INTERDISCIPLINARY STUDIES -  The Department of Interdisciplinary Studies in the Liberal Arts in the College of Liberal Arts at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, is seeking applications for a full-time, academic-year, tenure-track Assistant Professor to begin August 17, 2026. We are looking for an interdisciplinary scholar specializing in Ethics, Law and Social Justice at the rank of Assistant Professor. Areas of specialization could include, but are not limited to, bioethics, environmental justice, Indigenous law and sovereignty, civil rights or immigration law, disability rights, the ethical and social implications of emerging technologies, peace studies, or food justice. Special consideration will be given to applicants whose work encompasses underrepresented communities or vulnerable populations. Primary teaching duties will include teaching courses required for our Interdisciplinary Studies (IS) major that focus on approaches, theories, methods in interdisciplinary studies. In addition, the successful candidate will teach general education and seminar courses developed around their areas of expertise. Responsibilities will include working with and advising IS majors enrolled in the “Ethics, Law and Social Justice” concentration.

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.

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, and is 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.

Due to CSU policies, the person hired must reside in the state of California at the time of hire and for the entirety of the appointment.

Required Qualifications 

• A.B.D. or Ph.D. in an interdisciplinary field and a successful teaching record are required. If ABD, Ph.D. must be conferred before August 2026.
• Demonstrated ability to collaboratively work in multidisciplinary settings.
• Evidence of potential for scholarly achievement in the area of Ethics, Law and Social Justice.
• Demonstrated university teaching experience.
• Demonstrated proficiency in written and oral use of the English language is required.

Preferred Qualifications 

• Potential for grant development in areas related to the AOS.
• 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 California State University (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 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 Interdisciplinary Studies in the Liberal Arts (ISLA) offers interdisciplinary classes to support a BA in Interdisciplinary Studies as well as four interdisciplinary minors: Ethics, Public Policy, Science & Technology; Gender, Race, Culture, Science & Technology; Media Arts, Society & Technology; and Science and Risk Communication. Many ISLA courses satisfy university general education and breadth requirements. The department's website is https://isla.calpoly.edu/

How to Apply 

To apply, please visit http://jobs.calpoly.edu/, complete a required online faculty application and apply to Position Requisition # 549683. Please upload the following required materials as part of the electronic application: 

• Current curriculum vitae 
• 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] 
• Unofficial transcripts showing highest degree earned, official transcripts showing highest degree earned will be required prior to appointment 
• Statement of teaching philosophy and evidence of teaching effectiveness.
• 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. 

Projected Start Date:  August 17, 2026

Review Begin Date: 08-26-2025. 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 Dr. Emily Ryalls via email at eryalls@calpoly.edu