- Instructional Faculty – Tenured/Tenure-Track
Locations
Central California
- San Luis Obispo
Categories
Appointment Type
Bargaining Unit
Job Search Category/Discipline
- Faculty - Natural Sciences
Time Basis
- Full Time
Workplace Type
- On-site (work in-person at business location)
Job no: 542968
Work type: Instructional Faculty – Tenured/Tenure-Track
Location: San Luis Obispo
Categories: Unit 3 - CFA - California Faculty Association, Tenured/Tenure-Track, Full Time, Faculty - Natural Sciences, On-site (work in-person at business location)
Job Summary
The Biological Sciences Department in the Bailey College of Science and Mathematics at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, is seeking to fill one full-time, academic year, tenure track position in marine ecology, with appointment beginning September 11, 2025.
Appointment at the Assistant Professor rank is anticipated; higher ranks will be considered. Rank and salary are commensurate with qualifications and experience.
- 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.
Excellence in teaching, an active program in research and scholarship, and departmental service are expected. Successful candidates must be committed to quality undergraduate and graduate education and be comfortable teaching a variety of biology courses, as well as implementing a student-centered research program that involves both undergraduate and graduate (Master’s) students. The preferred candidate will have expertise in benthic marine ecology with a background in marine phycology and/or botany, but those focusing on fish, invertebrates and other taxa are also encouraged to apply. Special areas of interest include population/community/ecosystem ecology; mariculture; evolution; natural history; and conservation/restoration.
The successful candidate will support Cal Poly’s Biological Sciences Department and growing Marine Sciences B.S. degree program, engage in scholarship with Cal Poly’s Center for Coastal Marine Sciences, and for both teaching and research utilize Cal Poly’s coastal marine facilities, including the 1-km Cal Poly Pier in Avila, flow-through seawater system, scientific diving program, and fleet of small-craft vessels. Cal Poly is situated near the coast with a unique level of access to coastal marine environments and kelp forest ecosystems in central California, including San Luis Obispo and Estero Bays, Point Buchon, Morro Bay National Estuary and Big Sur, that the successful candidate would be encouraged to utilize for teaching and research.
Faculty in the Biological Sciences Department typically teach 2-3 lecture+lab courses per quarter, with the opportunity to reduce this by mentoring student research and/or procuring extramural research funding. The teaching assignment for this position will include courses at various levels in biological and marine sciences for both majors and non-majors, as well as upper-level courses in marine ecology and/or marine phycology/botany, and the opportunity to develop new courses in the candidate's area of specialty.
The Bailey College of Science and Mathematics (BCSM) at California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo is committed to creating and sustaining a diverse, equitable, and inclusive university community that reflects and serves the population of California. Cal Poly strongly values diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), especially in the classroom and among its areas of study. Cal Poly seeks to recruit faculty who enthusiastically support the University’s strong commitment to the academic success of all our students, including students of color, students with disabilities, students who are first generation to college, veterans, students with diverse socio-economic backgrounds, and students of diverse sexual orientations and gender expressions. The successful candidate will consider teaching strategies that promote student success, especially for students from historically excluded communities. Successful candidates should consider the University’s goals for diversity, equity, and inclusion 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 lecture and laboratory teaching approaches that include current and emerging technologies to enhance student learning and will participate in scholarly practices such as peer-reviewed research, professional consulting, conference presentations, and grant development that leads to publication. The selected candidate will pursue a systematic program of research and scholarship, curricular improvement, and participation in service activities such as committee service, student advising, and building industry relationships.
Required Qualifications
- Ph.D. in Biology or closely related field.
- Demonstrated experience and commitment to student-centered learning and teaching.
- 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 diversity and inclusivity in higher education as well as a dedication to the well-being and advancement of students, colleagues, and the department.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience working with diverse populations and fostering a collaborative, supportive and inclusive environment.
- Experience and commitment to excellence in teaching biology at the university level.
- Expertise in benthic marine ecology in an area compatible with or broadening the department's research activities.
- A background in marine phycology and/or botany, but those focusing on fish, invertebrates and other taxa are also encouraged to apply.
- Special areas of interest include population/community/ecosystem ecology; mariculture; evolution; natural history; and conservation/restoration.
- Experience supervising student research and master’s theses.
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.
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.
About the Department
The Biological Sciences Department is the largest academic unit within the College of Science and Mathematics and is one of the largest departments at Cal Poly. There are approximately 900 undergraduate students and 50 graduate students. The department's mission is three-fold: I) offer majors leading to a Bachelor of Science degree in Biological Sciences, Marine Science, or Microbiology; 2) offer courses to satisfy the biology requirements for other majors; and 3) offer courses to meet general education and breadth requirements for Cal Poly's entire student population.
How to Apply
Interested candidates must attach the following documents:
- Teaching Statement - The teaching statement provides an opportunity for candidates to articulate their teaching philosophy, approach, and goals.
- Research Plan – The research plan provides an opportunity to outline your proposed research agenda and demonstrate your expertise and potential as a researcher in the field of marine ecology.
- Diversity Statement - The diversity statement is a way for applicants for a tenure-track position to demonstrate their commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in teaching, scholarship and service.
- Unofficial graduate transcript(s) as one document
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 24, 2024. Complete applications received after that date may be considered. For questions, please contact Dr. Ken Hillers at
Advertised: September 24, 2024 (2:00 PM) Pacific Daylight Time
Applications close: Open Until Filled