate and doctoral students and contribute to DNP scholarly projects

• Demonstrated proficiency in interdisciplinary collaboration and partnerships with healthcare systems and community agencies

Application instructions

Apply via PageUp by November 30, 2026 to receive full consideration, providing the following materials.

• Cover letter, indicating how the applicant meets or will meet required qualifications, preferred qualifications, and the “Building on Inclusive Excellence” criteria. 

• Curriculum vitae

• Names and contact information for three professional references

• Teaching Philosophy Statement

Candidate guidance can be found using this link SDSU Guidance for Faculty Candidates. Questions may be directed to the search committee chair, Dr. Michael Gates, at mgates@sdsu.edu.

 The anticipated salary range is from $103,000 - $110,000.

The minimum salary for this position is based on the current CSU salary schedule and may be revised based on contract collective bargaining. The anticipated salary range is from $x to $y. Salary placement will be based on the selected candidate’s qualifications and experience, and salaries higher than the published maximums may be offered in limited circumstances. San Diego State University offers a rich benefits package that constitutes a major portion of total compensation. For benefits information, click here.

SDSU Values: At SDSU, our diversity gives us power and benefits every single member of our community. Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, SDSU provides equal opportunity for all in education and employment. We encourage all members of our community to purposefully learn from one another through open and respectful dialogue and responsible engagement. We strongly preserve the right to free expression and encourage difficult conversations that help lead to improved individual and community learning and cohesion.

Equal Opportunity and Excellence in Education and Employment:  All university programs and activities are open and available to all regardless of race, sex, color, ethnicity or national origin. Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, San Diego State University (SDSU) 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. SDSU 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. 

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

As part of its commitment to a safe and equitable “OneSDSU” community, SDSU requires that individuals seeking faculty employment provide at the time of application authorization to conduct background checks if they become a finalist for the position; applications without this authorization will be considered incomplete and not considered. A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed before any candidate can be offered a position with the CSU. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the application status of applicants or continued employment of current CSU employees who apply for the position.

Pursuant to Education Code 89521, the California State University requires that employment applicants disclose any final administrative decision or final judicial decision issued within the last seven years determining that the applicant committed sexual harassment. This requirement applies specifically to applicants who meet the minimum qualifications for the Academic or Administrative position they are applying to.  Disclosures shall be provided to the San Diego State University Center for the Prevention of Harassment and Discrimination for further adjudication. Please contact cphd@sdsu.edu.

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. SDSU is a Title IX, equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against persons on the basis of race, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity and expression, marital status, age, disability, pregnancy, medical condition, or covered veteran status.