Assistant Professor in Architecture

California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo; San Luis Obispo (CA); On-site; USD 97,008 - 103,644; Full time

Job summary

California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo is seeking an Assistant Professor in Architectural Design + Representation/History, Theory, and Criticism. The successful candidate will engage in teaching design studios and conduct research in areas such as representation and architectural history.

This tenure-track position starts August 17, 2026, with a competitive salary ranging from $97,008 to $103,644 per year, depending on qualifications and experience.

Qualifications

• Professional degree in architecture.
• Master’s degree in architecture (or allied discipline) or D. Arch.
• Architectural license or Ph.D.
• Professional experience in architecture.
• Relevant college-level teaching experience.

Responsibilities

• Teach foundation design studios addressing historical issues.
• Conduct workshops in representational methods and theoretical practice.
• Lead design studios and seminar courses in architectural history.

Skills

Professional degree in architecture

Master’s degree in architecture or D. Arch.

Architectural license or Ph.D.

Professional experience in architecture

Relevant college-level teaching experience

Education

Doctor of Architecture

Master of Architecture

Job description

Assistant Professor in Architectural Design + Representation/History, Theory, and Criticism

The Architecture Department in the College of Architecture & Environmental Design (CAED) at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, invites applications for a tenure‑track Design Plus position. Faculty will engage in design studio teaching and scholarship in one of the following areas: Representation, History, Theory, and Criticism. The position begins on August 17, 2026.

Teaching Responsibilities

• Foundation design studios and large‑lecture courses that address contemporary and historical issues in representation or architectural history.
• Workshops and seminars in representational methods, modeling, fabrication, and theoretical practice.
• Design studios, lecture, and seminar courses in architectural history for undergraduate students.
• Collaboration in curriculum development and promotion of inclusive learning environments for diverse faculty and student populations.
• Progression into a leadership role within the coordinated core of first and second‑year design studios.

Research and Scholarship

• Demonstrated scholarly work in representation (drawing, image‑making, modeling, fabrication) or in architectural history, theory, and criticism.
• Publication record, research proposals, or research‑based teaching that engages social or environmental justice, community engagement, race, gender, ethnicity, diversity, equity, or inclusivity.
• Scholarship that informs course design and supports the core curriculum and support seminars.

Required Qualifications

• Professional degree in architecture.
• Master’s degree in architecture (or allied discipline) or D. Arch.
• Architectural license or Ph.D. (promotions and tenure contingent on license or doctorate).
• Professional experience in architecture.
• Relevant college‑level teaching experience.
• A body of work corresponding to the advertised position.

Preferred Qualifications

• Professional experience and/or specialization addressing social and environmental equity in the built environment.

Special Conditions and Background Check

Candidates must be mandated reporters under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and must comply with CSU Executive Order 1083. A satisfactory background check, including a criminal record check, is required before employment can begin.

Legal and Equal Opportunity Statement

This position is open and available to all, regardless of race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin. Cal Poly provides equal opportunity in education and employment in accordance with all applicable state and federal civil rights laws and maintains a nondiscriminatory policy in all university programs, policies, and practices. Cal Poly is a diverse community that promotes an inclusive, respectful, and intellectually vibrant environment. All mentions of diversity and inclusion apply to the hiring process, workplace, and student learning experience.

Application Timeline

Review of applications will begin January 12, 2026 and will continue until the positions are filled. Applications received before this date will be guaranteed review. Salary and teaching assignments will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. Anticipated hiring range: $97,008 – $103,644 per year.